Former Alpe d’Huez stage winner Tom Pidcock confirmed to lead Pinarello-Q36.5 as versatile squad ‘look for opportunities every day’ at Tour de France

“We come with a group that combines experience, versatility and the mindset we want to race with. Our approach is simple, we’ll race proactively, look for opportunities every day and make sure we’re present throughout all three weeks,” Team Principal Douglas Ryder said in a team roster announcement.

Latest Videos From

“From day one, the Tour de France has been a clear objective for this project. To now be on the start line is an important step, but more importantly, it reflects the consistency of the work that’s gone into building this team.

“Being here is significant, but for us it’s not an end point. It’s another step in the progression of the team.”

You may like

While Pidcock may be the youngest of the eight riders, he is by no means short on experience as he makes a fourth appearance at the Grand Boucle. As a 22-year-old four years ago, the Briton won a signature Tour victory on the Alpe d’Huez climb, stamping his name in the history books as well as on one of the signs adorning each of the 21 hairpin turns of the ascent.

It has been two years since his last start at the Tour and he returns as a Vuelta a España GC medalist, last year becoming the first rider for a wildcard team to earn a podium at a Grand Tour in 15 years. The team adjusted his calendar when he missed part of an altitude training camp last month due to a viral infection, switching a start at the Tour of Switzerland for the one-day Andorra MoraBanc Classica. In his only June competition, he won.

The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!

Six of the other seven riders have all competed at least once in the Tour de France in their careers, Spanish rider Xabier Mikel Azparren being the only Tour debutant.

Australians Harper and Damien Howson have the most Grand Tour experience, with eight and 12 appearances, respectively. Harper will be a key climber at his third Tour, having won the Sestriere stage at last year’s Tour for Jayco-AlUla. This year he posted a top 10 at the Tour of the Alps and top 20 at the Giro for his new squad.

The rest of the roster includes Quinten Hermans, Xandro Meurisse, Bernt Van Moer and Wright. All eight will take the stage at the Team Presentation Thursday evening in Barcelona sporting the new switch-out light gray and blue racing kit created especially for the Tour.