Cofidis plays the experience card for the Tour, travelling to the start in Lille with a team full of stage hunters

The team itself describes the selection as “an experienced and ambitious team” in a press release. The French squad has a clear goal with an even clearer division of roles in mind: “The goal is to give everything, surpass themselves, and aim for stage victories.” For that, they are mainly opting for experience.

With Bryan Coquard and Alexis Renard, the team has two fast men who will mix it up in the sprints, supported by Damien Touzé, who will be making his Tour debut. “I’m incredibly happy to be part of the Tour selection again,” Coquard said with satisfaction. “It was one of my main goals this season. I’ve prepared well for it, especially by taking part in a recent training camp.”

“I’m really looking forward to the start,” Le Coq continued. “Our goal is to win a stage and we will do our best to achieve that. It’s my wish, my dream, and we will fight together to make it happen. There are quite a few stages with an exciting finish, so it will be interesting. And starting in Lille is an extra motivation! We want to let our colours shine from the very first days.”

Another dangerous contender for a stage win is Alex Aranburu. The 29-year-old Spaniard had a strong spring and is heading into his fourth Tour de France. “I’m very happy to have been selected. I know that we will all get the chance to fulfill our ambitions. In stages that end in a sprint or in stages that offer more opportunities for breakaways, we hold our trump card,” said Aranburu.

The team also brings plenty more experience with Ion Izaguirre, Benjamin Thomas, Emmanuel Buchmann, and Dylan Teuns. According to the team, these are also riders who will try to slip into breakaways. “I believe we have enough assets in the team to shine on all terrains. We can play the sprint card with Bryan, Alexis, and Damien, but also aim for stage wins with Alex, Ion, and Benjamin, especially by joining breakaways,” said Teuns.

“Of course, it’s very satisfying to be part of it because it’s the most important race of the season,” the Belgian continued. “I know how happy we all are with the idea of participating. I think it will be a very tough and competitive Tour de France. And there will undoubtedly be high expectations from all the supporters in northern France who will be cheering us on!”

Bryan Coquard