Decathlon CMA CGM's ambitions for the Vuelta are crystal clear thanks to podium contender Gall

Decathlon CMA CGM’s plans for the Vuelta a España are crystal clear: the French team will be going all out for Felix Gall’s general classification. The Austrian leads a team full of climbers and, just as in the Giro d’Italia earlier this year, will be aiming for a spot on the final podium from their roster for the Tour of Spain.

Gall has been recognized as a top climber for several years now, but he has continued to improve steadily. This year, he reached a new high in the Giro d'Italia. The 28-year-old Austrian rode a phenomenal Giro d'Italia and finished second in the overall standings, behind the unbeatable Jonas Vingegaard. He hopes to repeat that feat in this year’s Vuelta.

In any case, his preparation was excellent. He won a stage and the overall classification at the Tour of Burgos, his first career victory in a stage race. “The main goal is to contend for the general classification in this Vuelta,” he says on his team’s website. “We’ll see where we stand after these three weeks, but if I were to stand on the podium at another Grand Tour this year, that would be the crowning achievement of a fantastic season.”

To support Gall in the high mountains, Decathlon CMA CGM is bringing a rock-solid team to the start in Monaco. For example, Matthew Riccitello, who finished fifth in the overall standings last year and won the white jersey, has once again been included in the roster. Gregor Mühlberger and Callum Scotson, who supported the Austrian rider in the Giro, are also on the team.

The team also includes the young Léo Bisiaux, who made his debut in the Vuelta a España last year and finished seventh in the Tour of Burgos riding in support of Gall, Jordan Labrosse, Oscar Chamberlain, and Sander De Pestel. “We already had a very solid team at the Giro, and I’d say this one is at least as strong, if not stronger, especially in the mountains,” Gall says enthusiastically.

Team manager Cyril Dessel believes that with a team like this, a lot should be possible. “We’re starting this Vuelta with the goal of securing a podium finish for Felix Gall. He’ll be supported by a very solid team that combines youth and experience,” says the Frenchman. But in addition to the general classification, the team is also aiming for stage wins. “It’s important to try to win, even with very high ambitions in the general classification.”