Intermarché-Wanty heads to Tour de France with two sprint aces, while also having several climbing options to play

In a communiqué sent to the cycling press, more details were provided regarding the goals and ambitions of the WorldTour team, which, as expected, is heading to Florence with two sprint leaders: Biniam Girmay and Gerben Thijssen. There is a great deal of confidence in the Eritrean rider, as is evident. "With one Tour under his belt, Biniam brings experience to our team," explained performance coach Aike Visbeek. "Even though his preparation was adjusted due to his double crash in the Giro, Biniam is in excellent condition and has gained a confidence boost from his victory in the Circuit Franco-Belge."

This is also where the other sprinter, Gerben Thijssen, comes into the conversation. "We are starting the Tour with another top finisher. That is Gerben, who is making his Tour debut. This gives us various tactical options in the sprint finishes. But Gerben's main goal for this Tour is to learn and gain experience."

The sprinters can count on a solid lead-out train, as Mike Teunissen, Laurenz Rex, and Hugo Page will be the designated sprint preparers. "Mike is the road captain. Along with Laurenz and Hugo, who are also very fast and powerful, they have to keep the sprint train in position."

The team can also play multiple cards in the hilly and mountainous stages. "Our objectives for this Tour de France are to win our very first stage and place Louis Meintjes in the top ten of the general classification," said Visbeek. Kobe Goossens, along with Georg Zimmermann, will support Louis in the mountains. Both will also be on the lookout for breakaways, especially in the hilly and transition stages."

Biniam Girmay
Kobe Goossens
Louis Meintjes
Hugo Page
Laurenz Rex
Mike Teunissen
Gerben Thijssen
Georg Zimmermann