Trek Factory Racing has released the nine names that will take the ‘Grand Départ’ in Yorkshire for the 2014 Tour de France. Keeping in mind the team’s two main goals – finishing top 10 in the general classification and pocketing a stage win – the 13 rider long list was shaped to these nine:
Fabian Cancellara, Fränk Schleck, Andy Schleck, Haimar Zubeldia, Jens Voigt, Matthew Busche, Markel Irizar, Gregory Rast, and Danny van Poppel.
“This edition of the Tour de France is characterized as one for the mountain goats, even the parcours of the TT has lots of climbing. Fränkand Haimar are two riders with experience in GC; they have shown what they are worth and they have our trust. Climbers who are in good shape can hold a GC. We will support them with the best possible. With Andy and Matthew to help out in the mountain stages and strong rouleurs like Jens, Markel and Rasty, they are well surrounded.
– GM Luca Guercilena
The team will be in the hunt for a stage win as well. One stage that Trek Factory Racing will highlight is stage five, a made-to-order parcours for the Spring Classics specialists with its nine cobbled sectors. General Manager Luca Guercilena believes it suits three time Paris-Roubaix winner Fabian Cancellara’s strengths, but cautions it is not the sole focus of the team as the cobbled stage five is not the same as racing a true Spring Classic.
Depending on how the flatter stages play out there could be up to nine opportunities for the sprinters. For Danny van Poppel, 20, it’s a titanic challenge, but last year – in his first Tour ever – he sprinted to a stunning third place in the opening road stage.
Andy Schleck and Matthew Busche will be the key support riders for the team’s GC riders in the high mountains.
“Andy will ride in support of Fränk and Haimar in the climbs. He will not have a personal focus on the GC. It shouldn’t be a surprise that we’re lining him up as a support rider for his brother and for Haimar: Andy may not have won a stage in the Tour de Suisse, but he aggressively raced well. Riders of his stature should have the opportunity to compete in the race that made them great.”
– Luca Guercilena
American Matthew Busche is the sole rider of the nine-man team who has never raced the most distinguished of the Grand Tours. Taking the start will be one of his biggest goals checked off the bucket list of the former College running star.
In the other extreme, Jens Voigt will be lining up in his 17th Tour de France, tying the record for the most appearances with George Hincapie and Stuart O’Grady (now both retired). Always the opportunist, ‘Jensie’ will certainly pick a day or two that suit his breakaway expertise, and make sure his last Tour is as thrilling as his first.
