Julian Alaphilippe and Sam Bennett captain Deceuninck-Quick-Step in Tour de France
Aug 25 2020 02:58 am CET
Deceuninck-Quick-Step
Deceuninck-Quick-Step is ready to start in the Tour de France with a strong roster headlined by Julian Alaphilippe and Sam Bennett.
The next edition of the French grand tour starts on the 29th of August in Nice and is set to be one of the toughest editions in recent history with mountain finishes in iconic climbs like the Grand Colombier, Meribel and La Planche des Belles Filles.
Alaphilippe, who won two stages in 2019 and wore the Yellow Jersey during 14 days, will be making his return to the race after showing in the French national championships that he is in top form at the moment. Next to him, top sprinter Bennett will start in the race for the third time in his career with the goal of taking at least one stage win to complete a set of Grand Tour stage victories.
"For Julian it will be very difficult to repeat last year's Tour, but at the same time, it's not necessary to do it," said Deceuninck-Quick-Step sports director Tom Steels. "We will take it with him day by day and see what happens. There are some nice opportunities for him, but I can tell you we aren't thinking of a scenario similar to that of the previous Tour. In Sam, we have a contender for the bunch sprints, which won't be so straightforward as in the past, the route being one of the toughest in recent memory. I think there are maximum four clear stages for sprinters spread over the three weeks.
"Michael (Morkov) will be Sam's last man and will guide him through those hectic final kilometres, but also Kasper (Asgreen) and Styby (Zdenek Stybar) will play an important role in his lead-out train, while at the same time keeping an eye on breakaway opportunities. Bob (Jungels) and Dries (Devenyns) are both riders who can support Julian, they have a lot of experience and can help him in the finale. Last but not least, Tim (Declercq) will do what he does best: control the race. He is a world-class domestique and has the power and knowledge to do it."
Deceuninck-Quick-Step's line-up for the Tour de France (August 29-September 20):
Julian Alaphilippe
Kasper Asgreen
Sam Bennett
Tim Declercq
Dries Devenyns
Bob Jungels
Michael Morkov
Zdenek Stybar
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