For the first time since 1905, the Tour de France will not make its usual finish in Paris in 2024, closing instead with a time trial in Nice. Photo: AFP
For the first time since 1905, the Tour de France will not make its usual finish in Paris in 2024, closing instead with a time trial in Nice. Photo: AFP
Tadej Pogacar will begin his bid for a third straight Tour de France title later this week alongside four of the same team-mates who helped him to last year’s yellow jersey.
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The Slovenian was unsurprisingly on Monday named in the UAE Team Emirates line-up for the race, which gets underway in Copenhagen on Friday, 1 July.
Switzerland’s Marc Hirschi was a notable omission, but Polish climber Rafal Majka, Mikkel Bjerg, Brandon McNulty and Vegard Stake Laengen all made the cut.
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New Zealander George Bennett and Spain’s Marc Soler, both signed in the off-season, are in the team, as is Italian sprinter Matteo Trentin.
Tadej Pogacar is a huge favourite for victory
“We’ve worked very hard all year as a team to prepare for this,” said the 23-year-old Pogacar.
“So far this year has been positive for the team and we hope to continue this momentum.”
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Pogacar is a strong favourite for the Tour after another impressive season which has seen him win the one-day Strade Bianche and two stage races.
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UAE Team Emirates team:
Tadej Pogacar (SLO), George Bennett (NZL), Mikkel Bjerg (DEN), Vegard Stake Laengen (NOR), Rafal Majka (POL), Brandon McNulty (USA), Marc Soler (ESP), Matteo Trentin (ITA)
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By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
