Groupama-FDJ affirm Thibaut Pinot and David Gaudu for Tour de France lineup
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Groupama-FDJ confirmed the ultimate three riders for his or her lineup for the 2023 Tour de France with Thibaut Pinot, Stefan Küng and David Gaudu headlining their crew as anticipated.
For climbing star Pinot, the 2023 version will likely be his last-ever Tour de France, whereas Gaudu is eager to enhance his fourth-place total from the 2022 race.
The absence of sprinter Arnaud Démare already created an argument when it was introduced final week, with the Tour roster focussed principally on Gaudu. The ultimate rider announcement at this time noticed Australian climber Michael Storer lastly not chosen, which has additionally raised eyebrows in some quarters.
Swiss time triallist Stefan Küng, a latest winner of the opening time trial of his dwelling stage race, was additionally named within the lineup. Küng already stated that he was disillusioned the one TT on the route this yr, a hilly one within the third week, was not suited to specialists in opposition to the clock like himself.
Crew administration stated that Gaudu’s goal could be to complete on the rostrum however that the squad would additionally push for stage wins.
“I’m more than happy to be participating on this yr’s Tour de France,” Gaudu stated in a crew press launch Wednesday.
“We’ve got an important crew once more and I’m more than happy to have the ability to experience alongside Thibaut in his last-ever Tour participation, after every thing he taught me about this race over time.
“Final yr we acquired fourth total and this yr the target is to progress. We’ll attempt to step up a spot, which is maybe one of many hardest issues to do. However we’re all able to tackle this problem.”
Gaudu just lately completed a below-expectations thirtieth total within the Critérium du Dauphiné, however hoped to bounce again in July.
“I’m evidently very glad to participate in my final Tour,” added Pinot, who first raced the Tour de France in 2012, successful a memorable solo victory at Porrentruy. He just lately claimed the King of the Mountains title within the Giro d’Italia.
“The Giro was an exhausting race, however I really feel prepared for this problem. I’ve simply carried out a recon of some levels and a coaching camp at La Clusaz and I hope I’ve the identical legs as I had on the finish of the Giro.
“I’m eager to participate on this race at 100% for one final time.”
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