Netcompany INEOS have named a powerful and highly experienced eight-rider team for the Tour de France which gets underway in Barcelona on Saturday.
The 113th edition of the Grande Boucle promises to be one of the most exciting in the race’s history, one that will require a brave and attacking approach to be successful.
The squad pairs proven Grand Tour pedigree and talent with race-winning ability. From the opening stage team time trial to the final week, the team will look to take on the race, seeking out every opportunity to win.
Geraint Thomas, Director of Racing, said: "This team has some great racers who people love to watch. They’ll have the freedom to go for it and race aggressively across the three weeks. Fortune favours the brave. We didn't come to this Tour to follow the race - we came to shape it.
"Barcelona’s team time trial presents a great opportunity to start strongly. This year we’ve performed well in this discipline so will give it everything we’ve got. From there, it’s going to be full-on and we’re ready to take on the challenge."
The Netcompany INEOS roster is:
Thymen Arensman, 26, Netherlands. A talented climber with multiple Tour stage wins to his name, Thymen thrives when the road rises and gives the squad solid firepower in the mountains.
Thymen said: "I'm super happy and proud to get selected for the Tour this year. I think riding the Giro d’Italia is actually pretty good preparation and I’ve taken some time to recover and look after the body. I have some great memories from last year’s Tour and I’m motivated to be there again and see what we can deliver. We have a strong team and it’s a really good group dynamic which is always really important."
Egan Bernal, 29, Colombia. Winner of the 2019 Tour de France and the 2021 Giro d'Italia, his Grand Tour winning experience combined with his professionalism and attitude, on and off the bike, makes him an integral part of the team.
Egan said: "The Tour de France is a special race for me and I am grateful and happy to be back racing at this level. I feel good, and I'm motivated and ready to go and give everything for this group of riders."
Tobias Foss, 29, Norway. The former world time trial champion thrives against the clock, but his ability to also support in the mountains makes him a versatile all rounder that fits the parcours.
Tobias said: "I’m delighted to get selected for my second tour with Netcompany INEOS. We’re heading there with an amazing group so I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the racing with the boys and taking opportunities for the next three weeks."
Filippo Ganna, 29, Italy. A multiple world time trial champion and one of the most powerful engines in the sport, Ganna is also capable of making a break and supporting a move on the flatter days.
Ganna said: "It's a really strong group we're taking to the Tour and that's what excites me most. I'll do my job to give everything in the time trials and on the flat, keep the team in the right place, and we'll see what we can build over the three weeks together."
Dorian Godon, 30, France. The former French road race champion is known for his race-craft and versatility. A sharp finisher who thrives in hard, unpredictable racing, Dorian will provide added strength and depth to the squad.
Dorian said: "I'm very happy to say that the French moustache is coming to the Tour de France this summer! It's a big moment for me to ride my first Tour for Netcompany INEOS and I can't wait to race hard and get up the road when the chances come."
Michał Kwiatkowski, 36, Poland. A former world champion and one-day great with a glittering palmares, Kwiarto’s decade of racing and winning at the highest level will provide stability and leadership as the road captain.
Kwiato said: "Racing the Tour de France was my motivation to come back from injury this year. At times it felt almost impossible, but I never stopped believing, and with great support from the team, I made it. I'm proud of what I've achieved in such a short time and am ready to get out there racing."
Josh Tarling, 22, Wales. A time trial talent with European and national honours already to his name, the Tour de France debutant is one of the brightest young talents in the peloton and his power against the clock and ability on the flat make him an asset across the three weeks.
Josh said: "I’m just super happy and really looking forward to it. We’ve got a power team so I’m really excited with the team that we have for the TT and stages, so we’re going to have a good Tour together."
Kévin Vauquelin, 25, France. An aggressive and versatile all-rounder who finished seventh overall at last year's Tour, Kévin combines climbing ability with a fearless instinct for the attack.
Kévin said: "As a French rider, the Tour is always an incredible thing to be part of. And this is my first with Netcompany INEOS so it’s going to be even more special. This is a strong group and I am looking forward to racing aggressively, attacking and hunting for wins together."