When @LeTour kicks off today 😃 The Basque Grand Départ is here and we're so excited to take on the #TDF2023 😃
It hasn't so far been the brightest of seasons for Caleb Ewan but the Australian is looking to make a comeback at the Tour de France. There will be several opportunities to take a stage win throughout the three weeks, and the leader of Lotto Dstny could win his first Grand Tour stage since the 2021 Giro d'Italia.
“I hope to get back on track. Hopefully I can win a few stages in this Tour. I think I got my form at the right time. I'm feeling good," Ewan said during yesterday's press conference, which for many riders took place online. "My preparation was better than last year. I know what went wrong then. But now my form is better and we will have more chances than in 2022. Hopefully it will be a better Tour."
Ewan has won the Schwalbe Classic to start off the year, and recently the Van Merksteijn Fences Classic where he beat Tim Merlier. Both wins in races whose category is small but the competition strong, he has also finished second in the Ronde van Limburg and Elfstedenronde Brugge, but when it comes to the sprinters victories matter more than anything (as Ewan stated himself). He's crashed at the Baloise Belgium Tour, which he did finish but not under ideal conditions, but believes his form is coming at the right time.
“Caleb hasn't had too much success this season, but hopefully the Tour will bring out the best in him," Team boss Stéphane Heulot said. "We have faith in him and we gave him the best lead-out for the Tour. He has worked hard for it and his values are good. But a sprint is about more, including instinct and placement. Hopefully we will see the real Caleb as we know him.”