With a number of riders having the potential to ride general classification amongst their eight man team, the INEOS Grenadiers arguably have one of the strongest climbing blocks at the 2024 Tour de France. Although not a leader, one of the most important parts of any success for the team, will be Laurens De Plus.
"My role is that of high mountain support. I can do that well and get a lot of satisfaction from it," says the 28-year-old Belgian, who claimed a top 10 at the 2023 Giro d'Italia, in conversation with HLN. "In any case, I am not someone who likes to be in the foreground. A top ranking is so out of the question, but I won't let myself every stage lose half an hour just for fun. I have to try to stay with the leaders for as long as possible every day, especially on the cols."
As mentioned, the INEOS Grenadiers bring a very strong squad in their bid to get back to the Tour de France podium. Alongside De Plus in the mountains will be the likes of Carlos Rodriguez, Geraint Thomas, Egan Bernal and Tom Pidcock. Despite the numerous options however, De Plus is insistent that the team will work together behind one rider and one goal.
"Carlos has shown in recent months that he is the man for us: second in the Tour of the Basque Country, victory in the Tour de Romandie, fourth and stage win in the Dauphiné, where he had better legs in the final weekend than in the beginning. That's always a good sign..." analyses De Plus, who himself finished 5th at the 2024 Criterium du Dauphine. "The other leaders didn't show that, but Egan and Tom will also be very good. G above all wants no expectations, that nothing is said or written about him. I think that's because he hopes to surprise in the final week."
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