Enric Mas leads Movistar at Tour de France - Romeo, Castrillo and Rubio in explosive '8'

Movistar are heading for their 43rd Tour de France and are heading towards it with mixed ambitions in the overall classification and also when it comes to chasing stage wins. The lineup does not include Fernando Gaviria and no true option for the sprints, and so everything will be about the mountains and the hills.

The Colombian's absence means there will be extra focus on Enric Mas who will be chasing a position in the GC, and will be a contender for the Top10. At the Tour however it will be difficult to achieve more than this, even with the Spaniard finishing on the podium of both Volta a Catalunya and Itzulia Basque Country; and recently 7th at the Criterium du Dauphiné. Mas' best result at the Tour was fifth, back in 2020.

Backing him up will be a long list of quality climbers. Pablo Castrillo and Iván Romeo have been stunning this season with strong results on several occasions and will be combining domestique and stage-hunting duties - the latter just having won the Spanish national championships. Einer Rubio, who was recently eighth at the Giro d'Italia, will have the same role but be more focused on the high mountains.

Gregor Mühlberger and Will Barta will provide more firepower in the mountains whilst Nelson Oliveira will focus more on the hilly terrain and leading Mas through the flat stages. Ivan Garcia Cortina will have the opportunity to chase results of his own specially in the many explosive finales in the first week that suit him best. The race begins next weekend in Lille and the first week may prove to be the biggest challenge to Enric Mas against very strong collectives full of rouleurs.

Movistar Team for Tour de France:
Pablo Castrillo
Iván Romeo
Enric Mas
Einer Rubio
Gregor Mühlberger
Will Barta
Nelson Oliveira
Ivan García Cortina