Marcel Kittel sees Jasper Philipsen as clear favourite for green jersey at Tour de France: "For me he is the number one sprinter"

Marcel Kittel gave his perspective of current situation in the world of fast men in an episode of cycling podcast De Grote Plaat. The phenomenal German sprinter talked about Critérium du Dauphiné, Tour de France and some of the most trending transfer rumours.

First of all, Dylan Groenewegen was discussed, who is currently riding the tough Critérium du Dauphiné in preparation for the Tour de France. "I understand Dylan's choice to ride the Dauphiné in preparation for the Tour. With a view to the Tour, it is wise to get used to the hard stages."

Kittel has a clear favourite for green jersey competiton as explains: "Philipsen is the top favorite for the bunch sprints in the Tour. He's had such a good season, impressive. For me he is the number one sprinter, ahead of Groenewegen and Fabio Jakobsen."

Wout van Aert was also mentioned as the winner of last year's green jersey. "I don't think they will work for Van Aert's green jersey as Jumbo-Visma, they have already said that, but if he is in a good position he can also sprint to the finish. After all, he has already taken those risks," Kittel analyzes the situation at Dutch squad.

Another sprinter, Olav Kooij, will not go to the Tour de France. There are persistent rumors around him that he is going to leave Jumbo-Visma, which Kittel can understand. "He's in top form. Kooij is a guy who wants to show things at the highest level, and that is the Tour de France. That's where he has to go. I understand that choice to continue with another team."

As a German, Kittel knows the culture of the teams most often mentioned around Kooij: BORA-hansgrohe and Team DSM. "It is a logical option to go to BORA-hansgrohe, but that applies to more sprinters," he refers to Jakobsen, among others. His ex-team also receives a compliment. "DSM has been doing very well in terms of results over the past few months. That coaching, with young riders and scouting, is moving in the right direction again."