"That's what the Classics are for" - BORA - hansgrohe's Ralph Denk joins in criticism of gravel on 2024 Tour de France route but remains hopeful of taking overall victory

BORA - hansgrohe will be expecting to be right in the mix for the Maillot Jaune at the 2024 Tour de France following their acquisition of Primoz Roglic. With the route and profiles now revealed, there are points of contention but overall, team boss Ralph Denk is quite pleased.

"It's well known that I'm not a fan of pavement and gravel sectors in Grand Tours," the 49-year-old is quoted by his team following the announcement that stage 9 will include sectors on gravel. "In my opinion, that's what the classics are for."

Denk isn't the only team boss to criticise the introduction of gravel. Both Jumbo-Visma boss Richard Plugge and Soudal - Quick-Step boss Patrick Lefevere have also been vocal in their displeasure at having a gravel stage in the Tour de France, but race director Christian Prudhomme quickly responded in kind, saying; "All stages have their place in the Tour de France."

“At first glance it is a balanced Tour de France. It is exciting for the fans that the GC favorites have to show themselves in the first week and the decision about yellow will probably only be made in the final time trial,” Denk continues, glancing at the remainder of the race profile. “The two time trials and many meters in altitude meet our plans. We are now analyzing the route in detail, comparing it with the Giro and making our plans.”