Another returning name is European champion
Christophe Laporte who had to drop out of Giro d'Italia halfway through after a series of crashes. "Laporte had an unfortunate spring due to injury and illness but has returned to form in the last two months. He will be an important link in the team." In contrary,
Tiesj Benoot managed to stay away from major crashes and he should be 100% ready to bring in his value in mixed stages. "Tiesj Benoot had an excellent spring, including a podium finish at the Amstel Gold Race, and carried that good feeling into the final training period."
Wilco Keldermann and
Jan Tratnik round off the selection. Neither of the two was spared of injuries during the spring, but they should be more than ready for Tour, as Kelderman showed at recent Tour de Suisse and Tratnik at Giro d'Italia last month. "Wilco missed the Giro d'Italia with a broken collarbone but is now fit again and will be an important rider in the mountain stages. Jan Tratnik has already won Omloop het Nieuwsblad this year. He was strong in the Giro, and with his experience and qualities, he will play an important role in the Tour squad."