"You should see less responsibility as an opportunity" - Steve Cummings on how INEOS can win Tour de France

Steve Cummings was for a long time a pro rider that excelled on the art of the breakaway, and behind the wheel now he's part of INEOS Grenadiers' lineup in deciding the racing tactics. Having moved away from the 'mountain train', Cummings is in charge of getting the British team on a different type of racing.

“And they did something really effective for a long time. But now, not only in the Tour but in other races, we can race in other ways," the Briton told Cyclingnews. "It's fun to watch and the boys enjoy it. And if they enjoy it, then you've already won halfway. But in the end, the strategy and tactics are determined by the legs and how good they are, not by me.”

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“Because if you don't have the big favourite, you have less responsibility to control and you get more options. And that's what it's all about: you should see less responsibility as an opportunity," Cummings pointed out. With Tadej Pogacar set to battle to defend his title and Jumbo-Visma largely seen as the rival team, even INEOS Grenadiers' strong lineup are seen as outsiders for the overall win.

Cummings is looking to take advantage of that situation and to play the race into the team's hands. "I think we have to fight to win and if we can't take the general classification then we have to book several stage wins with the talent we have," he assured. 

With a trident in the lead: Geraint Thomas, Daniel Martínez and Adam Yates, it can be complicated to protect all and manage the situation. However such depth can be used in the mountains in case the trio get through the opening week unscathed. The strong Danish winds and the cobbles of stage five will prove a challenge, and likely force decisions within the team though.