Arkéa-B&B Hotels opts for a bunch of stage hunters, but also includes Dekker and Biermans in their lineup for the Giro

Arkéa-B&B Hotels unveiled their selection for the Giro d'Italia (May 4-26) on Tuesday morning. While big names like Arnaud Démare, Vincenzo Albanese, or Kévin Vauquelin are absent, the team does feature Jenthe Biermans, a Belgian, and David Dekker, a Dutchman.

Starting with the swift David Dekker, the 26-year-old Dutchman nearly clinched his first professional victory at his second Giro last year but ultimately had to concede the win to Jonathan Milan after a chaotic finale. This season, the fast Dutchman has already secured two podium finishes at the GP Jean-Pierre Monséré and the Region Pays de la Loire Tour. According to team director Didier Rous, Dekker is the designated sprinter and should be aiming for a stage win. The competition is tough, but he will have several opportunities. His experience with this race and its suitability for him are advantages that David needs to capitalize on.

When the road starts to climb in the more treacherous sprint stages and Dekker falls back, Jenthe Biermans will be pushed forward. In all other situations, he is considered the road captain by the team management, but "indeed, there will also be opportunities for him when certain stages of this Giro are contested by smaller groups. He is a fast rider who reads the race well and often knows how to get the best out of it, and above all, he knows how to win. A valuable asset." The 30-year-old Belgian has already demonstrated his ability to win this season with a victory at the Route Adelie de Vitré.

The French 'diamond' could also cause surprises

Lastly, Ewen Costiou is spotlighted. The 21-year-old Frenchman is making his debut in a grand tour and has already made his mark this season with a win at the Region Pays de la Loire Tour, where he also finished second in the GC. Additionally, he finished in the top twenty at Paris-Nice and was active in Paris-Camembert, the Tour des Alpes Maritimes, and the Tour of Provence, securing several top finishes.

"Ewen is primarily here to learn, explore, and successfully get through the three weeks," starts team director Laurent Pichon. "But we can also expect some surprises from him, just as we have since the start of 2024. The Arkéa-B&B Hotels team participating in this Giro d'Italia is young, but the Giro offers great opportunities for attackers and riders who thrive in fast races. Ewen fits into that category. Our team might just spring some surprises."

Selection Arkéa-B&B Hotels Giro d'Italia 2024

Louis Barré
Alan Riou
Alessandro Verre
Ewen Costiou
David Dekker
Michel Ries
Donovan Grondin
Jenthe Biermans