Lidl-Trek reeling from Tour setback: key players Hart and Kirsch sidelined, Mollema out, but Stuyven and Ciccone in

"Despite having to make several changes to our initial lineup due to illness and injury, I have incredible confidence in the strength of our Tour de France team," said sports director Steven de Jongh in a press release issued by the team on Monday.

"Because we lost Tao Geoghegan Hart (who broke a rib and fell ill after the Critérium du Dauphiné, ed.), we can no longer compete for the general classification, so we've given Mads Pedersen additional support to aim for stage wins. Additionally, we have assembled a team that possesses a wealth of experience and great talent."

De Jongh is including versatile types like Julien Bernard, Carlos Verona, Toms Skujins, Ryan Gibbons and Jasper Stuyven, who, after the Giro, is also set to compete in the Tour. "He replaces Alex Kirsch, who is injured. We know Jasper is a valuable addition to the team," said the Dutchman, noting that Kirsch's absence is a significant loss for Pedersen’s lead-out in the Tour de France.

And what about Giulio Ciccone, who also fell ill after the Dauphiné? "He was doing well and rode impressively in the Critérium du Dauphiné," said De Jongh. At the Italian championship, the climber also demonstrated his form by finishing in the top ten. Last season, Ciccone won the polka dot jersey in the Tour de France.

Julien Bernard
Mads Pedersen
Giulio Ciccone
Tim Declercq
Jasper Stuyven
Toms Skujins
Carlos Verona
Ryan Gibbons