Lotto-Dstny reveals Tour de France squad: five rookies, De Lie and Van Gils

Lotto-Dstny has announced its eight-man team for the Tour de France. Arnaud De Lie, the newly crowned Belgian champion, is the absolute leader of the squad, which also includes Maxim Van Gils. Pascal Eenkhoorn will not participate.

Victor Campenaerts, Brent Van Moer, Jarrad Drizners, Harm Vanhoucke, Sébastien Grignard and Cedric Beullens complete the Belgian team's lineup, with the last four making their debut in La Grande Boucle. Originally, Andreas Kron was also included, but he did not recover in time after a fall in the Critérium du Dauphiné. The Dutchman Pascal Eenkhoorn, who came close to a stage win last year, is also not participating.

Sporting manager Kurt Van de Wouwer shared the team's ambitions, with Belgian champion De Lie as the focal point. "Arnaud will start the Tour without pressure. It's his first Tour, so we’re not setting any expectations. He mainly wants to learn and gain experience, but there are, of course, a few stages where he can showcase his talent. But nothing is a must."

Van Gils is one of the most successful riders this year. "Maxim rode very well in the Tour last year, coming close to a stage win. That is also the goal now, but we know it's not going to be easy."

Other riders were also highlighted. "Vanhoucke was not on the longlist, but his good results and ability to go for breakaways in tougher stages made us choose to include him. Drizners and Beullens will provide the lead-out for Arnaud, while Campenaerts brings the necessary experience and calm for this young group. Van Moer can also seize his own opportunities, and Grignard is someone we can always count on."

"Looking at our team, I see a strong group of riders. Hopefully, we can make it a great Tour," said Van de Wouwer.

Lotto-Dstny selection Tour de France 2024

Arnaud De Lie
Victor Campenaerts
Brent Van Moer
Sébastien Grignard
Cedric Beullens
Harm Vanhoucke
Maxim Van Gils
Jarrad Drizners