Movistar selects familiar names and in-form riders for the Tour: "Lazkano doesn't really know his limits yet"

Movistar has announced the eight riders who will travel to Florence, the starting point of this year's Tour de France. Enric Mas is expected to secure a good general classification result for the Spanish team, although they are not ignoring opportunities in transition stages and even sprints.

Fernando Gaviria is also included in the team, along with riders like Alex Aranburu and Oier Lazkano. Aranburu impressively won the Spanish championship on Sunday, ahead of Lazkano. Lazkano had previously finished a commendable ninth in the Critérium du Dauphiné, setting the tone once again after a very strong spring season.

IDLProCycling.com spoke with team leader Jurgen Roelandts about Lazkano's development. "He is a very ordinary guy, really down to earth. But I think he doesn't fully know his own limits yet. He must have surprised himself in the Critérium du Dauphiné because he had never shown such performances before. So far, he continues to evolve," said the Belgian.

"He was already very good in the classics. On the Koppenberg in the Tour of Flanders, he had some bad luck, which forced him to stop. He injured himself a bit there and was mentally shaken. But what he has shown now... Climbing with the best, that's impressive. It's great to see."

What can we expect from Lazkano in the Tour? "He is not afraid to go for it. He is very relaxed and takes it as it comes, but if he sees a chance, he always goes for it. In modern cycling, that's wonderful." Roelandts does not consider him for a general classification result. "He can handle smaller stage races. I don't think he should aim for a grand tour. Never say never, but with his weight in today's cycling, it's unlikely. But those one-week races: if you see him at work in the Dauphiné, he should be able to win the tougher one-week races."

Mas, who crashed out on the first day of the Tour last year, will be eager for revenge, while Gaviria will aim for success in the sprints. Javier Romo, Gregor Mühlberger, Davide Formolo and Nelson Oliveira complete the team.

Movistar selection Tour de France 2024

Enric Mas
Oier Lazkano
Alex Aranburu
Fernando Gaviria
Javier Romo
Gregor Mühlberger
Davide Formolo
Nelson Oliveira