Published June 19, 2012 07:14AM
Argos aligns behind Kittel for Tour; German extends contract
German sprinter leads Dutch squad into its first Tour de France, aimed squarely at world champion Mark Cavendish
Kittel hopes to spray a little bubbly during his Tour debut. Photo: Mark Johnson
PARIS (AFP) — German sprinter Marcel Kittel said Tuesday he was relishing the prospect of his upcoming battle with Briton Mark Cavendish (Sky) in the Tour de France.
The 24-year-old Kittel will lead Argos-Shimano for the race starting in Liège, Belgium, on June 30 and is targeting a stage win in his first Tour.
“I’ll be in France to take on Cavendish,” said Kittel at the team’s unveiling. “I’m eager to start fighting him (Cavendish). At the moment he’s the best sprinter in the world.”
Kittel has extended his contract with Argos until 2014, declaring: “I feel like I’m working with friends, I need that atmosphere to excel on the bike.”
Argos-Shimano Tour de France 2012 roster
Roy Curvers (NED)
Koen de Kort (NED)
Johannes Froehlinger (GER)
Patrick Gretsch (GER)
Yann Huguet (FRA)
Marcel Kittel (GER)
Matthieu Sprick (FRA)
Albert Timmer (NED)
Tom Veelers (NED)