The Trek-Segafredo eight for the 2018 Tour de France

July is almost upon us, and that can mean only one thing in the world of professional cycling: Le Tour de France.

Using its fans and social media, Trek-Segafredo released the lineup Thursday, June 29th that will compete in the biggest cycling race on the calendar.

Meet the team that will take part in the 2018 Tour de France:

Nationality:  Netherlands ??

Age: 31

Height: 184cm

Weight: 68kg

TDF role:  Bauke Mollema will be the GC (general classification) leader for Trek-Segafredo. He has ridden the Tour de France seven times, with three top-10 results. Bauke, who worked for Alberto Contador and won stage 13 in 2017, will once again ride for the overall classification this year as he vies for the podium in Paris.  In 2016, Bauke was in second overall and fighting for a top-three finish until a crash in stage 18 ended his dream. Bauke’s strengths are in the long mountain climbs, and he is one of the stronger time trialists amongst the GC contenders.

Bauke Mollema:  “I am proud and honored to lead this team for my eighth Tour de France. My preparations have gone well and I am confident I am as ready as possible. We have a strong team assembled. Now let’s go and take it!”

Nationality:  Germany ??

Age: 29

Height: 180cm

Weight: 77kg

TDF role:  As the team’s sprinter, John Degenkolb will start his sixth Tour de France and will be ready to battle in the fast finishes of the eight flat (sprint) stages. John has secured victories in both the Vuelta a España and Giro d’Italia and is still seeking a stage win in the Tour. Will this be his year? When not going for the sprints, John will be in a support role, helping his teammates and team leader Bauke Mollema. As a former winner of Paris-Roubaix, look for John to be especially prominent in the cobblestones of stage nine.

John Degenkolb: “Merci Trek-Segafredo for my 6th Tour nomination.  I am very motivated, and can’t wait to see everyone in July!”

Nationality:  Belgium ??

Age: 26

Height: 186cm

Weight: 78kg

TDF role:  This will be Jasper Stuyven’s second Tour de France where he will be a key lead-out for John Degenkolb. With a good finishing kick and a sharp tactical savviness, Jasper will also grab opportunities that may arise, either from a breakaway or in a reduced bunch finish.  When not helping Dege in the sprints, or grabbing his own chances, Jasper will be in a support role for Bauke Mollema. Jasper will be vital in stage nine that features fifteen sectors of pavé.

Jasper Stuyven:  “I am excited to be part of a strong team and especially looking forward to the stage in Roubaix!”

Nationality:  Netherlands ??

Age: 35

Height: 180cm

Weight: 70kg

TDF role:  Koen de Kort is the road captain of the team and has 14 Grand Tours under his belt. Koen will be starting his seventh Tour de France where he will be instrumental in the sprint finishes having worked closely and been the chief lieutenant of John Degenkolb for many years. Koen’s vast experience and calm yet affable demeanor make him a key teammate on and off the bike.

Koen de Kort:  “I am super excited to represent Trek-Segafredo at the Tour again this year.  Thanks to all the fans and sponsors for the support and making this possible.”

Nationality:  France ??

Age: 26

Height: 176cm

Weight: 60kg

TDF role:  A native of France, Julien Bernard’s dream has always been to race the Tour de France, and this year he has earned a spot on the Trek-Segafredo squad.  Although he may be a Tour rookie, Julien has completed three Grand Tours and will bring this experience into the Tour. Julien is a strong climber and has proven to be a selfless, hardworking teammate for Trek-Segafredo – he will be a valuable support in the mountains for Bauke Mollema.

Julien Bernard:  “I don’t have words to tell you how much I’m proud and honored to announce my selection for the Tour de France. A very big thanks to Trek-Segafredo for trusting me for the biggest race in the world.”

Nationality:  Ethiopia ??

Age: 26

Height: 176cm

Weight: 64kg

TDF role:  Tsgabu Grmay will take part in his third Tour de France and sixth Grand Tour, but it will be his first with Trek-Segafredo. Tsgabu is a pure climber, and he flourishes in his role as a support rider in the climbing stages.  With six high mountain stages, three with summit finishes, look for Tsgabu to be with Bauke Mollema and be profound assistance in these decisive days.

Tsgabu Grmay:  “Thank you for the faith in me Trek-Segafredo. This has been a dream of mine since I was young and I can’t believe it will be my third Tour de France. I am proud to represent my country!”

Nationality:  Latvia ??

Age: 27

Height: 180cm

Weight: 71kg

TDF role:  Toms Skujins will be starting his first Tour de France and only second Grand Tour after the 2017 Vuelta a España. Toms is a valuable all-rounder who will play a versatile role for the team, from powering the team time trial to providing early support in the sprint lead-outs to pacing the team’s climbers in the first part of the uphills. Toms also has a nose for breakaways and will take his opportunities should they arise in the three weeks.

Toms Skujins: “The trust and confidence Trek-Segafredo have put in me makes me really honored to start my first Tour de France. Stoke levels are off the charts for the most famous race in the world where I’ll get to debut my TT Latvian champs’ speedsuit!”

Nationality:  Austria ??

Age: 24

Height: 186cm

Weight: 70kg

TDF role:  Michael Gogl will be the youngest member of the 2018 Tour team and will be starting his second straight Tour de France. He is a strong all-rounder and will play a role in a variety of stages and terrains. Although his primary purpose will be to support Bauke Mollema and his other teammates, look for this young Austrian to grab his chance in a breakaway and go for a stage win when possible!

Michael Gogl:  “I am so proud and super motivated to be part of the Trek-Segafredo Tour de France team. Looking forward to supporting my teammates on every terrain and looking for breakaway opportunities when possible.”