Marcel Kittel to mark his Tour de France debut with Team Argos-Shimano
Dutch Professional Continental side, Team Argos-Shimano released its long squad for the coming Tour de France 2012.
The team will miss the services of John Degenkolb who is saving his energies for the London Olympics.
Team Manager Iwan Spekenbrink briefed that Degenkolb had a tough season, participating in several stage races and spring classics.
He briefed that riding a Grand Tour at this point will put a little too pressure on his young rider and wants him to rest for the coming shorter races of the season.
John was quoted as saying, "John has had a busy spring, riding almost all the spring classics and many stage races".
"At this point the Tour de France is too much for him. John is a talented rider, but still just 22. The Tour de France comes a year too early for him".
Degenkolb is optimistic to mark his debut appearances at the Tour de France and is eyeing the 2013 version of the race.
He briefed, "I want to do well in those races. Next year however”.
“I want to shine in the Tour de France. It will be my main goal. It is my dream to win the green jersey," he concluded.
Jakob will represent Germany at the coming Olympics, followed by the Vuelta a Espana and the World Championships.
Marcel Kittel will fill in for Degenkolb in the sprinting department as the German gets ready to mark his debut Tour appearance.
The 24-year-old is having a splendid season with a total number of four stage victories and a first overall finish at the Scheldeprijs to his name.
Team Argos-Shimano does not have the UCI World Tour licence and has to rely on the wild-card invitations to ride the French Grand Tour.
It was invited in 2009 but failed to secure a Tour spot in the past two editions of the three-week race.
Announced Team Argos Shimano squad for the Tour include, Marcel Kittel (Ger), Simon Geschke (Ger), Johannes Fröhlinger (Ger), Patrick Gretsch (Ger), Tom Veelers (Ned), Koen de Kort (Ned), Albert Timmer (Ned).
Roy Curvers (Ned), Tom Stamsnijder (Ned), Alexandre Geniez (Fra), Yann Huguet (Fra), Thierry Hupond (Fra), Mathieu Sprick (Fra) and Bert De Backer (Bel) are expected to represent the Dutch team at the coming contest.
Team Management will announce the final squad for the French Grand Tour on June 19th.
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