Marcel Kittel will miss the Tour de France after failing to recover fully from the illness which has wrecked his 2015 season

The German sprinter, who was expected to be Mark Cavendish’s chief rival in the bunch sprints, has been laid low for much of the season, abandoning the Tour de Yorkshire halfway through the first stage back in May.

And after being unable to find his form at the Ster ZLM Toer, Giant-Alpecin have opted to build their sprint train around nine-time Vuelta a Espana stage winner John Degenkolb.

French climber Warren Barguil and in-form Dutch time trial ace Tom Dumoulin, who start among the big contenders to win stage one and pull on the first yellow jersey, will also lead the team’s bid for successes across the three weeks.

Alongside Barguil, Georg Preidler and Ramon Sinkeldam also make their Tour de France debuts, while Koen de Kort, Albert Timmer and Roy Curvers will play a vital part in the team’s sprint train.

Simon Geschke completes the nine-man line-up, which DS Marc Reef hopes can deliver stage wins for the team in the absence of Kittel.

“Our main goal will be for a stage win, and the team for this year’s Tour has a good chance to achieve this goal,” he said. “Based on the team’s specific strengths, we already have some great opportunities for success in the first week and fully expect to achieve positive results throughout.”

Kittel, who has won four stages apiece at the last two Tours and pulled on the yellow jersey after both Grand Departs, will now concentrate on getting back to fitness and re-assess his ambitions.

He added: “”Of course I am disappointed about not participating in the Tour de France this year. But I will have to look ahead and focus on new goals.”

Giant-Alpecin for 2015 Tour de France

John Degenkolb (GER)
Warren Barguil (FRA)
Tom Dumoulin (NED)
Georg Preidler (AUT)
Ramon Sinkeldam (NED)
Koen de Kort (NED)
Albert Timmer (NED)
Roy Curvers (NED)
Simon Geschke (GER)