Britain’s Steve Cummings has been selected for MTN-Qhubeka’s Tour de France debut and could be in contention for the yellow jersey on the stage one time trial.
The Liverpool-born ace is one of three European riders selected to ride for the African team, alongside former Team Sky team-mate Edvald Boasson Hagen and Serge Pauwels.
American Tyler Farrar is also included, while five African riders – including Criterium du Dauphine King of the Mountains Daniel Teklehaimanot – complete the line-up.
And team manager Brian Smith says Cummings’ focus is on the time trial, before he turns his attention to the rolling stages later in the race.
“It was always going to be difficult to choose nine riders from 23,” Smith said. “It was even more difficult as history will be made in July when the first South African based team takes the start in Utrecht.
“We will not go to the Tour with a dedicated Sprint or GC train, but look to take opportunities in most stages as demonstrated in the Dauphine. We will not sit back and be counted.
“Steve Cummings will concentrate on the prologue initially and look at stage opportunities in rolling terrain.”
Cummings has won over short time trials before but is likely to face stiff competition from the likes of in-form Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin), Tony Martin (Etixx-QuickStep) and fit-again Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing).
MTN-Qhubeka will be captained on the road by Farrar, who alongside Edvald Boasson Hagen and Reinardt Janse van Rensburg will work for stage victories on the flatter stages.
Pauwels, South Africans Jacques Janse van Rensburg and Louis Meintjes and Eritrean duo Daniel Teklehaimanot and Merhawi Kudus will then form the climbing group.
“This group is an unknown and an exciting prospect,” Smith added. “With Serge’s guidance we plan to feature in the high mountains.
“We will be taking nothing for granted and will make sure we make our own opportunities and take them when we can.”
Dr Carol Austin, the team’s head of performance, support and medical added that the team’s pre-race preparations had gone to plan, buoyed by the number of WorldTour races the team was invited to compete in.
MTN-Qhubeka squad for the Tour de France
Steve Cummings (GBR)
Tyler Farrar (USA)
Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR)
Reinardt Janse van Rensburg (RSA)
Jacques Janse van Rensburg (RSA)
Louis Meintjes (RSA)
Daniel Teklehaimanot (ERI)
Merhawi Kudus (ERI)
Serge Pauwels (BEL)
