Warren Barguil to Etixx-QuickStep
Warren Barguil to Etixx-QuickStep
With Michal Kwiatkowski leaving Etixx-QuickStep and Patrick Lefevere also publicly stating he believes Rigoberto Uran has peaked as far as his GC hopes go, Warren Barguil has been touted as a successor.
Lefevere admits he has to shop in the second tier when it comes to attracting GC riders – with Messrs. Contador, Froome, Quintana and Nibali already under contract.
But Barguil has plenty of talent and is certainly exciting the French with his performances, fresh from finishing 14th at his debut Tour de France.
Eighth at the Vuelta in 2014 and two stage wins in 2013 means much is expected from the 23-year-old, who will have to leave the sprint-laden Giant-Alpecin squad if he wants to achieve it.
Of course, Etixx-QuickStep are also built around their sprinter but even if the rumours of Mark Cavendish leaving prove to be false there is a bit more there for a GC man than at Giant-Alpecin.
RCUK rumour rating: 3/5
Barguil is seemingly a rider with the world at his oyster after an incredibly strong start to his professional career. Etixx-QuickStep could provide the next step but the Frenchman will have to weigh up whether he think he’ll receive the Grand Tour support he needs.