John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin)
John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin)
In the shadow of Marcel Kittel at the last two Tours, John Degenkolb has a big opportunity to shine in his own right this year.
Kittel’s injury has opened up an opportunity, and after a fine spring Degenkolb will be keen to peak again and bag a maiden Tour stage win.
Beyond that, Giant-Alpecin have never really challenged for the green jersey – Kittel often opting not to contest the intermediate sprints.
But Degenkolb bagged the points jersey at the Vuelta a Espana last year, where he also won four stages, and has an advantage over Kittel when it comes to his ability over the more difficult terrain.
As Paris-Roubaix champion, he will start the cobbled stage with all eyes on him, while the German showed with his victory on the Hatta Dam at the Dubai Tour that he can sprint on steep hills too.
Degenkolb’s all-round ability appears well-suited to mounting a challenge for the green jersey but Kristoff and Cavendish both possess a more powerful sprint, as does Andre Greipel.
If weight of stage wins comes into it, given the change in how points are allocated this year, it may mean Degenkolb missing out on a second Grand Tour points jersey.
Form guide
Tour de France stage wins: none
2015 wins: Dubai Tour (one stage); Milan-San Remo; Paris-Roubaix; Bayern-Rundfahrt (two stages, points classification)