What to expect this year
Dutch team Argos-Shimano marked their debut at WorldTour level in style last year, with German sprint sensation Marcel Kittel leading the way as their fast men shone on the big stage. Kittel’s four Tour de France stage wins were by far the biggest victories, and the 25-year-old will be desperate to repeat his success this year. He has already targeted a Tour de France stage victory in Harrogate, to repeat his success in last year’s opening stage in Corsica, and could also be a contender for the green jersey having finished fourth last year.
John Degenkolb also picked up a Grand Tour stage win, winning stage five at the Giro d’Italia, while Luka Mezgec finished third on three occasions when the German withdrew from the race. Both Degenkolb and Mezgec, whose sole victory came on the final day of the WorldTour season at the Tour of Beijing, will be keen to rack up more wins this season too. The team still look short on GC contenders however, though Tom Dumoulin showed his all-round strength last season by finishing second in the Eneco Tour. His climbing ability was proved when he topped the mountains classification at the 2.1-ranked Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta Ciclista Del Sol last year, while he also earned ninth place in the flat individual time trial at the Tour de France. At 23 years old, there is certainly more to come from the Dutchman.
Who’s new for 2014?
Dries Devenyns (BEL) from Omega Pharma-Quickstep, Chad Haga (USA) from Team Optum, Sea Keong Loh (MAL) from OCBC Singapore Continental Team, Dann Oliver (NED) from Rabobank Development Team, Lawson Craddock (USA) from Bontrager
Who has left?
Patrick Gretsch (GER) to Ag2r-La Mondiale, Francois Parisien (CAN) retired, Yann Huguet (FRA) retired, William Clarke (AUS) to Drapac
Riders to watch
Marcel Kittel – That Mark Cavendish sees Kittel as his biggest rival tells you all you need to know
John Degenkolb – Finished last season strongly and more than capable of repeating success of 2012
Tom Dumoulin – Still only 23, but with decent climbing ability and a strong time trial he is certainly a contender for the smaller stage races
