The Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka line-up to compete at the 105th Tour de France starting on 7 July has been announced. The team was released via a special video announcement featuring Qhubeka beneficiaries in conjunction with media partner Supersport, at the headquarters of Dimension Data in Johannesburg on Friday.
Mark Cavendish, who has won thirty stages of the event will make his 12th start and will be hoping to add to that tally having tasted success for Team Dimension Data in 2016 winning four times.
The 33-year-old comes into the race after most recently featuring at the Adriatica Ionica Race and will be in Northumberland on Sunday competing at the British Nationals before heading to France.
“The Tour de France is not only the biggest cycling event on the planet but it’s one of the biggest sporting events on the planet; and it’s the best platform to get across what we as Team Dimension Data do for our charity Qhubeka, to get people in rural parts of Africa on bicycles.
“I’m excited to be part of a strong team and I’ll be looking at getting closer to that record (34) of Eddy Merckx.”
Alongside Cavendish will be long-time teammate Australian Mark Renshaw who will be riding the race for the 10th time. Renshaw’s experience, along with Belgium’s Julien Vermote, who has ridden the last three editions of the race, will be crucial in the first week in particular that sees a number of opportunities to contest sprint finishes.
Edvald Boasson Hagen who was the team’s standout performer in 2017, securing a handful of podium finishes including victory on stage 19, starts his eighth Tour de France. The current Norwegian time trial champion adds significant depth to the team’s experience once again.
“I’m really excited to be named in the team for the Tour de France this year. I look forward to the start and am feeling fully prepared for the event ahead,” he said.
South Africa’s Reinardt Janse van Rensburg returns to the race for a fourth time. This comes after a lengthy injury lay-off having only made his return to racing in mid-May.
“I am very excited to be selected as part of this strong team. I had serious doubts about whether I will be back in time from injury for this year for the Tour de France. It’s been a difficult journey, but also gave me a chance to grow stronger as a cyclist and as a person, and now I feel ready to give it my all once more in the Tour,” he said.
“I am confident that with this team we can achieve some stage wins, and I hope to play a key part in that. I will also be looking to be ready for any opportunities that come my way.”
Serge Pauwels rides his fourth consecutive Tour de France having finished in the top 20 twice in the last three years. The 34-year-old Belgian’s been in strong form this year having finished third at the Tour de Yorkshire. While Dutchman Tom-Jelte Slagter will ride the Tour for the first time for Team Dimension Data having produced strong performances at the Tour de Suisse, La Fleche Wallonne and early in the season at the Tour Down Under.
Completing the line-up is South Africa’s Jay Thomson. The 30-year-old makes his Tour de France debut and his selection comes off the back of a very strong 2018.
Thomson said of his selection: “Ever since I can remember I’ve spent hours and days in front of the TV watching heroes being made and guys fighting it out for glory on the roads of France. I’m honoured and proud that this year I’ll be part of the 105th edition of the Tour de France.”
“I’ll be proudly riding with the South African bands on my arm as a previous champion of South Africa, as we look for stage wins throughout this tour, while representing Qhubeka in making lives better for people back in South Africa.”
Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka line-up:
Mark Cavendish
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Mark Renshaw
Reinardt Janse van Rensburg
Serge Pauwels
Julien Vermote
Tom-Jelte Slagter
Jay Thomson
