Tour de France director, Christian Prudhomme, has spoken to German Eurosport this week about cycling in Germany and the Bora – Argon 18 team of Sam Bennett.
He said, “It is impressive what Ralph Denk (team manager) has done. He has built the team up step by step and brought it to a higher level. From our first meeting, we have had a relationship of trust. And he has held up the flag of cycling in Germany in difficult times.”
The professional side of the sport in Germany has struggled in recent years, with teams folding and German TV stopping coverage of the Tour de France. However, Prudhomme has indicated that a number of German cities have expressed interest in hosting Tour stages. He said, “I hope for a return of the Tour to Germany.”
The German market is obviously very important to the Tour de France, and this undoubtedly helps to strengthen Bora’s case for a wildcard entry. Bennett was left out of this year’s Tour team, but if Bora – Argon 18 are selected for the 2015 race, the Carrick-on-Suir man will hopefully be in a better position to be selected.
