ASO, the organisers of the Tour de France have chosen the wildcard teams that will take part in the 103rd edition of the race.
Three of the entries have been awarded to the French teams Cofidis, Direct Energie and Fortuneo-Vital Concept, with Bora Argon 18 of Germany also getting an entry.
The race starts in Utrecht on Saturday July 2nd, before returning to France where it will first visit the Manche Department in the North of the country.
The statement from ASO read as follows:
In accordance with Union Cycliste Internationale rules, the following eighteen teams UCI WorldTeam are automatically invited to the race:
AG2R La Mondiale (Fra)
Astana Pro Team (Kaz)
BMC Racing Team (USA)
Cannondale Pro Cycling Team (USA)
Dimension Data (RSA)
Etixx – Quick Step (Bel)
FDJ (Fra)
IAM Cycling (Sui)
Lampre – Merida (Ita)
Lotto Soudal (Bel)
Movistar Team (Esp)
Orica GreenEDGE (Aus)
Team Giant – Alpecin (Ger)
Team Katusha (Rus)
Team Lotto NL – Jumbo (Nld)
Team Sky (GBR)
Tinkoff (Rus)
Trek – Segafredo (USA)
In addition to these eighteen teams, the organisers have awarded the following wildcards:
Bora – Argon 18 (Ger)
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits (Fra)
Direct Energie (Fra)
Fortuneo – Vital Concept (Fra)
