9 stages done on the 2015 TDF - Bora Argon 18 Pro Cycling Team Report
On the first rest day, BORA – Argon 18 sees itself on track in his second Tour de France in a row. Despite bad luck with defects, crashes and an infection in the early days, the team around leader Dominik Nerz performs as planned for the targeted placement in the Top20 of the GC. In the Tour’s only bunch sprint, debutant Sam Bennett was able to finish in the Top10. BORA – ARGON 18 was awarded twice with the red number of the most active rider as the only team of the Tour.
"In spite of the defect at the opening time trial and his severe rib injury he suffers from the crash on the third stage, Dominik is completely on track. Just like last year, our goals were to be in the Top30 before the first mountain stages and to limit the gap to the Top10 GC riders to three minutes. Both are achieved. Dominik is currently the best wildcard rider in the overall standings by far", Ralph Denk, Team Manager of BORA – Argon 18, summarizes the first week.
"Now we are heading to the mountains, which suits us more, so that we are optimistic about the Pyrenees and Alps. Of course we hope that Dominik can meet our expectations with the support of the team. It’s noteworthy that Dominik is so well placed despite the impairments. In other words, the form is good as well as the spirit in the team", Denk continues.
Ralph Denk comments the Grand Tour debut of Sam Bennett: "There was actually only one real bunch sprint and Sam immediately sprinted into the Top10, although his preparation wasn’t optimal. After his cold in June, he unfortunately still lacks the substance to sprint for a podium spot. Nevertheless, it’s important for our long-term planning with Sam that he lines-up here. He needs Grand Tour stages in his legs to build the stamina needed for the big races. Each Tour stage that he finishes is an important step for his development."
"On top, we always want to present ourselves in the stages and to animate the race. Jan attacked on the first stages to get rid of the frustration from his crash in the time trial. He brought us the first podium at this year's Tour at the Mur de Huy. Bartosz was even part of two breakaways at the challenging stage to the Mur de Bretagne. He earned our second red number. This is our riding style and I'm hoping for a lot more in the next week!" Ralph Denk sets the objective.