Cycling: Guillaume Martin has reason to be happy: the Frenchman was nominated for the Tour de France by his Wanty-Groupe Gobert team. Even if the 25-year-old himself still keeps his goals under wraps, we will get to see a lot from him on the Tour of France - especially in the mountains.
Guillaume Martin leads his team
The 2018 season is going very well for Guillaume Martin. The Frenchman won the Circuit de la Sarthe and finished third in the Tour du Finistère. Even the Tour de France dress rehearsal at the Critérium du Dauphiné went better than expected. With twelfth place in the overall standings, he also entered the Grand Boucle Ambitions classification. For a few days the wheel philosopher namely be sure: He will be at the start of the Tour de France. His team Wanty-Groupe Gobert announced this in an official press release.
Team press release Wanty Groupe Gobert:
“Guillaume Martin will be our captain. He deserves to be protected, which is why Thomas Degand and Marco Minnaard have also been chosen.”
Looking at the overall standings or stage wins?
A few months ago it was still uncertain that Guillaume Martin would be able to start at the Tour de France. Finally, his team Wanty-Groupe Gobert is not part of the UCI WorldTour teams. The decision was not easy for the organizers in 2018 either. Among other things, the French sprint star Bryan Coquard and his team Vital Concept were left empty-handed. Instead, the decision fell on a Belgian team - with the French climber Guillaume Martin. Not surprising, because Martin, who has just turned 25, is considered a great talent. He also turned 23 last year.
Guillaume Martin:
“My goal in the Tour de France? That will be decided on the evening of the Pavé stage in Roubaix on July 15th. Then I will see where I stand in general and how I feel. It remains to be seen whether I will go for the overall standings or win a stage.”
Après les Alpes, les Pyrénées! Stage altitude/reco @LeTour a la Mongie. Beaux paysages et denivelé ++ au program! @TeamWantyGobert
📸 Coach @freveuchelen pic.twitter.com/t53vJBH8Hl— Guillaume Martin (@GuilmMartin) June 20, 2018