Cycling: Actually, the strongest riders in the world should compete against each other in a Tour de France. But sometimes injuries or alternative team plans prevent a start. The following six riders in particular will unfortunately be missed by cycling fans at the 2019 Tour de France.
John Degenkolb: Not nominated despite stage win
Team Trek – Segafredo has officially announced its squad for the 2019 Tour de France. John Degenkolb is absent. He himself recently announced that his team in France is probably planning without him this year. You want to concentrate fully on classification driver Richie Porte. Unfortunately, John Degenkolb cannot repeat his stage win from the previous year for the time being. The decision of the team management is difficult to understand. After all, Richie Porte has only been able to finish three of his last six Grand Tours. John Degenkolb, on the other hand, could not only have been used as a loyal helper, but also as a possible stage winner.
Tom Dumoulin: Too bad luck for the Dutchman
Tom Dumoulin's exit from the tour came as no surprise. The captain of the German team Sunweb already retired from the Giro d'Italia injured. Still not fully recovered, the Tour de France would just come too soon. The second from last year proves greatness. He realizes that he can't compete with the best at the moment - and therefore prefers to concentrate on the upcoming goals.
Chris Froome: Lucky in Disguise
It's a shame that Chris Froome (Ineos) can't start in the 2019 Tour de France. But considering the circumstances, this must be described as an unimportant trifle. While inspecting the course for the Critérium du Dauphiné time trial, the Briton fell due to a strong gust of wind. Eyewitnesses report a terrifying sight. Daniel Martin stated that at first glance he thought Chris Froome must be dead. But the Brit "only" suffered numerous broken bones. It is logical that he cannot drive the Tour de France 2019. We hope for a full and speedy recovery - and see you again in 2020.
Fernando Gaviria: knee problems after Giro crash
The fans at the Tour de France 2019 also have to do without a top sprinter. Fernando Gaviria (UAE Team Emirates) cannot start. He continues to suffer from knee problems, which he contracted from his fall at the Giro d'Italia. At least he won a stage there. However, his highlight was to be the Tour de France this year. Well - so one hears - the Colombian is preparing for the Vuelta a Espana.
Philippe Gilbert: No tenth tour for the Belgian
When the Deceuninck – Quick-Step team announced their squad mid-week, most pundits were surprised. Philippe Gilbert is missing. The experienced Belgian actually wanted to contest his tenth Tour of France, but the team bosses preferred to nominate others. While it's no shame not to be in the squad for the best team in the world, it's a huge disappointment for Philippe Gilbert. Along with him, many of his fans will also be sad about it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkKdavv812A
Pascal Ackermann: Sagan is the boss on the tour
Pascal Ackermann (Bora - hansgrohe) has never taken part in a Tour de France - and yet we will miss him. After all, the German sprinter has been in excellent shape for over a year. In the meantime he has managed to step out of the shadow of André Greipel and Marcel Kittel. At the Giro d'Italia this year he was able to celebrate his first stage victories in a Grand Tour. It's only a matter of time before we see him like that at the Tour de France.