The Tour starts on Saturday with a flat stage in and around Lille, but the first week already includes treacherous stages with short, steep climbs. On day five, a time trial of over thirty kilometers is on the menu.

Team leader Vingegaard sums up the situation: “It’s been a crazy season so far”, he says. “My crash in Paris-Nice changed my build-up, but it only makes me more motivated to go for it here. We have a strong team, so we’re ready and we’ll do everything we can to achieve the highest possible result.” After regaining race sharpness at the Dauphiné and completing multiple altitude training camps, the Dane hopes to return to his top level. “Hopefully, I’ve improved a bit compared to the Dauphiné. I think time will tell.”

This year’s Tour features a few unique challenges that the team must approach strategically. The mountain time trial to Peyragudes at the end of the second week could prove decisive. “But the first time trial can already create big gaps,” says Vingegaard. “Personally, I prefer the mountain time trial—that’s where I can really play to my strengths. I feel stronger than ever. Last year, I was also at a high level, but I had just returned from a serious injury. This year, I’ve gained a bit of muscle strength. The toughest part of this Tour comes in the second half, and I hope to be at my best there to defeat my rivals”, he says, referring to the finishes on climbs like Hautacam, Col de la Loze, and La Plagne.

Alongside Vingegaard, Team Visma | Lease a Bike is counting on Wout van Aert. The versatile Belgian, after a disrupted preparation due to a stomach bug, is primarily focused on stage wins without losing sight of the team’s bigger goal. “I’ve recovered well, but of course it wasn’t ideal”, he says. Still, he sees plenty of opportunities. “The team gives me the freedom to go for stages I’m targeting. The green jersey? I’m putting that aside this year. I enjoy winning individual stages more. I hope to achieve my tenth Tour stage win this year.” Whenever the terrain becomes rolling or selective, Van Aert can be the perfect card to play for a stage victory.

The strength of Team Visma | Lease a Bike lies in the collective, stresses Head of Racing Grischa Niermann. “With these eight very strong riders, we believe in the plan we’ve crafted for the Tour de France. From day one, we need to be there as a team to support Jonas in the general classification,” he says. “There will also be opportunities for different riders to go for stage wins. We’re deliberately focused on ourselves and our own plan. We’ve had a solid preparation and believe that gives us the best chance of achieving our goals.”

Matteo Jorgenson, on the eve of his second Tour de France with the Dutch team, shares his perspective: “My main role is to help Jonas. While doing that, I can also aim for a good position in the general classification myself, although that’s secondary”, says the American.

“I think, like Jonas, I’m also in the form of my life", Jorgenson continues. “In the future, I want to compete for overall victory in a Grand Tour. Every participation is a learning experience. It’s insightful to see how much pressure comes with it. Expectations around me are much lower than for Jonas. I’ll do my job and hope to stand on the top step of the podium with the team at the end. Hopefully, we can really challenge the competition.”

With a strong squad, a carefully crafted plan, and the belief that only collective strength can bring them to Paris in yellow, Team Visma | Lease a Bike is ready for the fight in France.

Want to know more about the Tour de France stages? Click here to read all about it in de stage by stage guide from Domestique. And discover the full startlist here.