2012 Rider Bios
Omega Pharma – Quickstep
Tony MARTIN (GER, 27): The inaugural winner and returning champion of the Tour of Beijing. A supreme time-trialler, Martin is the current and consecutive world time trial champion having also won in 2011. Despite suffering a broken wrist in the prologue of the 2012 Tour de France, Martin claimed the silver medal at the London Olympic Games just weeks later.
Marco BANDIERA (ITA 28): A valued domestique in the Omega Pharma-Quickstep line up, Bandiera puts in the hard yards for the success of the team. Won the mountains classification at the Tour of Turkey this year.
Daio CATALDO (ITA, 27): Current Italian time trial champion, Cataldo won the under 23 Giro (Baby Giro) in 2006 and secured his maiden WorldTour victory, winning stage 16 at this years Vuelta a Espana.
Francesco CHICCHI (ITA, 31): Under 23 world road race champion in 2002, Chicchi’s success in recent years has materialised from sprint stage wins include the Tour of Denmark, Tour of Qatar and at the Tirreno-Adriatico.
Andrew FENN (GBR, 22): A junior track cyclist, Fenn first turned his attention to the road in 2010. At just 22 years of age, the British rider has shown plenty of promise finishing third in the under 23 road race at the 2011 world championships
Iljo KEISSE (BEL, 29): A keen track cyclist, Keisse is famous for his achievements in the six-day events including the six days of Gent, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and more. In 2012 he conquers the six days of Copenhagen and a stage of the Tour of Denmark on the road.
Frantisek RABON (CZE, 28): An established time trial rider, Rabon held supreme in the Czech Republic national championships in the three years from 2008 and 2010. In his first of a two year contract with Omega, Rabon won the ITT at the Tour de l’Ain and was runners up in his national road race championships.
Julien VERMONTE (BEL, 23): A product of his teams development program, Vermote was promoted to the professional ranks in 2011. In 2012, as a young rider, he won overall victory in the Driedaagse van West Vlaanderen.
AG2R La Mondiale
Romain BARDET (FRA, 21): A neo-pro, Bardet has already distinguished himself in his debut season. He has performed strongly in several races including the Tour of Turkey where he displayed his skill in attacking climbing and finished fifth overall.
Mikaël Emmanuel CHEREL (FRA, 21): A professional rider since 2007, Cherel is a strong climber whose reputation continues to grow. In 2011 he finished second on stage three of the Tour de Romandie and in 2012 he finished third on stage three of the Volta a Catalunya.
Sylvain GEORGES (FRA, 28): A climbing and time trial specialist who joined AG2R La Mondiale in 2012. This year he won stage 6 at the Tour of California. Other notable results include finishing first overall in the Rhône-Alpes Isère Tour and winning the GP Plumelec-Morbihan, both in 2011.
Steve HOUNARD (FRA, 26): Turned professional in 2009 Hounard has GrandTour experience riding the 2011 Vuelta a Espana, this season the 26 year old finished 22nd at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec. Hounard single tour victory came at the Trophee des Champions in 2008.
Lloyd MONDORY (FRA, 30): Winning the Tour de Suisse and a stage of the Etoile de Bessèges in 2011, Lloyd Mondory continues to build on his successful career. Other highlights include finishing second in the GP de la Somme in 2011 and first in the French National Cup in 2006.
Rinaldo NOCENTINI (ITA, 34): A specialist of the classics Nocentini in his first Tour de France (2009) held the yellow jersey for 9 days after a stage 7 victory, finally finishing 14th overall. In 2012 Nocentini finished 4thoverall at the Tirreno-Adriatico.
Jean-Christophe PERAUD (FRA, 35): A former mountain bike rider who turned professional in 2010. Capped off an impressive first year riding for AG2R La Mondiale with a 10th placing in the Tour de France in 2011. He has also won the French Time Trial Championships and finished second in the 2011 Tour Méditerranéen and 2nd place on stage 12 at 2012 Tour de France.
Astana Pro Team
Assan BAZAYEV (KAZ, 31): Has ridden professionally with the Astana Pro Team since 2007 and is a two-time Kazakh national road race champion (2008 & 2010). Bazayev finished 8th at 2010 UCI Road World Championships in Melbourne, Australia and is no stranger to riding in Asia, winning the Asian Cycling Championships individual time trail in 2004. Bazayev was a member of the Kazakhstan 2012 London Olympic Games road race and individual time trial team.
Francesco GAVAZZI (ITA, 28): Won the Italian U23 national road championships and finished 4th at the U23 world road championships in Salzburg, Austria in 2006. Gavazzi joined Lampre-ISD full time in 2007, producing 3rd place stage finishes at the Giro d’italia, Tour of Suisse and Vuelta al Pais Vasco. Having ridden all three grand tour events including a stage win at the 2011 Vuelta a Espana, Gavazzi joined Astana Pro Team in 2012.
Andriy CRIVKO (UKR, 29): Current Ukrainian road race and time trial world champion, finished 8th at the 2011 Tour of Beijing.
Dmitriy GRUZDEV (KAZ, 26): Current national time trial champion and silver medalist at the Asian Games. Finished second overall at the 2011 Tour of Qinghai Lake.
Jacopo GUARNIERI (ITA, 24): A former Italian junior track points race and madison champion (2005) turned professional in 2007 with Liquigas before joining Astana Pro Team this year. Guarnieri’s major achievements include stage wins at the Tour de Pologne and Circuit Franco-Belge.
Maxim IGLINSKIY (KAZ, 31): Turned professional in 2005 and rode with Team Milram in 2006 before joining Astana Pro Team in 2007. The Kazakh is a former national time trial (2006) and road race (2007) champion. A stage winner at Critérium du Dauphiné and Tour de Romandie, Iglinskiy claimed the biggest win of his career at this year’s Liege-Bastogne-Liege, upsetting a host of favourites at the world’s oldest one-day race covering 257.5km.
Valentin IGLINSKIY (KAZ, 28): Younger brother of teammate Maxim, two-time winner of the Tour of Hainan.
Tanel KANGERT (EST, 25): 2012 national road race champion and stage winner at the Tour de Suisse. Two-time national time trial champion (2008 & 2010).
BMC Racing
Stephen CUMMINGS (GBR, 31): Since winning silver on the track at the 2004 Olympic Games, Cummings has successfully turned his attention to the road. His impressive list of achievements include winning stage three of the 2011 Volta ao Algarve, finishing second overall in the 2011 Tour of Britain and finishing fourth overall at the 2011 Tour of Beijing. In 2012 Cummings had his biggest success taking out stage 13 of the Vuelta a Espana.
Mathias FRANK (SUI, 25): Frank has ridden in two straight Giros and in 2012 also rode in the Vuelta a Espana. Career highlights include winning both the mountain and points classification in the 2010 Tour de Suisse as well as winning the Swiss rider classification in the same tour in 2012.
Martin KOHLER (SUI, 27): Reigning Swiss road race champion and the 2011 Swiss time-trial champion, Kohler is one of his nation’s strongest riders. In 2011 he wore the king of the mountains jersey for two days at the Giro d’Italia.
Klaas LODEWYCK (BEL, 24): Turned professional in 2009 and has steadily improved since then. In 2011 he achieved six top ten finishes and rode in the Giro d’Italia. In 2012 he rode the Vuelta a Espana and won the most combative rider jersey in the Tour of Oman.
Taylor PHINNEY (USA, 22): A world champion on the track, Phinney has been riding professionally on the road since 2011 where he specialises in time trials and day classics. Won the individual time trial of the Giro d’Italia and wore the leader’s jersey for three days, was U23 world time trial champion in 2010 and finished second in the recent 2012 senior world time trial championships.
Mauro SANTAMBROGIC (ITA, 27): Santambrogio is an Italian rider who turned professional in 2004. In 2012 he rode in both the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a Espana where he finished eighth on stage six. Career highlights include finishing sixth overall in the 2011 Tour of Austria and second in the 2011 Italian Road Race Championships. In 2009 he won the Tre Valli Varesine race.
Daniel WYSS (SUI, 27): Professional rider since 2008. Finished 3rd in the junior Paris-Roubaix in 2007. Competed at the Giro d’Italia in 2010 and 2011.
Euskaltel – Euskadi
Igor ANTON (ESP, 29): Finished 9th overall at 2012 Vuelta a Espana, his second best grand tour performance following an 8th placed finish in the same event in 2007. A four-time Vuelta a Espana stage winner and 2011 Giro d’Italia stage winner.
Peio BILBAO (ESP, 22): Joined Euskatel-Euskadi in 2011, still searching for first professional victory.
Mikel LANDA (ESP, 22): A professional since 2009, won first race in 2011 at the Vuelta Ciclista Burgos. Finish second in the Spanish one-day GP Miguel Indurain race in 2012.
Miguel MINGUEZ (ESP, 24): A two-time Giro d’Italia rider who transitioned from pro continental outfit Orbea. Still looking for first professional victory.
Mikel NEIVE (ESP, 28): Won stage 16 of 2010 Vuelta a Espana and finished 12th overall, also won stage 15 of 2011 Giro d’Italia and finished 11th overall and 4th in mountains classification. Finished 10th overall in 2012 Giro d’Italia.
Samuel SANCHEZ (ESP, 34): 2008 Olympic Games gold medallist in the road race. Tour de France: won the 2011 mountains classification and stage 12 in 2011, best finish is 4th overall in 2010. Vuelta a Espana: has won 5 stages, best finish is 2nd overall in 2009. Withdrew from 2012 Tour de France after a heavy crash on stage 8.
Ivan VELASCO (ESP, 32): An experienced rider with valuable grand tour experience under his belt. Will be vital in team’s general classification and stage victory hopes.
Gorka VERDUGO (ESP, 33): A reliable team player, Verdugo has raced the Tour de France on an impressive six occasions, but his best grand tour result came in this year’s Vuelta a Espana where he finished 11th.
FDJ – Big Mat
David BOUCHER (FRA, 32): Riding professionally since 2004, Boucher has become a vital part of the FDJ-Big Mat team. In 2012 he has ridden in several important races including the Vuelta a Espana and the Tour de Wallonie.
Anthony GESLIN (FRA, 32): Geslin is a sprinter who has been riding professionally since 2002. In 2012 he finished sixth in the Tour du Limousin and his career has included many strong rides in races such as the Tour de Wallonie, the Milan-San Remo and the Tour de France.
Matthieu LADAGNOUS (FRA, 27): A talented track and road cyclist who has ridden professionally since 2006, Ladagnous has performed on some of the sport’s biggest stages. In 2012 he won the most combative award in stage five of the Tour de France and also finished 12th in Paris-Roubaix. Another highlight of his career was finishing first overall in the 2007 Four Days of Dunkirk.
Dominique ROLLIN (CAN, 29): Rollin is a Canadian sprinter who won the National Road Race Championships in 2006. He signed with FDJ Big Mat in 2011 and has ridden in some of the world’s most prestigious races including the Tour of Flanders, the Milan-San Remo and the Giro d’Italia.
Anthony ROUX (FRA, 25): Since 2008 Roux has ridden professionally. He is a skilled and aggressive racer and in 2012 won the combativity award on stage two of the Tour de France. Other career highlights include finishing second in the 2011 National Championships and winning stage 17 of the 2009 Vuelta a Espana.
Jeremy ROY (FRA, 29): Roy is a highly competitive French rider who has been a professional since 2003. A career highlight was winning the super combativity award in the 2011 Tour de France on the back of a series of audacious attacks. Roy won stage five of the Paris-Nice in 2009 and in 2012 finished second overall in the Tour du Limousin.
Jussi VEIKKANEN (FIN, 31): Veikkanen began riding professionally in 2005 and is a five-time Finish National Road Race Champion. He has ridden in several World Tour races in 2012 including the Giro d’Italia. Highlights of his career include wearing the mountains classification jersey for four stages of the 2009 Tour de France, winning stage two of the Tour Méditerranéen in 2010 and riding in the 2012 London Olympics.
Garmin – Sharp
Thomas DEKKER (NED, 28): A two-time national time trial champion (2004 & 2005) and winner of the 2006 Tirreno–Adriatico and 2007 Tour of Romandie. Has had a reasonably quiet 2012 in his first year with Garmin-Sharp.
Heinrich HAUSSLER (AUS, 28): Won the points classification at this year’s Paris-Nice to go with his stage victories in the 2009 Tour de France and 2005 Vuelta a Espana. Was a German junior national time-trial champion, but was born in Australia and has since ridden for Australia in senior world championships. Best result in 2012 was a 3rd at the GP Ouest France.
Ryder HESJEDAL (CAN, 31): Became the first ever Canadian grand tour winner when he won the Giro d’Italia in the final stage time trial earlier this year. Finish 2nd in the Amstel Gold Race and 3rd at the GP Montreal in 2010. Was nominated as the team’s designated leader for the 2012 Tour de France but was forced to withdraw due to injuries from a crash on stage 6.
Alexander HOWES (USA, 24): A talented young rider, Alex Howes’ career highlights to date include winning the USA under 23 national championships road race and criterium in 2009, placing fourth overall in the 2011 Tour de Beauce and being part of a team time trial victory in stage two of the Tour of Utah.
Daniel MARTIN (IRL, 26): Having ridden professionally since 2007, Martin has enjoyed success in some of the tour’s biggest races. In 2011 he won stage 9 of the Vuelta a Espana and finished 8th in the Tour de France time trial. He has also won the Tour de Pologne in 2010 and was the Irish road race champion in 2008.
Christophe LEMEVEL (FRA, 32): Will be the final race for Lemevel for Garmin-Sharp who will join Cofidis in 2013. Career highlights include a stage win at the Giro d’Italia in 2005 and a top ten finish at the Tour de France in 2009.
Johan VANSUMMEREN (BEL, 31): Winner of the 2011 Paris-Roubaix, 2007 Tour of Pologne and 2006 sprint classification at the Tour of Britain.
Fabian WEGMANN (GER, 32): Germany’s current national road race champion who also won the national title in 2007. Also has number of top ten finishes including eighth at the Amstel Gold Race. Just signed for a further two years with Garmin.
Katusha Team
Maxim BELKOV (RUS, 27): Won the sprint classification at the Tour of Turkey in his debut season for Katusha in 2012. Considered as more established time trialler and climber.
Vladimir GUSEV (RUS, 30): Turning professional in 2004, Gusev is a former Russian time trial champion and in 2007 claimed a stage win and won the mountain classification at the Tour de Suisse. After leaving Astana in 2008, the Russian did not race professionally for two years before joining Katusha in 2010.
Marco HALLER (AUT, 21): Third in 2009 and 5th in 2011 under 23 road race world championships, Haller is a young sprinter and in the making to become a key lead out for the Katusha Team.
Petr INGNATENKO (RUS, 25): Sprint and mountain classification winner at the 2012 Tour of Romandie, finish 9th overall at Tour of Austria this year.
Mikhail IGNATYEV (RUS, 27): A former junior world champion on the track and 2004 Olympic Games points race gold medalist, Ignatyev is regarded as a bold and aggressive rider who can often be found in the breakaway
Timofey KRITSKIY (RUS, 25): Returned to cycling after a two-year layoff with a serious leg injury as a result of a crash in 2009. Won two stages of the Tour of Bulgaria in 2011.
Aleksandr PORSEV (RUS, 26): Second year as a professional and best results are a 3rd on stage 3 of the 2011 Tour of Mediterranean and 2nd on stage 2 of the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen.
Rudiger SELIG (GER, 23): First full year as a professional after joining Leopard Trek as a stagiaire in 2011. Finished 4th in the 2011 under 23 road race world championships.
Alexey TCATEVICH (RUS, 23): A successful under 23 rider now making the transition to senior racing. Won the GP Nogent-sur-Oise and stages of the GP Credito Agricola and Tour Alsace in 2011.
Lampre – ISD
Grega BOLE (SLO, 27): Turning professional in 2008, the 2011 Slovenia National road champion is a stage winner at the Critérium du Dauphiné, Tour of Slovenia and represented Slovenia in this years Olympic Men’s Road Race.
Davide CIMOLAI (ITA, 23): A star on the track, winning the Italian madison and scratch National championships in 2011, switched from Liquigas to Lampre – ISD in 2012, this seasons highlight was a 7th place in stage 3 at the Critérium du Dauphiné.
Adriano MALORI (ITA, 24): A time-trial specialist, was under 23 time trial world champion of in 2008 and Italian time trial Champion in 2011. Has had two victories in his career and spent a day as the leader of Giro d’Italia.
Manuele MORI (ITA, 32): Turned professional in 2002 and joined Lampre full time in 2009, career highlights include winning the 2007 Japan Cup, 2nd on stage 7 in 2006 Eneco Tour and 4th on stage 12 in the 2006 Giro d’Italia.
Alessandro PETACCHI (ITA, 38): Sprint specialist that has won multiple Grand Tour stages, including the point’s classification in the Giro d’Italia (2004), Vuelta a España (2005) and Tour de France (2010). The Italian turned professional in 1996 and joined Lampre in 2010 after time with LPR Brakes-Ballan, Team Milram and Fassa Bortolo.
Daniele PIETROPOLLI (ITA, 32): Usually he commits to the early part of the season, but this year is well positioned to win in the final race. Has nine successes in his career.
Morris POSSONI (ITA, 28): Pure climber that has not yet lived the joy of a victory as pro. After an experience in Team Sky, he has again joined Team Lampre, that launched him in the pro world in 2006.
Davide VIGANO (ITA, 28): Pilot of Petacchi, his main skill his is to support the leader in the approach of the sprints. Two team time trial victories in his palmares.
Liquigas – Cannondale
Eros CAPECCHI (ITA, 26): 2011 Giro d’Italia stage winner with overall victories in Euskal Bizikleta and Gran Premio di Lugano. Will join Movistar in 2013.
Mauro DA DALTO (ITA, 31): Moved from Lampre for the 2011 season and at his best climbing over long distances. A professional since 2006.
Tiziano DALL’ANTONIA (ITA, 29): The Italian U23 time-trial champion in 2005, he has had solid performances in his home grand tour, winning the team-time-trial in 2010 and finishing 3rd individually on stage 18.
Moreno MOSER (ITA, 21): Experienced his first WorldTour victory at the Tour of Pologne this year which joins further 2012 victories at Trofeo Laigueglia and Eschborn-Frankfurt City Loop.
Maciej PATERSKI (POL, 25): Ridden the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana, still looking for first WorldTour victory, likely to come in a sprint finish.
Daniele RATTO (ITA, 22): Professional since 2010, riding first year with Liquigas-Cannondale. Top-20 finish in San Sebastian and rode Vuelta a Espana this year.
Cristiano SALERNO (ITA, 27): Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana rider in 2012, won Tour of Japan in 2010
Elia VIVIANI (ITA, 23): Winner of stage 4 Tour of Beijing last year and also won 2 stages of inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge in 2011. In 2012 has had victories at the Giro della Provincia di Reggio Calabria and Gran Premio della Costa Etruschi. Finished 2nd on stage 7 of the Vuelta a Espana.
Lotto Belisol Team
Kenny DEHAES (BEL, 27): Riding professionally since 2006, Dehaes has won stage one of the Tour of Belgium in 2008 and also stage one of the Four Days of Dunkirk. Other career highlights include winning the points classification for the Tour de Picardie in 2011 and winning the Schaal Sels race in 2007.
Gert DOCKX (BEL, 24): Dockx is a 24 year old Belgian who has been riding professionally since 2009. In 2012 he has ridden as a support rider in the Criterium du Dauphine, the Tour of Romandie and the Eneco Tour among other events.
Adam HANSEN (AUS, 31): Hansen is a domestique rider who often sacrifices his own performances for the good of the team. In 2012 he achieved a grand tour treble, riding in the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana; a feat accomplished by only 32 riders in the history of cycling. His career highlights also include winning the Australian National Time Trial Championships in 2008 and finishing first overall in the Ster Elektrotoer race in 2010.
Gregory HENDERSON (NZL, 35): Henderson is a New Zealand track cycling champion who since 2006 has been plying his trade on the road. His career highlights include winning the points classification on the Tour of Georgia in 2005 and 2008, and winning stage three of the Vuelta a Espana in 2009. In 2012 Henderson won stage one of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic and rode in the Tour de France.
Maarten NEYENS (BEL, 29): Riding professionally since 2008, Neyens’ career highlights include finishing second in the Beverbeek Classic and the Profronde van Fryslan races in 2009. In 2012 he has ridden in the Paris-Nice, Tour of Romandie and Eneco Tour races among others.
Mehdi SOHRABI (IRI, 30): Sohrabi is a multiple Iranian national champion and has been riding professionally since 2005. He won the Asian cycling championships road race in 2010 and in his first year in Europe has ridden in events such as the 2012 Tour de Suisse and the Tour of Cataluña.
Joost VAN LEIJEN (NED, 28): In 2012 Joost van Leijen rode in the Vuelta a Espana. His career highlights include winning the Musterland Giro in 2010, finishing second overall in the Tour de Wallonie in 2011 and finishing sixth overall in the 2006 Eneco Tour.
Tim WELLENS (BEL, 21): In his first year as a professional rider, Wellens already has three race wins. He was victorious in the Brustem-St-Truiden, Polleur and Testrit Gingelom-Borlo races.
Movistar Team
Juan JOSE COBO (ESP, 31): The highly decorated Cobo won stage 10 of the Tour de France in 2008, finished third in the Vuelta a Burgos in 2011 and most notably won the Vuelta a Espana in 2011. In 2012 he again rode in the Tour de France and the Vuelta.
Rui COSTA (POR, 25): A versatile rider who has found himself on the podium on multiple occasions in 2012 finishing 1st at the Tour of Suisse, 2nd at the GP Ouest France – Plouay and 3rd at the Tour of Romandie and GP Québec. A stage winner at the 2011 Tour de France and 2011 GP Montreal.
Jose Ivan GUTIERREZ (ESP, 33): The only Spanish rider to win the world under 23 time trial world championship who also has a silver medal in the senior title (2005). A four-time national time trial champion and 2010 road race champion.
Jesus HERRADA (ESP, 22): A young rider with a bright future according to his team. A two-time Spanish junior time trial champion and also in the under 23 ranks. Won stage two of the Vuelta a Asturias and finished 6th in the senior time trial national championships in 2012.
Ignatas KONOVALOVAS (LTU, 26): Four-time Lithuanian time trial champion, 2009 Giro d’Italia stage winner.
Pablo LASTRAS (ESP, 36): A veteran of 14 years as a professional rider, Lastras is one of the few in the peloton who can claim to have won a stage in each of the three grand tours. Other notable performances include winning stages of the Tour de Suisse, the Eneco Tour and the Volta a Portugal.
Enrique SANZ UNZUE (ESP, 22): One of the few riders to have won a stage in his neo-pro year, Enrique Sanz Unzue looks to be a rider of the future. He won stage two of the Vuelta a la Com. de Madrid in 2011 and in 2012 he has finished second in the Vuelta a Castilla y León and third in the Circuito de Getxo.
Francisco Javier IRIARTE (ESP, 25): Joined Movistar in 2011, still searching for first WorldTour victory.
Orica – GreenEDGE
Simon CLARKE (AUS, 26): Rode his first grand tour as part of the Orica-GreenEDGE line-up at the 2012 Vuelta a Espana. In a most successful debut, Clarke took out victory of stage 4 and in the overall mountains classification. Other career highlights include finishing second overall in the 2012 Tour of Norway and finishing on the podium twice at the 2012 Vuelta a Burgos.
Allan DAVIS (AUS, 32): 2010 Commonwealth Games Road Race gold medallist. Won the Tour de Pologne points classification in both 2008 and 2010 and managed 2nd on stage two of the 2012 Vuelta a Espana.
Mitchell DOCKER (AUS, 25): Although he suffered a setback at the start of 2012 when a crash disrupted his season, Docker is a rider with immense talent and potential. His career highlights include finishing 6th in the 2011 Gent-Wevelgem race and riding in the 2012 Vuelta a Espana.
Leigh HOWARD (AUS, 22): A track world champion turned road cyclist, Howard tasted victory with a win on stage four of the Tour of Oman in 2010. A highlight of 2012 was a stage win at the Tour of Britain ahead of Mark Cavendish.
Aidis KRUOPIS (LTU, 25): Won his first stage of a WorldTour event at the 2012 Tour de Pologne. The Lithuanian has also won the points classification of the Tour du Poitou-Charentes and stage three of the Tour of Norway.
Christian MEIER (CAN, 26): An all-round rider, Meier finish second at the 2012 national time trial championships, was the 2008 Canadian road champion, and won the sprint classification at the 2010 Volta a Catalunya. Amongst his 2012 results is a 3rd at the Tour de Beauce.
Wesley SULZBERGER (AUS, 25): Since finishing second in the 2007 under 23 Road World Championships, Sulzberger’s career has grown steadily. He has won stages of the Giro delle Regioni and Tour of Japan in 2008, the Paris – Corrèze in 2009 and in 2010 won the GP de Plumelec-Morbihan.
Rabobank Cycling Team
Jetse BOL (NED, 23): Two-time Olympia Tour winner (2009, 2011)
Theo BOS (NED, 29): A former track cycling star, Theo Bos has continued to be successful since his move to professional road cycling in 2009. In 2011 he won stages one and three of the Tour of Oman. He has won stages one and eight in the 2012 Tour of Turkey and was victorious in stage three of the 2012 Eneco Tour; his first ProTour win.
Jos VAN EMDEN (NED, 25): In 2010 Jos Van Emden had a breakout year, winning three time trials consecutively, including the Dutch National Championships. Since then the prologue specialist has continued his strong form placing fifth overall in the 2011 Eneco Tour.
Juanma GARATE (ESP, 36): Stage winner and mountains classification winner at the 2006 Giro d’Italia, 2009 Tour de France stage winner
Steven: 2009 under 23 Dutch road race champion and finished third at the 2011 Tour de Suisse
Tom-Jelte SLAGTER (NED, 23): Winning the under 23 Dutch Road Race Championships, Tom-Jelte Slagter is a climber full of potential. After a string of impressive results in under 23 competitions, he appears ready to take the next step, finishing fourth in the 2012 Tour of Oman.
Maarten TJALLINGII (NED, 34): Finished third at the 2011 Paris-Roubaix and won the 2006 Tour of Belgium. Started the 2012 Tour de France but retired hurt after stage 3.
Maarten WIJNANTS (BEL, 30): In his second year riding for Rabobank, Maarten Wynants produced a credible 10th place finish in the iconic Paris-Roubaix day race. Another highlight for the selfless Wynants was the combativity award in stage one of the 2010 Tour de France.
Radioshack – Nissan
Jan Jozef BAKELANTS (BEL, 26): Since being voted the best young rider on tour in 2008, Jan Bakelants has continued to improve as a cyclist. Highlights to date include Aggressive rides in the 2011 Vuelta a Espana and Giro d’Italia (where he finished fourth on stage 17), finishing sixth overall in the 2010 Tour de Wallonie and placing sixth overall in the 2012 Tour Down Under.
Daniele BENNATI (ITA, 31): Daniele Bennati is one of the fastest men on two wheels, being one of the few riders to have won sprint stages on all three Grand Tours. In 2007 he won the points classification of the Vuelta a Espana and in 2008 he won the points classification of the Giro d’Italia. His form has not dropped away since these victories, and in 2012 he won stage 18 of the Vuelta.
George BENNET (NZL, 22): One of the youngest riders in the peloton, George Bennett is a specialist climber with a lot of potential. Highlights to date include winning the young rider jersey in the Ronde de l’Isard race in 2010, winning the 2011 Tour of Wellington and helping his team to victory in the 2012 Tour of Utah where he finished 14th overall.
Benjamin KING (USA, 23): Ben King is a talented young rider who has already secured a USA national road race championship (2010). A breakthrough moment occurred in 2011 when he finished 12th in the Tour of Beijing and won the young rider’s jersey. In 2012 he finished sixth on stage seven of the Tour of Austria.
Hayden ROULSTON (NZL, 31): The 2011 New Zealand national road race champion is one of his nation’s most successful riders. Hayden Roulston has finished 10th in the 2010 Paris-Roubaix, finished third on stage 14 of the 2009 Tour de France and won the 2010 Tour of Southland. Hayden has also won a silver and bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics on the track.
Jesse SERGENT (NZL, 24): After earning a professional contract at the start of 2011, Jesse Sergent has surprised many with a series of incredible results. In 2011 he won stage four of the Eneco Tour and had overall victories in the Three Days of West Flanders and Tour du Poitou-Charentes. In 2012 he won an Olympic bronze on the track in the team pursuit and finished third in the Giro d’Italia Individual Time Trial.
Andy SCHLECK (LUX, 27): Two time (2009 & 2011) runner up at the Tour de France and was awarded the 2010 Tour de France retrospectively. Schleck had his 2012 season disrupted and the German missed out on the Tour de France, Olympics and Vuelta a Espana after sustaining an injury at the Criterium de Dauphine.
Haimar ZUBELDIA (ESP, 35): Haimar Zubeldia is an incredibly consistent all round rider who can win in the mountains and also time-trial strongly. He has placed in the top 10 in five grand tours, most recently in the 2012 Tour de France where he finished sixth overall. Other career highlights include winning the 2010 Tour de l’Ain and winning the Euskal Bizikleta in 2000.
Sky Procycling
Alex DOWSETT (GBR, 23): In only his second year as a professional rider Dowsett already has a string of imposing results. He won the British Time Trial Championships in 2011 and also won stage five of the Tour du Poitou-Charentes (finishing second overall). 2011 also brought him his first podium in a WorldTour race finishing third in stage one of the Tour of Beijing.
Salvatore PUCCIO (ITA, 23): His first year as a professional rider, Puccio has impressed competing in the Liege-Bastogne-Liege, the Criterium International and finishing third on stage five of the Tour de Suisse. In 2011 he showed his potential winning the prestigious under 23 Tour of Flanders.
Luke ROWE (GBR, 22): Distinguished at junior level, winning the ZLM Tour twice in three years and finishing in the top 10 in the 2010 Commonwealth Games Road Race, Rowe is enjoying his first year as a professional rider. He has competed in the 2012 Tour of Oman, Criterium International and Tour de Suisse among other events.
Edvald BOASSON HAGEN (NOR, 25): Experienced beyond his years, the Norwegian is a Tour de France and Giro d’Italia stage winner, five time Norwegian national time trial champion, two time Eneco Tour winner and this year won the Norwegian road race championships, GP Ouest France – Plouay and finished second at the recent 2012 road race World Championships.
Christopher SUTTON (AUS, 28): In 2005 Sutton won the Australian U23 national road race championship, in the same year he turned professional. Sutton’s first major victory came in 2008 as member of Garmin-Chipotle-H30 team that won the Giro d’Italia opening stage team time trial. In 2011 Sutton secured his biggest win to-date with stage 2 honours at the Vuelta a Espana.
Saxo Bank – Tinkoff Bank
Manuele BOARO (ITA, 23): The Italian is a former junior national time trial champion (2005) and came 2nd at 2011 national championships. Joining Saxo Bank – Tinkoff Bank in 2011 Boaro will work to support the team’s ambitions of stage honours.
Mads CHRISTENSEN (DEN, 28): With no time trial at this year’s edition of the Tour of Beijing, Christensen will be vital through the mountain stages. The Danish rider won the mountains classification at this years Tour of the Basque Country and recently finished 7th overall at the Clasica de San Sebastian.
Lucas Sebastian HAEDO (ARG, 29): A former track rider, the Argentine is a known sprint specialist often used as lead out man for older brother Juan Jose. Haedo will be crucial to the team’s chances in a bunch sprint on the flat stages.
Anders LUND (DEN, 27): Regarded as a great all-round rider, the 2003 U19 world road race runner up will be looking for his first WorldTour victory and will consider himself a good chance at stage honours.
Rafal MAJKA (POL, 23): The young Polish rider turned professional in 2011 and in his first season gained GrandTour experience at the Vuelta a Espana. At this year’s edition Majka finished 32nd overall.
Jaroslaw MARYCZ (POL, 25): In 2009 Marycz won the Polish U23 time trial and finished 2nd at the European U23 road racing championships. Strong across all disciplines, will play an important role to support the overall ambitions of team leader Rafal Majka’s general classification hopes.
David TANNER (AUS, 27): The Australian turned pro in 2009, is a stage and sprint classification winner at the Tour of Utah. Will be crucial to team hopes of stage victories.
Vacansoleil – DCM Pro Cycling Team
Johnny HOOGERLAND (NED, 29): Winner of the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen in 2009, the Dutch climber in 2010 won the King of the Mountains at the Tour of Britain and Tour de Pologne and in 2011 wore the maillot à pois in the Tour de France on stages 6-7 and 9-11. In 2012 he finished fifth overall at the Tirreno-Adriatico.
Pim LIGTHART (NED, 24): Turned professional in 2011 and has grand tour experience riding the Vuelta a Espana. In 2009 won stage two at the Tour de Moselle and in 2011 won the Dutch national road race championship.
Bert-Jan LINDEMAN (NED, 23): Joined Vacansoleil-DCM in 2011 as a apprentice and this season signed a full time professional two-year contract. He secured his first win with the team at this years Ronde van Drenthe and won the mountain classification at the Etoile de Besseges.
Barry MARKUS (NED, 21): Young sprinter finished second at the 2009 Junior European road championships. This season Markus finished second at the Dwars door Drenthe and seventh on stage one at the Tour of Britain.
Kenny VAN HUMMEL (NED, 29): Turned professional in 2006 with Skil-Shimano and in 2009 came second in the Dutch national road race champions and in the same year raced at the Tour de France. In 2010 the sprinter won stages at the Tour de Picardie and Tour of Belgium. In 2011 Van Hummel won the Ronde van Drenthe and stage eight at the Tour of Turkey. In 2012 Van Hummel finished third at the Kuune-Brussels-Kuune classic.
Tomasz MARCZYNSKI (POL, 28): Became a full-time professional in 2006 with Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini Docce Polish and went on to be Polish national road race and time trial champion in 2011. In 2012 won the mountains classification at the Vuelta a Murcia and Tour de Pologne, the sprint classification at the Volta a Catalunya and finished 13th overall at the Vuelta a Espana.
Frederik VEUCHELEN (BEL, 34): Turned professional in 2004 and in 2010 finished third at the Belgium national road race championships. In 2011 rode the Giro d’Italia and this year won the mountains classification at Paris-Nice and finished sixth overall at the Etoile de Bessèges.
Champion System Pro Cycling Team
Clinton AVERY (NZL, 24): The 2007 New Zealand national mountain bike champion converted to the road in 2010 riding as a stagiere for Team RadioShack, but it was until the end of 2011 he would sign a deal to join Champion System as a full time professional. In 2012 Avery won the Basking Ridge and finished third at the Kortemark in Belgium.
Chris BUTLER (USA, 24): Started his professional career with BMC Racing before making the switch to Champion System in 2012. Butler has GrandTour experience riding in the 2011 Giro d’Italia. In 2012 Butler finished fifth overall at the Tour of Japan.
Kun JIANG (CHN, 25): In 2010 finished ninth at the Tour de Korea, third on stage 1 at the Tour of Qinghai Lake. Join Champion System in 2012 and finished 10 on stage seven at the Tour of Qinghai Lake.
Pengda JIAO (CHN, 26): This is Jiao’s first season as full time professional, finished second on stage five of the Tour of Japan and fourth on stage three at the Tour of Qinghai Lake in 2012.
Aaron KEMPS (AUS, 29): Turned professional in 2005 and claimed the 2010 Australian national road criterium champions. A Herald Sun Tour stage winner in 2007 and is no stranger to the China having one stages at the Tour of China and Tour of Taihu in 2011.
Craig LEWIS (USA, 27): Moved from HTC – Highroad to the Champion System in 2012. Has GrandTour experience riding at the Giro d’Italia in 2011, winning the stage one team time trial.
Biao LIU (CHN, 24): Won the Tour of Xiang River in 2010 and in 2011 claimed the Chinese national Individual time trial. Liu joined Champion System in 2012 from Qinghai Tianyoude Cycling Team.
Gang XU (CHN, 28): This season secured his fifth Chinese national road title and came third on stage five of the Tour of Japan. In 2008 Xu won the Tour of South China Sea.
