John Degenkolb Enters 11th Tour de France as Underdog with Team Tactics
German cyclist John Degenkolb is set to compete in his 11th Tour de France, positioning himself as a key figure for his team despite acknowledging their status as underdogs, according to a report by F.A.Z. The veteran sprinter, who has participated in the race since 2010, discussed his role in the squad and a strategic approach for the opening stage ahead of the Grand Départ.
Degenkolb, 35, will ride for the team, which has not won a stage in the Tour since 2019. The cyclist confirmed to F.A.Z. that his team is embracing a “different kind of pressure” this year, focusing on tactical opportunities rather than outright wins. “We are one of the underdogs, but that’s not a bad position,” he said. “It means we can be more flexible and surprise people.”
A Veteran’s Strategy Shift
Degenkolb, a former two-time Tour stage winner (2014, 2016), has shifted from a pure sprinter to a more versatile role in recent years. His team confirmed he will primarily support younger riders in the opening stages, leveraging his experience in high-paced finishes. “My job is to create opportunities for the team,” Degenkolb told F.A.Z. “I’ve learned that sometimes the best way to win is to let others take the spotlight.”
The team’s manager, Patrick Lefevre, echoed this sentiment, stating in a press release that Degenkolb’s “leadership and tactical awareness” are critical for the team’s strategy. The cyclist’s participation marks his 11th Tour, a feat achieved by only a handful of riders, including Mark Cavendish and Peter Sagan.
Patience and Positioning in the Opening Stage
The team’s approach for the 178-kilometer opening stage from Brest to Landerneau includes a focus on positioning and risk management. Degenkolb revealed to F.A.Z. that the squad plans to “avoid the chaos of the front” in the early kilometers, instead waiting for a decisive moment to act. “The first stage is always a test of patience,” he said. “We’ll stay in the peloton until the last 10 kilometers.”
This tactic contrasts with the aggressive riding of teams like INEOS Grenadiers and UAE Team Emirates, which often target early stage wins. The team’s decision reflects a broader trend among mid-tier teams to prioritize consistency over high-risk strategies. “We know we can’t match the power of the big teams,” Lefevre said. “But we can outthink them.”
A Career at a Crossroads
Degenkolb’s participation in the 2024 Tour marks a pivotal moment in his career, as he seeks to balance his role as a veteran with the need to stay relevant in an era
