A clear objective: stage victory
The Cofidis team, which we support at Buds -Sports has just officially announced the eight riders who will start the Tour de France this Saturday. This announcement was all the more eagerly awaited as our partnership with the team is built on the ground, where the equipment and the riders are truly put to the test.
Cofidis' strategy for this edition is clear: approach each stage like a one-day race and aim for victory. Massive sprints, hilly stages, high mountains: the team has assembled a group capable of seizing opportunities on all terrains.
The designated leader for sprint finishes is Milan Fretin, supported by an experienced lead-out train. Meanwhile, Alex Aranburu and Ion Izagirre will have free rein to target hilly stages and breakaways.
As Raphaël Jeune, the team's general manager, sums it up, the instruction can be summed up in one formula: "each stage is a classic" , to be seized as a chance to prevail.
The full Cofidis roster
Eight riders, complementary profiles, and a solid average of experience on the Tour de France.
| Runner | Age | Tour de France | Role in this Tour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan Fretin | 25 years old | 1st | Sprint leader |
| Piet Allegaert | 31 years old | 2e | Sprint train |
| Jenthe Biermans | 30 years | 2e | Sprint train |
| Alex Kirsch | 34 years old | 3e | Sprint train |
| Hugo Page | 24 years old | 3e | Sprint train, breakaways |
| Benjamin Thomas | 30 years | 3e | Route Captain |
| Alex Aranburu | 30 years | 5e | Hilly stages, breakaways |
| Ion Izagirre | 37 years old | 12e | Hilly stages, breakaways |
Meet the team members:
Three runners to watch closely
Milan Fretin, the sprint contender. For his first participation, the 25-year-old Belgian arrives in top form: a stage winner on the Ruta del Sol and several runner-up finishes this season. The entire team is built around him for the final sprints.
Ion Izagirre, the experienced rider. At 37, the Spaniard is competing in his twelfth Tour de France. Winner of the GP Miguel Indurain this season and a regular on the podium in tricky stages, he knows perfectly well how to launch a breakaway at the right moment.
Alex Aranburu, the Swiss Army knife. Already a double stage winner this season (Tour of the Basque Country, Baloise Belgium Tour), he targets hilly courses where power and tactical sense make the difference.
What this partnership says about our products
Following a World Tour team also means observing a demanding process: on a Grand Tour, the bike is handled, transported, and protected dozens of times. This is precisely the environment in which we work at Buds -Sports.
The weeks of the Tour de France are also the perfect time to hit the road again with your own bike: a getaway, a legendary mountain pass to climb, a weekend ride. For complete peace of mind, discover our transport and protection solutions:
- Our bicycle transport covers are suitable for use in cars, trains or planes.
- Our indoor and outdoor bike racks allow you to reach your starting point without any worries.
- Our protective accessories to preserve the frame, derailleur and fork during the ride.
- Our complete range of luggage to protect all your personal belongings.
See you on the roads of the Tour
We will follow the Cofidis riders stage by stage. A victory, a breakaway, a brilliant move: we will be eager to bring it all to you.
Have a good Tour everyone, and safe travels to those who will be riding this summer.
