The Tour is finally starting

Other than my first Tour de France, I can’t remember ever being so excited and ready for it to start. Of course I am happy to have a good friend and real winner like Marcel on the team. And of course I look forward to the long time trial and think that something might be possible in the second and third weeks for me in an escape group.

The last two days, with the presentation and all the appointments were pretty stressful. Now we are relaxing with a good dinner and tomorrow we want to have a successful first sprint finish for Marcel. I expect the first two stages to be pretty hectic, as always in the first week. But especially tomorrow and the next day the forecast wind will make it hard work.

With this picture painted by the young Konrad I want to thank all my fans, who have sent me on my way with best wishes. Your support helped be after my crash last year and now again.

I will be back in touch and would be happy to see one or another of you along the course.