Lotto team manager Stéphane Heulot announced that young Belgian sprinter Arnaud De Lie will participate in the upcoming Tour de France, leading a three-headed leadership strategy. Following a challenging start to the year characterized by inconsistent performances, doubts arose regarding his readiness. However, recent improvements noted during the Tour de Suisse led Heulot to affirm De Lie's participation, expressing confidence in his determination and motivation. De Lie is also the defending champion at the Belgian Road National Championships, indicating his ambition to reclaim his previous form.
He'll be there," Heulot commented. "The timing's been close but I'm delighted with his evolution in the last week. I've found the Arnaud again that I knew before. Motivated and determined. He's doing fine.
But there was no emergency stop in his training, otherwise he'd never have finished the Tour de Suisse, given how hard it is. He's ready for the Tour.
However, the Lotto team believe De Lie delivered a much more consistent performance at the Tour de Suisse. Even if there wasn't a win in Switzerland last week, the team could see signs of his improving form despite the exceptionally difficult race route.
Belgian newspaper Dernière Heure' suggested De Lie 'Was like a ghost during the Classics,' as his race form and race programme was questioned.
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