Jayco-AlUla is gearing up for the 2024 Tour de France with a robust squad featuring Simon Yates, Dylan Groenewegen, and Michael Matthews. The trio aims to secure both overall podium places and stage victories from 29 June to 21 July.
Simon Yates, who finished fourth overall last year, will once again lead the charge for the general classification. He will be supported by Chris Harper as they attempt to break Visma-Lease a Bike and UAE Team Emirates’ dominance on the podium. “It is always exciting to be getting ready for the TDF, and weโre feeling confident going into the race with a similar team to 2023,” said Yates in a team release. “After last year with two close second place stage finishes and fourth overall, it would be nice to get on to the top step and overall podium. I have held the leaderโs jersey in the Giro and Vuelta and podiumed overall in both but not in the TDF yet. Thatโs a big goal of mine,” added Yates, who is reportedly looking to move on from the Australian team next season.
Dylan Groenewegen will be targeting the sprints. In his two Tour de France appearances since joining the team, Groenewegen has secured a stage victory, two second places, and a third. Despite the return of Caleb Ewan to Jayco-AlUla, Groenewegenโs position in the squad was never in question. The Dutch rider has achieved three wins this season, the latest coming on stage 1 of the Tour de Slovenia, but at WorldTour level races, podium finishes have been his best outcome. “I have had some wins this season, but also a lot of second and third places,” said Groenewegen. “I know the speed is there and I want to get it right at the Tour.”
Michael Matthews brings versatility to the team. Known for his fast finishes, Matthews has also had several near misses this season, including a tight second place at Milan-San Remo. “Iโm feeling in good shape. I had a good start to the season, I was on the podium again at Milan-San Remo and have been close to some wins,” said Matthews. “After a lot of training at altitude and some stage recons, I hope everything will fall into place at the Tour.” Matthews won a Tour de France stage in 2022, two in 2017, and another in 2016, giving the team a strong potential stage-winning option beyond the seven or eight sprint stages.
Jayco-AlUla Tour de France Squad
- Luke Durbridge
- Dylan Groenewegen
- Chris Harper
- Chris Juul-Jensen
- Michael Matthews
- Luka Mezgec
- Elmar Reinders
- Simon Yates