André Greipel to ride the Giro and Tour in 2015
German sprinter confirms he'll start two grand tours next year, but will miss the usual season starter at the Tour Down Under
>>>Tour de France green jersey overhaul should boost Cavendish chances
André Greipel will target stage wins at the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France in 2015 as he makes a change to his usual early season schedule by skipping the Tour Down Under in January.
The German sprinter has been at the race in Australia for the last seven years, but will miss the week long stage race to be ready for the Spring Classics.
“It's a pity I won't go to Australia, because I always liked being there and I set very good results," he told Sky Sports.
“For me, Milan-San Remo and Gent-Wevelgem are the most important Classics - I'll take my chance there. I will ride the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix in function of the team. We want to be strong as a whole.”
Though the Lotto-Belisol rider has accrued six stage wins at the Tour de France and two at the Giro in his career so far, Greipel has only won one grand tour stage in each of the last two year, and will target two of the three-week races to try and add to his total.
"I'll ride the Giro next year. I participated for the last time in 2010," he said. "The Tour is again a goal in July, so I will start in two Grand Tours.”
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Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
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