German rider set to be sprint stage contender in upcoming Tour de France
In what is a big boost for his Argos-Shimano team’s chances of securing a ProTeam licence for 2013, Marcel Kittel has announced that he will remain part of the Dutch squad until the end of 2014.
Regarded as arguably the most promising young sprinter in the sport, the German rider’s presence should guarantee it many wins over the next two and a half years.
He made his debut with the team in 2011 and then signed an extension to take him until the end of the current season. The 24 year old has now decided to remain an extra two years, saying that he feels at home in the growing squad.
“There is a special atmosphere within this team,” stated the German at today’s presentation of the Tour de France squad, according to Wielerflits. “It feels like I work with friends. I need such an atmosphere to excel on the bike. I feel supported by everyone at Team Argos Shimano, not only by the riders, but also by the accompanying staff and management. In addition, I support the values and the plan of the team.”
Kittel showed his power when he clocked up eighteen wins last season. These included a stage victory in the Vuelta a España plus four in the Tour of Poland.
This year has brought seven thus far; stages in the Three Days of De Panne and the Étoile de Bessèges, two in the Tour of Oman, semi-Classic success in Scheldeprijs and two stages in last week’s Ster ZLM Toer. He beat Mark Cavendish twice there and won the green jersey as best sprinter.
Kittel will make his Tour de France debut in just over a week and a half. If he sprints as he has been doing this year, at least one stage win is possible there.