Bora-Argon 18 manager Ralph Denk took part at the presentation of the 2016 Tour de France in Paris on Tuesday. After the initial analysis of the route, he outlined his impressions and objectives for the coming year. The participation in the Tour de France is also the main objective of the team in the next year.

"After the two successful participations in the Tour de France, it is also our main goal in 2016 to ride the Tour," he said in an interview published on the team website. "I would be very happy if the organizers consider us again with a wildcard, so we could start again. Next year, the best German-speaking stage race talents will ride in the jersey of BORA – ARGON 18. I'm sure that the ASO would also strengthen the noticeable upward trend of cycling in Germany with an invitation.

"In my opinion, the route of 2016 is just great. I can only take my hat off to the Tour planners. It speaks for the organizer that they find new routes again and again and that the cities have so much interest in the Tour. It's great for our sport to face new, unknown challenges. And of course we are especially excited because the route fits us very well as a team.

"The first stages are always a particular challenge for all teams. The start of the tour takes you along the coast. So, the wind will add to what is a nervous race anyway. Unlike this year we have to get through there without crashing. A special feature is certainly the mountain time trial, in which the best climbers will fight for positions.

"At first impression, the overall profile favors the climbers, but if you look at it stage by stage, there are many opportunities for sprinters like Sam [Bennett]. There are also a few typical transfer stages, which also suits us very well. Overall, I see up to six possible sprints.

"We are a stage race team and last year we saw with Emanuel Buchmann on the Tourmalet stage that our riders fight at quite a high performance level. And next year I see even more options for our team. The featured mountain finishes all suit our climbers. But especially I would highlight the stage from Andorra to Arcalis and the Mont Ventoux one."