Tinkoff-Saxo has announced its lineup for the tradition-rich Paris-Tours Sunday. The 231 kilometers of action marks the end of the racing season for Tinkoff-Saxo that starts the race with Matti Breschel in a protected role.

Before the start of Paris-Tours, Tinkoff-Saxo sports director Lars Michaelsen talks about the team’s approach:

“The guys are ready for Paris-Tours. Matti Breschel, who will be our protected rider, is still a bit of a joker, as we don’t know exactly how he’s feeling after his bout with a cold during the week. However, he is the rider that this race suits the most and we’re going to support and protect him ahead of the race finale. Then we have to hope that he has the day. If he has, then a guy like Matti will always be a competitor. Maciej Bodnar will also get the opportunity to initiate or follow a move in a free role”, comments Lars Michaelsen.

“It’s a fairly flat race in rolling terrain. We’re going to have tailwind most of the race, so it will be a fast day. Naturally, it’s on twisting roads so there could also be some crosswind sections and surely a lot of accelerations, which will have taken their toll on the riders after 231 kilometers. Although the finale is not extremely hilly, it’s going to be tough considering the kilometers already accumulated in the legs”, adds Lars Michaelsen.

Tinkoff-Saxo starts the race with Matti Breschel, Maciej Bodnar, Michael Kolar, Nikolay Trusov, Pavel Brutt and stagiaires Michael Gogl, Felix Grossschartner and Antwan Tolhoek.

With fast action in demanding terrain, Matti Breschel eyes the chance to make his mark in the race finale.

“The race suits me well. I followed my training leading up to the World Championships and the shape is, more or less, still there. I hope that the race will be decided with a sprint in a smaller group, where I’m in a position to go for a top result. Personally, I’ve got to wait for the finale. It’s probably going to heat up with around 30 kilometers to with some more undulating terrain. We have to stay attentive and be aware of any strong groups that might break loose on the run-in towards Tours. If it all ends in a big bunch sprint it will be crucial to find the right wheel”, says Matti Breschel before the race before adding:

“We have several cards to play and some of my teammates can also do a good result. It’s planned that I’ll race in a protected role. Many riders are tired after a long season so there’s also an element of unpredictability”.