Since 2010 Luxembourger Laurent Didier (Trek) has been riding in the World Tour. The past season was by no means the best for the 31-year-old, who began his career with Team Regio-Senges in Germany.

"In the beginning of the year, I broke my hand and in the Tour of California and the Tour de France I fell ill. There were just too many setbacks to be in shape," Didier told radsport-news.com.

In addition to the fact that he was again selected for the Tour de France, there were especially some bright spots in the second half of the season. With his Trek team, he won the team time trial at the Tour of Alberta and with a second place in the penultimate stage he missed out on an individual victory.

"I also have positive memories from the USA Pro Challenge where I rode very aggressively and from the Japan Cup at end of the season," said the Luxembourger who is going into his third season with the American team in 2016.

He has already made some goals. "I want to help the team to win races in the best possible way," he said.