Giant-Shimano have announced a 13-rider long list for the Tour de France from which they will select 9 riders that will target stage wins in the world's biggest race. Sprinters Marcel Kittel and John Degenkolb are the only riders with guaranteed spots on the roster while there is no room for climber Warren Barguil.

Team Giant-Shimano head to this year's Tour de France following a hugely successful 2013 edition, and once again with the goal of a stage win and the development of its riders over the 21 days of racing.

This year's Tour presents several sprint opportunities and Team Giant-Shimano have worked towards developing a sprint formation that is capable of propelling more than one sprinter to the line. This year's race should present the team with opportunities for more than one rider to contest for stage victories.

Two riders who will definitely be on the start line in Yorkshire (UK) this July are Marcel Kittel and John Degenkolb. Both riders were part of the reconnaissance of the Yorkshire stages earlier this season and will play a key role in the team's targets this Tour.

"The goal for both the team and I is the same, to win a stage and go from there," said Kittel when at high-altitude training camp in Sierra Nevada. "Winning a stage is already a big goal and just because of the success we had last year doesn't mean it will come easily.

"Coming into this race with two sprinters gives us options in the fast sprints as well as the power sprints. I am very excited to get the Tour started now."

Degenkolb added: "We will come into this race in the best possible shape with a team selected to achieve our goals, together with the coaches in the team we worked on the best preparation possible."

The team's young talent, Warren Barguil, does not form a part of the Tour de France plans this season. According to Team Giant-Shimano’s Performance team Warren Barguil has the potential - with his specific talents – to develop into a real general classification contender for the Grand Tours in a few years.

General manager, Iwan Spekenbrink, comments: "With Warren we have designed a path to help him develop in the best possible way to become a rider who will be ready to compete for the general classification. Our coaches and experts put a lot of effort, innovation and specific training to optimise his development in that direction.

"It’s that process and the long term plan which counts. Fine-tuned teamwork is also key when competing for the GC and so the same goes for a group of other young and talented riders whom we will support to grow together with Warren so that they can compete as a united team in Grand Tours over the coming years.” Warren Barguil’s next objective is La Vuelta a España.

Team Giant-Shimano Tour de France long-list:

Nikias Arndt (GER)
Roy Curvers (NED)
Bert De Backer (BEL)
John Degenkolb (GER)
Dries Devenyns (BEL)
Tom Dumoulin (NED)
Johannes Fröhlinger (GER)
Simon Geschke (GER)
Cheng Ji (CHN)
Marcel Kittel (GER)
Koen De Kort (NED)
Albert Timmer (NED)
Tom Veelers (NED)