Doug Ryder, the man behind Team MTN-Qhubeka, has spoken about the ideals of the team and what he hopes the team can do in 2015, a season where they will make their Tour de France debut.

"Our theory behind the team is that Africa has developed the best endurance runners so why not cyclists?" South African Ryder, who competed at the Atlanta Olympics, told Reuters.

"I wouldn't be surprised in the next three years that a black African rider will be on the podium in a Grand Tour. I honestly believe that.”

Sports director Jens Zemke, from Germany, spoke about how big it was to get the team into the Tour de France, and what it meant for the continent as a whole, not just south Africa.

"Cycling I think is 75 percent about the Tour de France in terms of exposure so this brings us to a whole new level, " he said. "It's a very historical moment for the continent."

With riders like Tyler Farrar, Matt Goss and Edvald Boasson Hagen joining guys like Gerald Ciolek, Louis Meintjes and Merhawi Kudus in the team this offseason, its plain to see MtN-Qhubeka aren’t going to France to just ride around for three weeks aimlessly.

"We have clear goals and we will decide whether we go for a jersey or a stage win. There are many options and the team is strong enough to compete with the best," Zemke said.

"With Edvald Boasson Hagen, Tyler Farrar and Theo Bos we know that our finger is on the pulse," Ryder said.