OPQS has officially announced the squad that will take part in La Vuelta a España. There are 21 stages covering 3239.9km from August 23rd until September 14th. The race is divided into five flat stages, 13 medium and high mountain stages, and two individual time trials. There is also a 12.6km team time trial to open the race. The individual time trials are during stages 10 and 21, at 36.7km and 9.7km in respective distances.
"The team is built up around Rigoberto Uran, who will get full support from his teammates," Sport & Development Manager Rolf Aldag said. "During the Giro d'Italia Rigoberto proved he has the skills for the major tours, so he deserves the support of the team. His approach to the race was similar to the one set in motion for the Giro d'Italia. Some of the guys from the team like Wout Poels, Gianluca Brambilla, and Pieter Serry already have experience in major tours next to Uran. Backing them up, the squad will be able to count on Carlos Verona, akin his debut in his first big tour, and also Martin Velits and Nikolas Maes. These three riders are all guarantees in terms of team support and rapport. The squad will be completed by Tom Boonen and Tony Martin. Tom's leadership will be an important figure in the flat stages and in bunch sprint arrivals in which we want to stand out with his dashes. La Vuelta will also be important for him as he prepares for the Worlds. Tony will make La Vuelta an important part of his World Championship build up. He will target the opening team time trial and the long individual time trial to test his shape. In the other stages he will serve as support in the overall team strategy. In general the team is well balanced, with riders who will be able to support Uran in every racing situation. "
