German Robert Wagner re-signed with team LottoNL-Jumbo for another two years, though 2018. Wagner, who is already an important part in Dylan Groenewegen’s sprints, will continue to support the team’s sprint project.

 "I am pleased to stay with this team,” the 33-year-old said. “I'm happy to be part of the sprint project with Dylan Groenewegen. To improve that sprint train is my main goal for the next two years."

 Wagner plays an important role, said Technical Director Nico Verhoeven. "We started the sprint project with Robert Wagner in the service of Dylan Groenewegen,” Verhoeven added. “Wagner proved to be a good lead-out for Groenewegen. We are glad that he can continue to help build the sprint project towards 2018.

"Wagner has a lot of experience and it shows in the way he races. He is a real lieutenant who likes to work for the team. In addition to his work in the sprint train, he has been a fixture in the classics."

Tour sprints

Despite his experience, Wagner made his debut this year in the Tour primarily to support Groenewegen. "I've ridden many races, but the Tour is totally different. It is more hectic and very big.

"We certainly have the ability to compete in the sprints at the Tour, it's really the details that still need to be strengthened. But you can see that even the big teams struggle with it. If all the pieces fall into place, we can help Dylan to the podium. We saw in Limoges that we have the power.

“The alignment and the details are still not perfect, but I am convinced that this approach is working."