One in 5 runners is French
It is no surprise to see France at the top of the nationalities of the riders in the Tour peloton. With five teams present (Arkea- B & B Hotels, Cofidis, Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale, Groupama-FDJ, TotalEnergies), the 32 French riders represent almost 20% of the peloton.
Behind, we logically find Belgium and its four teams, who send seven more riders than last year and are getting closer to France. Spain and the Netherlands complete the leading quartet, identical to that of 2023. Despite the big start in Florence, Italy only sends eight riders, only one more than last year.
More than 19 years difference between the oldest and youngest runner
The average age of the peloton this year is 29.3 years, but there are large gaps between the riders. There are two of them under 21: the Frenchman Lenny Martinez (Groupama-FDJ) and the Norwegian Johannes Kulset (Uno-X Mobility). The latter is the youngest of the peloton, at 20 years and two months. Conversely, Jakob Fuglsang is the veteran, at 39 years and three months.
29,3
The average age of the 2024 peloton.
As for the teams, it is Lotto Dstny which has the lowest average age with 26 years and four months. It’s not surprising when we see that only one of their riders, Victor Campenaerts, is over 30 (32 years old). On the other hand, Jayco Alula has the highest average, with an average of almost 33 years. Only Chris Harper is under 30 in the Australian team (29).
45 newcomers on the Tour
If we look at the number of participations in the Tour, Mark Cavendish leads the way with 15 participations, including this year’s. 2018 winner Geraint Thomas will be setting off for his 13th Tour. Of the 15 most experienced riders, there are three Frenchmen: Romain Bardet (11 participations), Warren Barguil and Christophe Laporte (10 participations each).
For 45 riders, this 2024 edition will be their first Tour. Some will probably already be involved in the race: Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step), Arnaud de Lie (Lotto Dstny) and Lenny Martinez (Groupama-FDJ).
Mark Cavendish still on mission for stage win record
Like last year, Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan) will try to obtain his 35th victory on the Tour, which would allow him to surpass Eddy Merckx’s record. The British sprinter is well ahead of Tadej Pogacar, who with his two victories on the 2023 Tour has exceeded the 10 success mark. Romain Bardet, with his three victories, is the only Frenchman in the top 15.
12 wearers of distinctive jerseys
Finally, some riders will be easily recognizable in the peloton thanks to their distinctive jerseys. According to the ProCycling Stats website, there will be 9 national champions, including Paul Lapeira for the blue white red jersey, Arnaud de Lie for Belgium or Alberto Bettiol for Italy. World champion Mathieu van der Poel and European champion Christophe Laporte will also be present.
8 other riders will be able to show their national jerseys during the 60 km time trial of this 2024 Tour, just like the world champion of the discipline Remco Evenepoel.
