HTC Highroad domestique Martin Velits knows that making the final team selection for the Tour de France will be tough, but is ready to take his place as a workhorse if selected.
Speaking to VeloNation about whether he knows if he will be in the final line up, he said he wasn’t certain. “I really don’t know yet. [There’s] a lot of strong guys on the team, and the final decision will be made only after the Tour of Suisse.”
HTC Highroad are likely to include Mark Cavendish, Mark Renshaw, Matt Goss, Tony Martin, Bernhard Eisel, Tejay van Garderen and Velits’ twin brother Peter in the team, leaving only two spots available. Strong riders such as Danny Pate, Bert Grabsch, Michael Albasini, Hayden Roulston, Lars Bak, Alex Rasmussen and Velits will contest for those.
The Slovakian is a strong Individual time trialist and last year won the national title in the discipline. He is also seen as an all rounder on the team, which he displayed when he helped his brother to third overall in last year’s Vuelta a España while working for Cavendish.
“I can make something from anything, so normally I do a lot of race days in support of someone. But naturally there are days when everyone gets his chance, and I can do a result for myself.”
Velits is currently riding the Tour of Suisse where he honing his form in case he is called up to start the La Grande Boucle on the 2nd July.
“I have been feeling pretty good the last couple of weeks. We have a strong team, for the sprints and for the GC too, so I will be supporting mostly these guys.”
The team is still searching for a new title sponsor at the end of the season, as HTC is not likely to renew its contract. Sports Director Brian Holm told VeloNation this week he believes that owner Bob Stapleton won’t give up the fight but knows that anything can happen.
Velits remains optimistic. “My contract ends at the end of this season. It would be pretty sad if the most successful team should just fold, so I believe it will continue.”
If not selected for the Tour, the 26 year old will refocus for the second part of the season and start his fourth Vuelta a España.