The 198 or 196 as Brit David Millar and Team Europcar's Christopje Kern were not present, riders who will compete in this year's race, were presented to the Tour De France and the public in Liege this evening.
The annual presentation of the teams was again well organised by race organisers ASO and gave a reasonably sized crowd at the Palace Sant Lambert their first view of those who will take part in this year's race ahead of the prologue on Saturday.
AG2R who included Ireland's Nicholas Roche in their team were one of the first team introduced to first the public out side the Palace and then the world's media in the palace courtyard.
With the World Champion and race favourite in their ranks, there was as you would expect considerable interest in Team Sky, who have Brits Mark Cavendish, Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome in their team.
“We are in the position of favourite because I have won a lot already this year,” said Wiggins during one of his many interviews, “but I don’t feel that much pressure exactly because we have won a lot already this year.”
When asked about his chances in the race, he explained that last year it was all over for him after seven stages and that this year, if he is not in hospital before the first long time trial (stage nine) it “could be good for me”.
Another Brit is Steve Cummings who rides for BMC. Steve suffered an horrific injury earlier this season but said to Covsupport News Service, that he was back fit and strong and looking forward to the race.
The race starts with the prologue on Saturday.
Pictures copyright of Covsupport News Service. Credit CNS/KM