American Ben King to ride Tour de France with Team Dimension Data

Virginian born King selected for 2019 Tour de France as Team Dimension Data release full roster

Former U.S. National Champion was elated this week as he confirmed his ride at one of the toughest Tour de France routes in recent years, “I finally got the call that I’ve been waiting for! I have been selected for the Tour de France with Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka. For many Americans the Tour is the only race that they know so it’s a huge deal. I can finally tell everyone who asks every year “Yes, I’ll be there”. It’s a massive honour but also a huge responsibility, there’s really nothing like it.” said King.

Be King rides the Tour de France for a second time having first ridden it in 2014. Last year was in some ways a breakout year for the American, as he impressed with two stage victories at the Vuelta a Espana.

King joins a strong squad that includes Norway’s Edvald Boasson Hagen with three stage wins in his palmares.

There’s a Tour de France debut for sprinter Giacomo Nizzolo who is full of confidence having won the final stage at the recent Tour of Slovenia. The Italian, who has raced seven Giro dÍtalia’s, brings a huge amount of experience into our line-up.

South Africa’s Reinardt Janse van Rensburg will be eyeing a series of stages for the fast men who are keen on tackling the hills as he competes in the race for a fifth time. He made his debut for us in 2015 and has seven top-10 finishes to his name this season.

Former British champion Stephen Cummings will be looking at repeating his heroics as this year’s parcours is well suited to his style of racing. The has won two stages and will be looking for more in his sixth appearance at the race.

There are two very exciting “new caps” in Roman Kreuziger and Michael Valgren. The former has four top-10 finishes at Le Grande Boucle and will relish the challenge that this very tough route poses.

While for Valgren, one of the most exciting riders in the world in recent years, he’ll be looking forward to making his debut for the team, targeting a podium spot on a number of stages and going one better than his 4th place on stage 15 in 2018.

Lars Bak joins countryman Valgren in a crucial support role in the team. This will be his eighth time taking on Le Grande Boucle and his versatility over varied terrain will make him a key asset to our team throughout the race.

The Tour de France starts this Saturday with a sprint stage around Brussels, the capital of Belgium.