Men in boats: The 2015 Tour de France team presentation (video)

22 teams of the Tour de France presented to fans in Utrecht ahead of the race start on Saturday. Photos by Graham Watson

Team Sky during the Team Presentation of the 2015 Tour de France

Team Sky during the Team Presentation of the 2015 Tour de France

(Image credit: Watson)

All 198 riders taking part in the 2015 Tour de France were presented to a huge crowd of spectators in Utrecht, the Netherlands, on Thursday evening - after they had arrived by small boats via the Oudegracht canal.

Some of the riders looked slightly bemused by their journey down the Dutch waterway to the Lepelenburg Park, where they appeared on stage as the 22 teams were officially presented.

British overall hope Chris Froome looked relaxed with his Sky team-mates, pausing to record the occasion on his mobile phone.

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The Tour's Grand Depart kicks off in Utrecht on Saturday, July 4, with an individual time trial stage that will set up the first recipient of the race's coveted yellow jersey of overall leader.

On Sunday, the riders then tackle the first mass-start road stage, from Utrecht to Zeeland over 166 kilometres, giving the sprinters' their first chance of glory.

The 2015 Tour de France concludes on Sunday, July 30, in Paris.

Simon and Adam Yates during the Team Presentation of the 2015 Tour de France

British brothers Simon and Adam Yates roll out to the team presentation for Orica-GreenEdge
(Image credit: Watson)

Chris Froome and Peter Kennaugh during the Team Presentation of the 2015 Tour de France

Chris Froome and Peter Kennaugh led the way for Team Sky
(Image credit: Watson)

Chris Froome and Peter Kennaugh during the Team Presentation of the 2015 Tour de France

Chris Froome stops to take a photo of the crowds
(Image credit: Watson)

Team Sky during the Team Presentation of the 2015 Tour de France

Team Sky float down the canal
(Image credit: Watson)

Michal Kwiatkowski during the Team Presentation of the 2015 Tour de France

World champ Michal Kwiatkowski, Mark Cavendish and Rigoberto Uran on board for Etixx-QuickStep
(Image credit: Watson)

Vincenzo Nibali during the Team Presentation of the 2015 Tour de France

Vincenzo Nibali leads Astana
(Image credit: Watson)

Movistar during the Team Presentation of the 2015 Tour de France

Alex Dowsett and Nairo Quintana with their Movistar team
(Image credit: Watson)

Alberto Contador during the Team Presentation of the 2015 Tour de France

A thoughtful Alberto Contador shows off Tinkoff-Saxo's new camo kit
(Image credit: Watson)

Tinkoff-Saxo during the Team Presentation of the 2015 Tour de France

Peter Sagan and Tinkoff-Saxo team-mates
(Image credit: Watson)

Nathan Haas during the Team Presentation of the 2015 Tour de France

Nathan Haas soaks up the Utrecht atmosphere. Or maybe he's swatting mosquitoes
(Image credit: Watson)

Lotto-Jumbo during the Team Presentation of the 2015 Tour de France

I can't hear you. Lotto-Jumbo
(Image credit: Watson)

Fabian Cancellara waves to fans during the Team Presentation of the 2015 Tour de France

Fabian Cancellara and Trek team-mates wave to fans
(Image credit: Watson)

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Nigel Wynn
Former Associate Editor

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.