Wout Poels confident of place on Sky's Tour de France squad despite four months out with injury
Key domestique only returned to action at Route du Sud after knee injury
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AWfdcSL6s3KsndWn7kcHu-415-80.jpg)
Team Sky's Wout Poels says that he is confident of being selected to support Chris Froome at the Tour de France, despite having only ridden one race since February.
The Dutchman, who was a key domestique in Froome's 2016 Tour triumph, suffered a knee injury at the Ruta del Sol in mid-February, putting him out of action for a number of months until he returned at the Route du Sud last week.
However despite this lengthy spell on the sidelines, Poels remains upbeat about making Sky's nine-man squad.
>>> Team Sky's Tour de France team: which nine riders will make the cut?
"I'm confident that I'm in the team," Poels told De Telegraf. "The progress has been clearly visible in recent weeks.
"As one of Froome's domsetiques, I do not have to be good on the first day. Instead I have to be fresh in the third week in the Alps."
Watch: Tour de France contenders - Chris Froome
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Poels completed the four-day Route du Sud race in the Pyrenees, where he worked in support of Kenny Elissonde who finished third overall.
>>> Wout Poels has to prove form at Route du Sud if he wants to race Tour de France
"I'll stay in the Pyrenees for a few days now to explore some of the climbs," he continued "Those are signs that the team trust in me.
"It has also been mentioned that I will will also start in Vuelta a España. Because I've been out for three months, that might be a good idea as I'll still be fresh."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
Kask finally reveals the secrets behind aero ears with new Nirvarna helmet
The new helmet has been used by Ineos since January, but now it's available to the public
By Joe Baker Published
-
MADE, world’s largest handmade bike show, returns to Portland this August; tickets on sale now
MADE, the world’s largest celebration of the art and craftsmanship of bicycle building, will return for its second edition in Portland, Oregon, this August.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
It's time to stop expecting so much of Ineos Grenadiers at the Tour de France
The British team are always under pressure to match their past best, but it’s not going to happen anytime soon
By Adam Becket Published
-
Tom Pidcock says Ineos Grenadiers will be 'better' at the Tour de France without Steve Cummings
Netflix series depicted tension between the DS and rider, dynamic sources told Cycling Weekly carries a degree of accuracy
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'dreaming' of taking yellow jersey on opening weekend of Tour de France
British rider hopes to play starring role in Italian Grand Départ
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I think I'll get the opportunity to go for a stage' - Geraint Thomas relishing support role at Tour de France
Former yellow jersey winner says this year's race "could be my last"
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Carlos Rodríguez to lead Ineos Grenadiers at Tour de France, supported by Geraint Thomas and Tom Pidcock
British squad will aim to "race aggressively and disrupt" at the French Grand Tour
By Adam Becket Published
-
21 things you didn't know about Tom Pidcock
According to the man himself, he's never had a hangover. It's alright for some.
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock adds extra mountain bike race to schedule, one week before Tour de France
Pidcock confirms he will race World Cup event in Crans Montana, Switzerland ahead of Olympic title defence
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
5 things we learned from the first week of the 2024 Giro d’Italia
The Italian Grand Tour is firmly underway and Tadej Pogačar is in the pink jersey. Here are our takeaways from the first week of action
By Tom Thewlis Published