B&B Hotel-Vital Concept has announced a long list of 10 riders who will debut in the Tour de France, including sprinter Bryan Coquard and veteran climber Pierre Rolland. The Tour has been moved from July to August 29-September 20, and B&B Hotel-Vital Concept was one of four professional teams invited by organizer ASO on a wildcard basis.

Team manager Jérôme Pinault revealed the names of the long lines at a virtual press conference in Brittany on Tuesday. Pinault explained that the riders will be divided into two groups, sprinters and climbers, to prepare for the Tour and to comply with French health regulations aimed at reducing the risks posed by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

The sprint group includes Coquard, Frédéric Bacquer, Jens Duboucher, Cyril Barthe, and Kevin Reza. The climber/puncher group is Laurent, Cyril Gauthier, Quentin Paschal, Sebastian Schoenberger, and Maxime Chevalier.

According to "L'Equipe" (opens in new tab), "I will be working with these two groups starting in June," Pinault said. He went on to describe the team's medical protocols and training plan. Each group will have two full-time director sportifs and staff, and will use team vehicles rather than public transportation for transportation.

"The list is not final. We know that this is an unusual situation and that it will be difficult for some riders and that this list may cause a backlash from some riders."

"Ten riders will be divided into two groups for stage reconnaissance, but 12 riders remain eligible to compete in the Tour.

"To limit the risk of contagion, the entire group will not meet together for Tour stage reconnaissance, but will be split into sprint and mountain groups. We will only meet up in mid-July in the Pyrenees to work together...The calendar that the UCI has created will be put into action and we will be ready to race. I hope that the calendar that the UCI has drawn up will be implemented and the race will be ready."

Coquard will return to racing at the Route d'Occitanie (August 1-4), while Laurent will race the Tour de l'Ain (August 7-9). The two leaders will then meet up at the Criterium du Dauphiné (August 12-16).

The list of the 10 chiefs includes 21-year-old talented neo-pro Maxime Chevalier, but not former French national champion Arthur Vichot, who is still battling an as yet undiagnosed virus.

"Artur has a viral problem. He has undergone many tests, but has not yet undergone any additional tests. Unfortunately, the lockdown has set everything back," Pinault explained.

"Our first trip after the lockdown was to see him at home to discuss the future. As of now, he is not allowed to participate in the race."