Vima Lease-a-Bike will celebrate the start of the race on the home roads of the Netherlands as the Dutch team featuring overall Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift contender Liergerne Marx and stage winner Marianne Vos.

The team's final lineup of eight includes Marx, Vos, Olympic time trial silver medalist Anna Henderson, Femme van Empel, Femke de Vries, Sophie von Bellswalt, and Linda Readman.

"After such a magical start in the Netherlands, this Tour had to end in a mythical place. That's what Alpe d'Huez is all about. The start is in Holland and the finish is in the Dutch mountains. This should re-energize Dutch cycling. We are motivated to make this a memorable event," said Jan Boven, sport director of Visma a Bike.

Markus finished 11th overall in 2023, despite gaining time early in the race; in 2024, he finished an impressive second overall at the Vuelta España Femenina.

"I'm aiming for a good overall," Markus said.

"I have yet to finish in the top 10 in the Tour. I want to achieve that this year. I'm secretly circling the time trial on day two in red. It's a very nice course and should suit me. Plus, I'm also looking at the stages on the final weekend.

"In the first stage, I can aim for a stage win, especially with Marianne. The team has a lot of chances."

"It's really super special that the Tour is starting abroad for the first time, and in the Netherlands, with the second day starting in Dordrecht, my partner's birthplace. I know the area well and my whole family and many friends will be there to watch."

"It's so cool to have a one-off race so close to home, and it's also the biggest race of the year. I hope it will be a similar experience to France, but I'm not worried."

Vos helped create the Tour de France Femme thanks to a very long and successful career and wore the leader's jersey for six days in 2022. She is now 37 years old, but remains a favorite to win the Olympic road race, having won the silver medal.

"Finishing in the Alpe d'Huez will be very special. The finish in Alpe d'Huez will be very special. I am looking forward to a very beautiful race. Hopefully it will be a successful and beautiful Tour for us as a team," Vos said.

"The start is in Holland, which is a little bit different than usual. I am very interested in the Dutch atmosphere. Of course, there is something special about the Dutch riders and teams. The Tour is the biggest race, so we always do our best to be in the best shape possible."

"We are going to try to win another stage. There are certainly stages where we have a chance as a team, but if there is a chance somewhere, we will definitely go for it. The team's goals are also important. I want to support the team as much as possible in this Tour."

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