Visma | Lease a Bike is aiming for the yellow jersey in the opening stage of the Tour de France Femmes.
The team's road captain, Marianne Vos, balances individual stage ambitions with supporting general classification leader Pauline Ferrand-Prevot over the nine-day race.
The opening stage features a challenging finish covering 2.6 kilometers with an average gradient of 4.6 percent.
While the team prioritizes Ferrand-Prevot's overall standings, leadership confirmed that tactical stage wins remain an immediate objective.
Vos, who serves as road captain directing the seven-rider squad, outlined her double role within the team strategy.
"We are going with the team for the general classification with Pauline, that is the big goal and the big ambition," said Vos.
Managing race strategy from inside the peloton remains her main duty, though shifting roles remains a distinct possibility during key moments.
"We are all here to support her as best as possible, with different tasks," said Vos. "That is not so difficult to switch.
I carry that out as best as possible, although everyone knows their responsibilities. I keep the overview and have a bit more communication with the car.
But I can also switch to a role as stage winner."
Targeting the early lead mirrors the team's strategy from the previous season, when both lead riders mounted early attacks in the opening weekend.
"If there are opportunities for a stage win, we will go for it. We will start with that immediately on Saturday," said Vos.
Team director Rutger Tijssen expressed confidence in Vos following her recovery from a fractured collarbone and subsequent five-week training block.
"Of course the yellow jersey on Saturday is a goal," said Tijssen.
Tijssen emphasized that the squad intends to race aggressively from the opening kilometer despite strong competition across the entire field.
"We are here to race and win, just like last year in the opening weekend.
Then we showed ourselves immediately, but every team will race for the yellow," said Tijssen.
Evaluating her physical condition, Tijssen noted that her targeted preparation positions her well for the course demands.
"The finish is on the edge for Marianne, but she can handle it. With her preparation and the focus she has, she is really back.
I see an athlete who is ready for the Tour," said Tijssen.
Reflecting on her built-up momentum, Vos confirmed her readiness ahead of the race start.
"I feel good and the last preparations have gone well and as the Tour gets closer, you get more and more into the vibe.
Let it begin," said Vos.
Addressing her winter buildup, Vos noted that personal circumstances and recovery required significant adaptations to her early season training schedule.
"It is no secret that I had a tough winter due to family circumstances and that the preparation for the road season was different and difficult.
But after my comeback after a broken collarbone, the preparation went well, with a good altitude block, although I am curious where I stand," said Vos.
Regarding team dynamics, Vos confirmed that protecting Ferrand-Prevot's general classification standing remains the absolute primary directive for every team member throughout the stages.
"In advance we talk about when there are opportunities, but in principle Pauline's classification should never be compromised.
We think of that first.
We will always be in close contact with the staff and of course Pauline also has a voice," said Vos.
Maintaining focus across major events remains standard procedure for the experienced Dutch rider despite extreme heat conditions expected during the Swiss opening weekend.
"For every race you have the same focus, because everyone sees opportunities again and you want to be ready for that.
You always want the best possible preparation and you work hard for that.
Together with the team you have big ambitions, so you make sure every time again that you are in the best possible shape.
You want to contribute something, even if you have good and bad days. I still go for the best and still want to get better," said Vos.
