So, for me, this is a really positive change."
FDJ United-Suez team manager Stephen Delcourt confirmed that the rider's adjusted preparation schedule was designed to ensure peak physical condition for the target event.
"Last year she was sick after the Tour de Suisse and crashed at the nationals," said Delcourt.
"We did a three-week training camp in Tignes, with a fresh mind and fresh body, and she can really focus on the main goal."
Other Contenders and Teams
EF Education-Oatly enters the race with a diverse roster featuring Swiss rider Noemi Rüegg, who returns from a three-month recovery following a broken humerus suffered at the Vuelta España Femenina.
"I'm super excited to be finally back racing after three months," said Rüegg ahead of the race start on her home roads.
"I think I've never had a proper three month break from racing during the season so I'm really looking forward to it.
I'm also a little bit nervous, I have to say, because it always feels weird to come back after such a long time.
And it's a bit of an uncertainty, like where I'm really at and will I feel comfortable in the bunch again?
But mostly I'm really optimistic and really positive, just really happy to be back."
Rüegg highlighted the personal significance of competing in Switzerland for the Grand Départ.
"It's super special to have the start of the Tour in my home country," said Rüegg.
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