Rolland to lead Cannondale at Tour de France

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Pierre Rolland rides during stage 1 at Criterium du Dauphine.(Image credit: Courtesy of Polartec-Kometa)

Frenchman Pierre Rolland will lead Cannondale Pro Cycling’s general classification hopes at the Tour de France, while newcomer Lawson Craddock will be given leash to seek his own opportunities in his first edition.

"We'll be centering the team around Pierre Rolland, as this back-end loaded Tour de France uniquely suits his diesel-like qualities," Slipstream Sports CEO Jonathan Vaughters said in a statement released with today's announcement. "He may not be the most explosive rider, but come the last few days of the Tour de France, he will surprise a few folks. We'll also be helping Lawson Craddock realize his potential in his first Tour, and looking for opportunities to animate the race."

“The Tour is simply the most beautiful cycling test," Rolland said in today's announcement. "It is also one of the biggest sporting events in the world. From the time when I was young, I've always wanted to participate in this event and win stages. I’ve put in many days training, and with the team I have a really good feeling. Truly. I hope for a great performance, from me, from the team. What I'd really like is a new stage victory and to have the best possible overall standing. The competition is very hard, everyone is ready at 100 percent. I know it will be difficult, but I will do my utmost.”

"This race is iconic for a reason, and I’ve been dreaming of it ever since I got on two wheels," he said. "I’ve worked really hard over my career to perform to the standards that I know I’m capable of, and to see that work paying off to earn a spot in the biggest race in the world is truly a dream come true. But the easy part was making the team. Now I’ve got to prepare myself to race at a level that I’ve never raced at before and, most importantly, put the team in a chance to succeed."