TREK-SEGAFREDO
14 riders Under 26: 4 Over 35: 2
Key Stat: The squad has and average age of 28.5, the oldest in the Worldtour
How was the off season?
Despite losing some powerful riders over the winter the American team have recruited cannily, emerging with an arguably stronger roster for 2023. Replacing Audrey Cordonragot is Australian Brodie Chapman, who might lack the Frenchwoman’s experience but has a huge engine and equal aggression.
For leadouts they’ve added Ilaria Sanguinetti and Lisa Klein, while Amanda Spratt brings significant climbing firepower.
Biggest challenge
Since their creation in 2019 Treksegafredo have taken many wins, and stamped their authority in almost every race they start, but they have struggled for GC results in the biggest races. Their best Giro Donne placing is fourth, with both Lizzie Deignan and Elisa Longo-borghini, the Italian finishing sixth at the Tour de France last year.
Woman on the spot
After 11 years at Bikeexchange-jayco Amanda Spratt will feel pressure to prove her worth at her new team.
The last two seasons have been disappointing for the Australian, an iliac artery problem undermining her form, her last win coming three years ago. Before that she was one of the bunch’s leading climbers.
Her performance on Corkscrew Road on the Tour Down Under suggests she is returning to her best.
Ones to watch
Another climber joining is young Italian Gaia Realini. She has shown well in the mountains of the Giro, but occasionally appears uncomfortable in the bunch, so will need to develop if she’s to fully contribute.
Lisa Klein has a huge engine and the punch to mix it in the sprints, but lost form while concentrating on world domination with the German team pursuit squad. A return to form could bring the team a variety of successes.