The ebb and flow of racing at the Tour de France each year means that some teams head home from Paris thrilled with everything they've achieved, while others slope off with their metaphorical heads bowed, vowing – but, ultimately, only hoping – to do better the following year.
This is part 1 of Cyclingnews' round-up of the highlights and low points of each of the 22 teams that participated in this year's Tour. Part 2 will be published on Wednesday.
Team Sky
Highlights: Winning the Tour de France with Geraint Thomas, who also claimed two stage wins, Team Sky were practically flawless and in control for the entire race. Chris Froome's final time trial, overtaking Primoz Roglic to seal the final podium spot behind Tom Dumoulin was a further boost and confirmed their dominance of Grand Tour racing.
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Team Sky controlled the race as usual, using their numerical strength to steamroll and suffocate their rivals' attacks in the mountains. However, it was fascinating to observe the dual-leadership dynamic after Froome's misfortune on the opening stage. A four-time Tour winner putting in softening attacks in the Alps and chasing down moves for Thomas in the Pyrenees showed Froome's loyalty and humility. It was also interesting to see Egan Bernal's stellar performance protecting and helping Froome as Thomas went on the attack.
Low points: The team started the build-up to the Tour de France with Froome's salbutamol case being suddenly closed by the UCI. The confusion turned to anger, with spectators hurling derision, epithets and more at the team throughout the race. Spectators attempting to physically assault both Froome and Thomas proved unsuccessful, but things could have turned out much worse. Gianni Moscon being ejected from the race for hitting Fortuneo's Elie Gesbert is a different story altogether. Team Sky need a public relations boost, and having Thomas take the win, and not Froome, was probably the best result for the team in that regard.
Team Sunweb
LottoNL-Jumbo
Movistar Team
Astana
AG2R La Mondiale
Quick-Step Floors
UAE Team Emirates
Trek-Segafredo
BMC Racing
Mitchelton-Scott
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
via Cyclingnews Latest Interviews and Features http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/analysing-the-tour-de-france-teams-part-1
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