Intro:

BMC's Tejay van Garderen looks ahead to the Tour de France, which begins in Utrecht on Saturday.

Script:

It's almost time for the Tour de France. BMC are likely to be right in mix for prizes, they will be led by American Tejay Van Garderen, who finished fifth last year, he can't wait to go again.

SOUNDBITE(English) Tejay van Garderen, BMC team:

"Yes. I'm very exited to get this race started. I think we are bringing the strongest team BMC has ever assembled. Strength in the mountains, strength in the flats, it's going to be a good tour."

This year's race begins in Utrecht in Holland, and Dutch fans can expect a blistering start.

SOUNDBITE(English) Tejay van Garderen, BMC team:

"I mean, every day is going to be raced like a one-day classic, we have .... We have cobblestones, we have crossed winds. So you just have to be "on guard" every day. The second you start to relax is the second that you can lose the whole tour. So you've just got to stay focused every day"

It all starts for real on Saturday, the Grand Depart for cycling's undisputed top tour.