Ciolek tipped for honours

Bernard Hinault believes young German cyclist Gerald Ciolek could pressure Mark Cavendish for the green jersey in the Tour de France.

Young sprinter to make big impression, says Hinault

Five-time Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault believes young German cyclist Gerald Ciolek could pressure Mark Cavendish for the green jersey in the upcoming race. The Frenchman believes the new Milram leader can sprint his way to at least one stage win and is also backing the team to surprise a few people. Ciolek took over from retired sprinter Erik Zabel at the head of Milram after it became clear Britain's Cavendish would be the focus of attention at his former team Columbia. And while Cavendish picked up four stage wins in Le Tour last year, Hinault says it could be Ciolek's turn to prove himself the hottest emerging talent amongst the sprinters. "How will Milram cope without the central figure of sprinter Erik Zabel? - I think they will do very well," said Hinault. "Because they have an excellent rider in Ciolek who is younger than Zabel and almost as fast as Cavendish. "He doesn't have the legs to be the overall winner, but he certainly could worry the leaders and win some stages. "The team as a whole could cause a few upsets." The Tour de France gets under way in Monaco on Saturday.