Tour de France unsung heroes

Putting a smile on a fan's face is what makes Michael Schär happy when he's racing and it's what makes the Tour de France so special.

Norwegian rider Amund Grøndahl Jansen can often be found on two skis when he's not on two wheels.

Michael Gogl used to play the cello as a child but he soon learned that his talents were best placed elsewhere, bike racing. He is riding his fourth Tour de France.

Jonas Rickaert works hard in the peloton for Mathieu van der Poel and Tim Merlier, but he used to be a bit of a prankster as a teenager.

Nic Dlamini made history and blazed new trails after becoming the first Black rider from South Africa to start the Tour de France.

Jacopo Guarnieri is a hugely successful leadout man for Arnaud Démare but he also balances his life as a rider with life as a single parent.

Australian, who directed Tadej Pogacar to victory in the Tour last year, is forced to sit out this year’s race due to cancer treatment but he still is very much a part of the team’s Tour defense.

Hugo Houle used to watch the Tour de France every summer with his brother who was killed in a hit and run in 2012. This year he wants to win a stage for him.

Lukas Pöstlberger is seeing a childhood dream come true by riding the Tour de France – and roadside pizzas make it all the better.

Tour rookie Eekhoff has had a rollercoaster journey through cycling, breaking his collar bone in his second-ever ride and then being disqualified at U23 worlds.

Throughout the Tour de France, VeloNews will be talking to some of the unsung heroes in the peloton – those riders that battle on without the recognition the major stars receive.