Cycling: More Kiwis than Americans in Tour de France

Jack Bauer will ride in another Tour de France. Photosport

It's a record breaking Tour de France starting this weekend for New Zealand cycling.

Quick-Step Floors rider Jack Bauer has joined George Bennett, Dion Smith and Patrick Bevin as starters, trumping last year's record of three Kiwis in the race.

There are only three American's lining up this weekend while Australia will have nine riders competing.

Bauer said it could be an exciting event for New Zealand fans.

"Given the age of the guys starting the Tour this year and the roles that they are expected to play, I think that's pretty exciting for New Zealand," he told Radio Sport.

Very cool having 4 of us, (could have been more Without a few injuries) for a "non cycling" country we are punching. Good stuff.

— George Bennett? (@georgenbennett) June 27, 2017

"Dion and Patrick, who are making their first shot at the Tour, the kind of riders that they are I think it speaks volumes that they are getting a start because they are not just work horses and they are all-rounders. They are guys who can definitely be in with a shot at a stage should the cards fall the right way.

"I'm really excited to see what they can do."

Bauer says Australian Richie Porte is seen by many as a bona fide Tour de France contender.