As the cycling community gears up for the Tour de France starting in just three days, all eyes are on the emerging narratives that promise to make this year’s race one of the most thrilling yet. Remco Evenepoel, the Belgian prodigy, is set to embark on his first Tour de France, aiming to win a stage and secure a top 5 finish overall, bolstered by his improved physical condition since the Critérium du Dauphiné. Tadej Pogacar, fresh off his Giro d’Italia victory, is vying to become the first rider in 26 years to win the Giro and Tour de France in the same season, a feat last achieved by Marco Pantani. Meanwhile, Jonas Vingegaard, last year’s champion, enters the race on the back of recovery from a serious injury, but with the determination to defend his title . The picturesque city of Rimini is set to host a stage of the Tour, with local officials, including Mayor Jamil Sadegholvaad, preparing for an event that is expected to have a significant economic impact and pay homage to cycling legend Marco Pantani. Ineos Grenadiers, with a strong roster including Carlos Rodriguez, Egan Bernal, and Geraint Thomas, is devising a plan to challenge Pogacar’s dominance, emphasizing teamwork and a clear strategy. Pogacar himself is confident and focused, particularly on the final week of the race, which promises to be ‘very, very difficult’ and could be decisive for the yellow jersey.
Key points
- Remco Evenepoel is set to start his first Tour de France with high ambitions, despite a recent fall.
- Tadej Pogacar is aiming for a historic Giro-Tour double, last achieved by Marco Pantani in 1998.
- Rimini prepares to host a historic stage of the Tour de France, expected to generate significant economic impact.
- Ineos Grenadiers strategizes to challenge Pogacar’s dominance with a strong team lineup.
- Pogacar targets the final week of the Tour de France, with the last three days being particularly challenging.
