There’s an argument that biking followers are probably the most sadistic in all sports activities. We like to see riders dealing with the cruellest of challenges. On the Grand Excursions, we revel on the considered one of the best cyclists dealing with the hardest climbs and the steepest gradients.
We cheer when the winner crosses the road with barely an oz. of vitality left to offer after 5 hours of racing and we take enjoyment of understanding {that a} easy rain bathe might rework a cobble or gravel stage into an unpredictable mud tub. The more durable the situations, the extra we’re amazed on the human endurance of our racing idols.
This want for drama, ache and leisure additionally compels us to need to see one of the best riders going head-to-head. This brings us on to subsequent yr’s Tour de France. Sure, we need to see high riders in any respect the Grand Excursions, however we additionally know that Le Tour is the head for the riders, groups, and sponsors and subsequent yr’s occasion might be a possible basic. If 2022 was an excellent spectacle, 2023 might be even higher if all the large names keep match and be part of the get together.
The principle contenders
So, who might be lining up in 2023? First up, we’ve got reigning champion Jonas Vingegaard and the person he knocked off his perch, Tadej Pogačar. Who wouldn’t need to watch the Slovenian attempt to get revenge? The Dutchman has already been put in because the 7/4 favorite together with his rival shut behind. For the most recent costs, control Bodog for the finest motion on-line sports activities betting in Canada has to supply.
Then we’ve got the 2022 Vuelta a España winner, Remco Evenepoel, who lastly silenced his doubters by profitable solely the second Grand Tour he has entered (he was compelled out of the 2021 Giro by way of harm) aged simply 22. Few riders have been so hyped in recent times however the Belgian resides as much as it.
We did this, collectively!!! 🔴🐺🇪🇸
Making historical past. ❤️ #TheWolfpack pic.twitter.com/Dm98WMk5x1
— Remco Evenepoel (@EvenepoelRemco) September 11, 2022
Subsequent up we’ve got Primoz Roglic. The Crew Jumbo–Visma rider failed to complete a Grand Tour in 2022 however beforehand received three Vueltas in a row and has completed on the rostrum of the Giro (2019) and the Tour de France (2020). The massive query is whether or not Jumbo-Visma will put him and teammate Vingegaard in Le Tour collectively or set totally different Grand Tour targets for every.
Ones to observe
That’s 4 riders all with a practical likelihood of profitable the race. After which we’ve got a handful of different contenders who might make issues fascinating. Australian Jai Hindley received the Giro in 2022 and completed second in 2020 however he has but to tackle the Tour de France. May it’s time for Bora–Hansgrohe to ship him to France?
Then we’ve got Egan Bernal. The Colombian has already received the Tour (2019) and the Giro (2021) and is making his approach again to type after hitting a bus in coaching earlier within the yr. He has already surpassed all expectations in his restoration, however it could be an excessive amount of to ask for him to be prepared in time for an additional shot on the showpiece race.
Wout van Aert’s combative using made him one of many stars of the 2022 Tour de France. He received three levels, got here second in 4 extra, and received the inexperienced jersey for the factors classification. His dash profile means he in all probability received’t win the GC however racing followers can’t wait to see him shake up Le Tour as soon as once more.
Lastly, we’ve got the up-and-coming expertise of Juan Ayuso. The 20-year-old Spaniard completed third within the 2022 Vuelta a España, his first-ever Grand Tour. He additionally received the U-23 Giro in 2021, profitable the pink, crimson, inexperienced, and white jerseys. Many pundits imagine he might be the shock package deal of the 2023 Tour de France offering his crew decides he’s prepared.
It is likely to be an excessive amount of to ask for all eight riders to begin Le Tour however even when 4 or 5 of them make it, we might be handled to a race for the ages.
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