The 112th edition of the Tour de France is set to depart on Saturday from Lille, with Slovenian rider Tadej Pogačar looking to solidify his position as one of the greatest cyclists of all time. Last year’s runner-up Jonas Vingegaard aims to settle the score and claim his third victory.
Pogačar has dominated the past five Tours, winning three titles and numerous other prestigious races. His current team, UAE Team Emirates XRG, recently signed him to a six-year deal worth $58 million, making him one of the highest-paid cyclists in the world.
Vingegaard, who lost by over six minutes last year, will look to redeem himself against Pogačar’s unbeaten streak. The Danish rider has spent most of this season training away from the cameras and has only participated in a handful of races.
Another contender for the title is Primož Roglič, 35-year-old Slovenian cyclist who joined Red Bull team last month. However, he faces pressure to perform well after his third Tour de France was marred by crashes, and he must shake off the “curse” that has kept him out of three Tours.
The route itself could determine winners or losers in this year’s Tour de France. The first stage is expected to launch a bunch sprint, with riders accelerating toward the finish line at the same time. The final stage on July 27 will feature narrow cobbled streets and a challenging uphill climb up Montmartre Hill three times.
Young Americans Sepp Kuss and Matteo Jorgenson are also looking to make their mark in the Tour de France. After winning the Vuelta a España last year, Kuss is expected to be a key player for Vingegaard’s team. Jorgenson has already claimed victories at some elite spring races and finished eighth overall last year at the Tour de France.
The stakes are higher than ever as Pogačar and Vingegaard prepare to clash in what promises to be an epic battle for Tour de France glory.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/cycling/tour-de-france-tadej-pogacar-jonas-vingegaard-rcna216349