The flagship of cycling will set sail from its harbour as the 100th edition of the Tour De France commences at the Island of Corsica, in the Mediterranean Sea on Saturday. The sport is enjoying a major boost in the United Kingdom due to the successes of Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and Chris Hoy on track. On top of their success, the organisor of the Tour has awarded next year’s grand depart to Yorkshire, where three stages will be raced.
Before that time though, let’s see what this year’s editions brings. The route is more mountainous than last year, which suited Brad Wiggins perfectly. Since it’s the 100th edition, the route is filled with monumental climbs; the the Mont Ventoux, Alpe d’Huez, Col de la Madeleine and pitoresque finishes in towns as Mont St.Michel, Gap and of course a night time finish on the Champs d’Elysee in Paris.
Will another Brit win this year? Could very well be the case, as the Kenyan born Chris Froome has been dominating the races leading up to the Tour. His major challenger is Alberto Contador, who seems to have lost that sharp jumpy style that he’s known for, but never count him out. Mark Cavendish will surely win some stages, but competition is stiff and the green jersey might be out of his reach, as Peter Sagan does not only sprint well too, he’s more likely to get over mountains where Cav struggles and thus have more oppertunities to gather points.
Either way, we’re in for three weeks of a real sufferfest!
British Eurosport will at least broadcast the last few hours of all stages. The major stages will be broadcast in its entirety.
Tips:
1p double:
Yellow jersey: Chris Froome 4/6
Green jersey: Peter Sagan EVS
Mountains jersey: 1p EW Chris Froome 12/1 gen
Team Classification: 1p Garmin Sharp 10/1 Betfred (do not take less than 8/1)
Young rider classification: 1p Andrew Talansky 6/1 gen (no less than 5/1)
Bauke Mollema v Jurgen Van Den Broeck King of Mountains Match Bet: 1p Mollema EVS at only
Cavendish to win exactly 4 stages: 11/4 at Paddy Power only
