By Stefan Tabeling and Tom Bachmann, dpa
High in the north, the 109th Tour de France starts for the first time in the Danish capital Copenhagen. Shortly before the start on Friday, the riders are concerned about the coronavirus pandemic, with the summer wave causing serious problems for cycling.
In sporting terms, it all comes down to a duel between the two Slovenian stars Tadej Pogacar and Primoz Roglic. For the German riders, it's probably all about one-day successes.
Where does the Tour de France start?
The tour starts in Copenhagen for the first time. The Grand Départ was actually supposed to take place in the Danish capital last year. However, due to the postponement of the European Football Championships to 2021 with Copenhagen as the venue, the Tour had to make way. It is already the 24th foreign start of the Grand Boucle.
Why does the race start on Friday?
An additional rest day has been added on Monday so that the whole bunch can make it in time for the fourth stage from Denmark to France. In total, the Tour will take a three-day break this time.
Is the tour threatened by coronavirus chaos?
Quite possibly. During the week-long Tour de Suisse, more than 40 riders were recently forced to pull out early due to the coronavirus pandemic. Numerous riders have recently tested positive, including three-time world champion Peter Sagan and Maximilian Schachmann, who still has to fear for his participation in the Tour.
What does the coronavirus package of measures look like for the tour?
During the 2020 and 2021 editions, the Tour squad was strictly isolated and operated in its own bubble. The concept worked, there was no positive case. Since this season, the UCI has relaxed the rules again. The previous plan was that all riders would have to present a negative test before the start and then be tested again on the rest days. In view of the latest developments, however, the Tour organisation could tighten the measures again.
Are dramatic falls to be expected again?
Things are always hectic at the Tour de France. A stage win can save the whole season for a rider or a team. Accordingly, there is always the threat of mass crashes, especially in the sprint finishes. On the second and third stages in Denmark, the sprinters can hope for mass finishes. Last year, there were a series of crashes at the start. One of the favourites, Primoz Roglic, was caught out and later had to abandon. But the riders are also taking more risks on the descents. Who wants to lose the Tour downhill? In addition, there is always the threat of danger from the crowds of spectators. In 2021, Tony Martin was knocked off his bike by a cardboard sign.
Who are the favourites to win the Tour de France?
Last year's winner Tadej Pogacar is once again the top favourite. The 23-year-old, who has won the last two editions, recently showed his usual strong form in his dress rehearsal when he won the Tour of Slovenia. His biggest challenger is likely to be compatriot Primoz Roglic, from whom he snatched the yellow jersey in the highly dramatic time trial on the penultimate day in La Super Planche des Belles Filles in 2020. Roglic recently proved to be well prepared by winning the Tour of the Dauphiné. Welshman Geraint Thomas could also play a good role. The 2018 winner, who is already 36 years old, won the Tour de Suisse just over a week ago.
What can we expect from the German drivers?
There is no man for the overall classification. Giro seventh-placed Emanuel Buchmann, who even finished fourth overall in the 2019 Tour, is not taking part and is expected to attack again in the autumn. Lennard Kämna, on the other hand, will probably start; the German time trial champion recently impressed with a stage win at the Giro. Nils Politt, who is travelling in the champion's jersey, is in strong form. The rider from Cologne already won a stage last year. Classics specialist John Degenkolb has high hopes for the cobbled stage to Arenberg. There is still a question mark behind Maximilian Schachmann after his positive corona test.
What are the highlights of the 109th Tour de France?
The big highlight is the twelfth stage, when it goes up to the cycling Mecca of Alpe d'Huez. With 4750 metres of climbing over the Col du Galibier, the Col de la Croix de Fer and the final ascent to the ski station, the queen stage is a real climb. A total of six mountain finishes await the riders. But the tour also has a lot more to offer. On the second and third stages, wind edges on Denmark's coast could provide surprises. On the fifth stage, which ends before the entrance to the notorious Arenberg Forest, the tough cobblestones of northern France await. The overall winner should be decided on the penultimate day at the latest with the 40.7 kilometre individual time trial to Rocamadour. At the start, the first yellow jersey will also be awarded in the battle against the clock over 13.2 kilometres in Copenhagen.
Where is the Tour de France broadcast on TV?
ARD will be on air daily from around 4.00 pm for the decisive phase. Until ARD starts, live pictures can be seen on One and "sportschau.de" on the weekdays before. Eurosport will also be broadcasting the Tour stages.
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