The Tour de France party in Copenhagen reaches its climax in the afternoon. The first yellow jersey of the 109th Tour of France is awarded in a 13.2 kilometre time trial.
The 109th Tour de France begins today in Copenhagen with a 13.2 kilometre individual time trial. The weather could play a decisive role.
The route
The first working day only takes about a quarter of an hour. The time trial course through the centre of Copenhagen is completely flat, but the more than 20 bends do not make the course technically easy. In addition, according to reports from some riders, the tarmac has its pitfalls. The weather is likely to play a much bigger role.
Rain showers are forecast for the afternoon. The top riders have therefore decided in favour of early start times. Challenger Primoz Roglic will start at 4.20 pm, Tour champion Tadej Pogacar at 5.05 pm shortly before world champion Filippo Ganna and all-rounder Wout van Aert. The first rider starts at 4.00 pm, the last pro rolls off the ramp at 6.55 pm.
The favourites
There are many indications of a duel between Ganna and van Aert. Ganna has had a new time trial suit specially tailored for him and is also travelling on a new and even more aerodynamic racing machine. Mathieu van der Poel also has a small chance. The all-rounder from the Netherlands is also wearing a new customised suit. Cost: 3000 euros.
German opportunities
Lennard Kämna surprised at the Giro d'Italia in a four kilometre shorter time trial with eighth place. The German champion can be expected to put in a similar performance in Copenhagen. Max Walscheid, also a strong time trialist, sees little chance of a good placing as he has not yet found the optimum set-up with his new team Cofidis.
Copyright 2022, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
