When the Tour de France starts its 110th edition in Bilbao on Saturday, the roles will be clearly defined. On paper at least. Because in the unpredictable Tour, it is only clear at the end in Paris that the overall victory will go to either defending champion Jonas Vingegaard or his rival Tadej Pogacar. The field of favourites therefore goes beyond the high-flyer duo.
Jonas Vingegaard
The only direct duel with Pogacar was lost this year. The Dane only finished third in Paris-Nice. But Vingegaard won all the other races he took part in. Unlike Pogacar, his entire season is focussed on the Tour, and he no longer has to share the captain's role with Primoz Roglic. Vingegaard therefore goes into the race as the top favourite.
Tadej Pogacar
The neo-cannibal wants revenge. All-time winner Pogacar wants to prove that last year's defeat was just a blip. On the way to the Tour, the Slovenian shone in the classics season, but broke his navicular bone in the Ardennes. He made his comeback after a two-month break last weekend at the national championships, where he won the time trial and road race. Just how good he really is is currently unclear and a chance for the competition.
Jai Hindley & Ben O'Connor
The Australian duo reflects the strong development on the distant continent. Hindley won the Giro last year and now wants to show the world what he's made of in the Tour. A podium finish would be fantastic for his Bora team. O'Connor has already finished fourth and showed great form at the Dauphiné in mid-June.
Mikel Landa & Enric Mas
The great days of the Spaniards are long gone, with Alejandro Valverde being the last rider from the cycling nation to finish on the podium in 2015. However, the start on home soil and the manageable time trial kilometres speak in favour of the Basque rider Landa and the Mallorcan Mas. However, more than third place is probably only possible without the two top favourites.
David Gaudu & Romain Bardet
They are the hope of France. The Grande Nation's last victory to date dates back to 1985, when Bernard Hinault enchanted the crowds. Since then, there have been many second and third places, and Bardet has also stood on the podium twice. Gaudu finished fourth last year. The same applies here: if neither Vingegaard nor Pogacar make it to Paris, they have a chance.
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