The Battle for the Yellow Jersey: Can Anyone Stop Tadej Pogacar?
Two-time Tour de France defending champion Tadej Pogacar from UAE Team Emirates has once again secured the coveted yellow jersey, snatching it from Wout van Aert of Jumbo-Visma. As we enter the last two weeks of Le Tour, Pogacar, hailing from Slovenia, is the clear favorite with -400 odds to win the 2022 Tour de France. But can any of the other General Classification (GC) contenders, such as Jonas Vingegaard of Jumbo-Visma, Alexander Vlasov of Bora-Hansgrohe, or Geraint Thomas of Ineos, pose a threat to his dominance?
Pogacar’s Reign
Last year, Pogacar showcased his prowess in Stage 8 in the Alps when he claimed the yellow jersey. From that point onwards, it became a battle for second place as Pogacar sealed back-to-back victories in the Tour de France.
2022 Tour de France Odds Update
Let’s take a look at the latest odds for the top contenders:
- Tadej Pogacar -400
- Jonas Vingegaard +300
- Alexander Vlasov +1400
- Geraint Thomas +2000
- Primoz Roglic +2200
- Adam Yates +3500
- Daniel Martinez +3500
- Nairo Quintana +4000
- Romain Bardet +4000
- Enric Mas +5000
- David Gaudu +6500
- Tom Pidcock +6500
- Wout van Aert +10000
- Jakob Fugslang +13000
- Rigoberto Uran +15000
- Ben O’Connor +20000
- Thibout Pinot +25000
- Alexey Lutsenko +25000
- Guillaume Martin +30000
- Sepp Kuss +30000
- Chris Froome +50000
- Brandon McNulty +50000
- Quinn Simmons +100000
Pogacar’s dominance is evident in the odds, with his chances of winning currently at -400. As we reach the conclusion of the sixth stage, Pogacar has once again asserted his authority during the first week, showcasing the skills that have made him a force to be reckoned with. It would take a significant mishap or catastrophe to prevent him from securing the yellow jersey for an unprecedented third consecutive year.
Backing a dominant favorite like Pogacar might not offer the most thrilling betting experience for avid punters, but sometimes, it’s wise to hop on the bandwagon and support the frontrunner until their streak comes to an end. Pogacar’s recent form is exceptional, and there are no indications of him slowing down. Our confidence in his victory led us to place a Tour de France futures bet on him before Stage 1 at -160 odds. We reinforced this bet after Stage 4 at -150, showing our belief in Pogacar’s ability to triumph.
Challenges for Vingegaard
Jumbo-Visma experienced a disastrous Stage 5 on the treacherous cobblestones, with both Wout van Aert and Primoz Roglic encountering crashes. Jonas Vingegaard also had a stroke of bad luck when he faced equipment issues that forced him to change bikes twice within a two-minute span. It was quite a sight to witness the Jumbo-Visma riders swapping gear while Vingegaard attempted to ride the bike belonging to Jumbo-Visma’s tallest teammate. Eventually, Vingegaard gave up and sought another teammate’s bike, only to abandon that idea when the team car arrived with a spare. This comical exchange resembled a scene from a Benny Hill sketch, leaving the audience in fits of laughter.
Despite the chaos and misfortune in Stage 5, Vingegaard made a remarkable comeback in Stage 6, climbing from seventh to third place in the General Classification standings. He sits just 31 seconds behind Pogacar, well within striking distance. However, if Vingegaard hopes to bridge the gap, he must launch an attack sooner rather than later. Stage 7 at La Super Planche des Belles Filles, the first mountain stage, could present Vingegaard with an opportunity to shine.
We took a chance on Vingegaard before the Tour de France began, placing a bet at +400 odds to win the race. Our decision was influenced by teammate Primoz Roglic’s unfortunate history at Le Tour, with the hope that Vingegaard could be the one to dethrone the Slovenian prodigy in this year’s mountainous challenges.
Ineos Contenders
The Ineos team boasts several strong contenders who could challenge Pogacar’s reign:
- Geraint Thomas: The 2018 Tour de France winner, currently in sixth place, just 46 seconds behind the leader. With a talented squad supporting him, Thomas presents interesting value at +2000 odds.
- Adam Yates: Positioned in fourth place in the General Classification, trailing Pogacar by 39 seconds and Vingegaard by a mere eight seconds. Yates is listed at +3500 odds, making him a compelling option.
- Tom Pidcock: The young rider from Ineos is making waves in his Le Tour debut, currently occupying fifth place, just 40 seconds off the yellow jersey. Although considered a future prospect, Pidcock’s experience in this Grand Tour race will undoubtedly prove invaluable in his career. He has odds of +6500 to win the 2022 Tour de France.
With the support of Ineos, these riders have the potential to challenge Pogacar’s dominance. In particular, the promising performances of Thomas, Yates, and Pidcock have piqued interest and added excitement to the remainder of the Tour de France.
Conclusion
As we approach the latter stages of the 2022 Tour de France, Tadej Pogacar reigns as the undisputed favorite to secure the yellow jersey for the third consecutive year. His exceptional form and commanding lead make him a formidable force to overcome. However, challenges in the mountains lie ahead, and contenders like Jonas Vingegaard, Geraint Thomas, Adam Yates, and Tom Pidcock have shown glimpses of their ability to challenge Pogacar’s dominance. The final weeks of Le Tour promise thrilling battles and unexpected twists as these riders vie for glory.
FAQs After Conclusion
1. Can Tadej Pogacar break the record for consecutive yellow jersey wins in the Tour de France?
Tadej Pogacar has the opportunity to make history by winning the yellow jersey for the third consecutive year. If he achieves this feat, he will join an elite group of cyclists who have achieved such dominance in the Tour de France.
2. Has any rider ever made a comeback from a significant time deficit to win the Tour de France?
Although rare, remarkable comebacks have occurred in the Tour de France. In 1989, Greg LeMond overcame a 50-second deficit on the final day’s time trial to secure victory by just eight seconds. This legendary comeback serves as a reminder that anything is possible in this prestigious race.
3. Which upcoming stages of the Tour de France present the greatest challenges for the riders?
The mountain stages are widely regarded as the most demanding and pivotal segments of the Tour de France. As the race reaches the high peaks, the riders must navigate grueling climbs, treacherous descents, and extreme elevations. These stages test the participants both physically and mentally, often determining the ultimate victor.
4. How do teams strategize to support their GC contenders during the Tour de France?
Teams in the Tour de France employ various strategies to support their General Classification contenders. They have carefully selected rosters consisting of climbers, domestiques, and highly skilled team leaders. These teammates work together to protect their GC rider, provide support during climbs
