The Exciting Battle for the Tour de France
Tadej Pogacar, the young Slovenian cyclist from UAE Team Emirates, has emerged as the dominant force in the Tour de France, winning the yellow jersey in consecutive years. As the 2022 edition of the prestigious race approaches, Pogacar is once again the betting favorite to secure a three-peat, with odds set at -165. However, his rivals, including Primoz Roglic, Jonas Vingegaard, and Geraint Thomas, are determined to challenge his supremacy.
The Rise of Tadej Pogacar
During the 2020 Tour de France, Pogacar showcased his remarkable talent by stealing the yellow jersey from fellow Slovenian Primoz Roglic on the penultimate stage’s individual time trial. In the following year’s tour, Roglic encountered unfortunate crashes that forced him to withdraw from the race. With the absence of his biggest competitor, Pogacar comfortably secured his second victory in the Tour de France.
The Contenders for 2022
Heading into the 2022 Tour de France, the competition is fierce, with various top contenders aiming to dethrone Pogacar. Primoz Roglic, currently the closest cyclist to Pogacar in terms of betting odds at +250, seeks redemption after a disappointing 2021 tour. Jonas Vingegaard, a rising star from Team Jumbo-Visma, has also shown great potential, finishing second in the previous edition of the race. Additionally, former champion Geraint Thomas, at +2500 odds, hopes to regain the coveted yellow jersey.
The Grand Depart and the Route
This year, the Tour de France will start in Copenhagen, Denmark, with the first stage scheduled for July 1. Over the course of 24 stages, the peloton will traverse challenging terrains, highlighted by majestic mountains, before reaching the grand finale in Paris on July 24.
Egan Bernal’s Comeback Story
Egan Bernal, the Colombian rider from Team Ineos Grenadiers, holds a significant place in the history of the Tour de France. In 2019, he became the youngest winner since World War II and the first Colombian champion. However, injuries prevented him from defending his title in 2020.
Following a successful campaign in the 2021 Giro D’Italia, where he emerged victorious, Bernal aims to achieve a unique feat by winning all three Grand Tours. Unfortunately, his journey to recover his top form has been hindered by a severe crash during training in Colombia. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and sustaining various fractures, Bernal’s determination to return to racing remains unwavering. Although his participation in the Tour de France is uncertain, fans eagerly await his potential return.
A Promising Young Talent – Jonas Vingegaard
While Egan Bernal faces challenges on his path to recovery, his teammate Jonas Vingegaard presents a compelling option for bettors. Demonstrating his talent in the 2021 Tour de France by finishing second in Paris, Vingegaard aims to balance his ambitions as an individual contender with his duties as a support rider for Roglic.
Despite his relative youth, Vingegaard has already proven himself against elite competition and possesses the potential to surprise the cycling community. While betting on Bernal might be risky with his uncertain status, considering Vingegaard’s odds at this stage could prove fruitful.
France’s Quest for a Home Champion
French cycling enthusiasts eagerly await the emergence of a homegrown champion in the Tour de France. The last French rider to win the yellow jersey was Bernard Hinault back in 1985, creating a 37-year drought. Julian Alaphilippe, known for his thrilling stage wins in the mountains, is an exciting prospect for French fans. Although his odds are currently set at +5000, Alaphilippe’s explosive performances in previous editions of the race make him a contender to watch.
Other noteworthy French riders include Thibaut Pinot (+6500) and David Gaudu (+8000). The French cycling community hopes to witness another legendary moment akin to Hinault’s victory against his teammate Greg LeMond, chronicled in the renowned 30 for 30 documentary film “Slaying the Badger.”
Conclusion
The 2022 Tour de France promises a thrilling battle among the top cyclists in the world. Tadej Pogacar aims to secure a historic three-peat, while challengers like Primoz Roglic, Jonas Vingegaard, and Geraint Thomas are determined to topple the reigning champion. Egan Bernal’s recovery journey adds an additional layer of intrigue to the race, with fans eagerly awaiting his potential return. Furthermore, French fans hope to witness a breakthrough performance from their riders, ending the long-standing drought without a home champion.
FAQs
1. Can Pogacar make history with a three-peat?
Yes, Tadej Pogacar has the opportunity to become the first cyclist since the legendary Miguel Indurain to secure three consecutive Tour de France victories.
2. Which rider poses the biggest threat to Pogacar’s dominance?
Primoz Roglic, who narrowly lost to Pogacar in 2020, is considered his primary rival in this year’s race. Roglic possesses the skills and experience to mount a strong challenge.
3. Is Egan Bernal expected to participate in the Tour de France?
Although his return is not guaranteed, Bernal aims to make a comeback from his injuries and potentially race in the Tour de France. His status remains uncertain, but fans hold high hopes for his recovery.
4. When was the last French rider to win the yellow jersey?
Bernard Hinault was the last French champion, winning the yellow jersey in 1985 after an epic battle against his teammate Greg LeMond.
5. Can Julian Alaphilippe secure a stage win in the 2022 Tour de France?
While winning the overall race might be a challenge for Alaphilippe, his explosive riding style makes him a strong candidate for stage victories throughout the tour.
