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The
105th edition of the
Tour de France is finally underway and a cursory glance at the course suggests it’s going to be tough… mentally, physically and emotionally. This year cyclists of the calibre of Froome, Sagan, Porte and Quintana are expected to tussle it out for the honours. Quite who will prevail to claim the title in Paris is anyone’s guess.
As with every other year, the flagship event of the 2018 international cycling tour is all about courage, stamina, tenacity and teamwork. To appreciate the tremendous efforts put in by the riders, it’s important to explore the toughest race on two wheels in more detail:
The Lexicon
Image Source: intocycling.co.za
The
Tour de France is quintessentially French. It features 21 arduous stages that traverse the languid countryside and climb to breathless altitudes in the French Alps and Pyrenees.
In addition to being firmly based in a country known for its haute cuisine and fine wines, most of the language of the Tour - and for that matter all cycling tours worldwide - is French.
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From the group of riders known as the ‘peloton’ to the ‘l’equipe’ or the 175 teams competing in the race, the lexicon of the tour is strictly native. There are specialist sprinters - ‘le sprinteurs’ - and climbers - ‘le grimpeurs’ - but the guys who have to do all the donkey work are the ‘domestiques’ or servants!
Nourishment is provided along the way by ‘bidons’ and ‘musettes’ rather than water bottles and food bags and when you hear the shouts of ‘chapeau’ grow louder and more emphatic, it’s a sign ‘Le Tour’ leader wearing the ‘maillot jaune’ or yellow jersey is nearing the end goal in Paris!
The Bookies’ Favourites
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When it comes to betting odds, bookmakers believe defending champion
Chris Froome of Team Sky has it in him to pull off a consecutive title along with the first Giro Italia - Tour De France double since 1998. The Brit hasn’t had it all his own way though, as he lost quite a bit of time during the first stage when he was unceremoniously nudged off the road and into a field.
All-rounder
Richie Porte has also been tipped for Tour greatness. The affable Aussie won the Tour de Suisse in June this year and is backed by a strong BMC Racing team. Will he enjoy a turnaround in fortunes after his horror crash in 2017? Only time will tell!
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Peter Sagan of Bora-Hansgrohe is another bookies’ favourite. The Slovak, fresh from his first Paris to Roubaix title in April this year, has already proved his mettle by winning Stage 2. Pundits however don’t expect him to hang onto the jersey for too long!
Watch out for specialist climber
Nairo Quintana… he’s expected to launch a significant challenge on the mountain stages. The Colombian is known to attack on the steep ascents and with his incredible stamina, the Movistar man may well add the Tour de France to his Giro d’ Italia and Vuelta a Espania titles!
The Route
This year’s 3 351 km route consists of eight flat, five hilly and six mountain stages with three altitude finishes. Riders will have to contend with a total of 26 climbs but it’s arguably the dreaded cobbles between Arras and Roubaix that’ll separate the leaders from the pretenders to the throne.
During stage 16 the route meanders briefly into Spain for about 15 km, otherwise it’s local all the way. Expect some exciting viewing and plenty of thrills and spills on the mountain stages in the Alps, the Massif Central and the Pyrenees!
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