Who's going to win the 2021 Tour de France? Cycling Weekly's preview show
Our preview show gives you the lowdown on the upcoming French Grand Tour
The 2021 Tour de France is upon us!
The biggest bike race of the year will see the best riders battle it out for stage wins, intermediate sprints, king of the mountains points, and most importantly, the yellow jersey.
In Cycling Weekly's preview show, this year's route is poured over, with the Grand Départ in Brittany promising fireworks from the off, before a double ascent of Mont Ventoux and a climactic GC battle in the Pyrenees.
Tadej Pogačar will have the number one on his book, as UAE Team Emirates have bolstered their squad in the hopes of defending the Slovenian's yellow jersey, and is set to go up against his compatriot, Jumbo-Visma's Primož Roglič, who he beat in stunning fashion last year.
It's not just about the two Slovenians, however, as Ineos boast three Grand Tour winners in their eight-man squad. Geraint Thomas is vying for a second yellow jersey after his 2018 win, yet Richard Carapaz is looking formidable, while Richie Porte won the recent Critérium du Dauphiné and 2020 Giro d'Italia winner Tao Geoghegan Hart makes his Tour debut.
Movistar's Miguel Ángel López will have hopefully ironed out his time trialling problems, that cost him dearly, as two pan-flat races against the clock give this year's race a more traditional feel, the first TT being on stage five and the second closing out the general classification race on stage 20.
In between the GC action, the fast men will have their turn on the eight flat stage of the 2021 French Grand Tour.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Mark Cavendish is a late substitute for last year's green jersey winner Sam Bennett (so late that our show had already been recorded when it was sounding like Bennett would be fit to defend his points classification). Deceuninck - Quick-Step will face stiff competition in the form of not only Lotto-Soudal's Caleb Ewan and Arnaud Démare, but also the likes of Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix) and Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma).
The Van der Poel vs Van Aert battle from the spring will reconvene on French roads, going head-to-head in the battle between the Dutch and Belgian national champions.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
Forget distance covered, these are the key stats to note in your Strava Year in Sport
We asked a coach how to best analyse our end of year Strava data
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'She should show a bit more respect' - Lotte Kopecky responds to Demi Vollering comments
The pair seemingly had one last fractious year together at SD Worx-Protime in 2024
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Steve Cummings takes sports director role at Jayco AIUla after Ineos Grenadiers departure
'It’s an opportunity to be part of a culture that celebrates growth, resilience, and meaningful results' says 43-year-old after joining new team
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Jonas Vingegaard plays down talk of Giro d’Italia debut in 2025, and clarifies use of carbon monoxide inhalation
Two-time Tour de France winner gives nothing away when asked if he’ll appear at the Giro, but the Worlds in Rwanda is in his sights
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Where next for Ineos Grenadiers, now Steve Cummings has officially left?
After the Director of Racing's exit, the Tom Pidcock saga needs a final resolution before the team can move forward
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos' Director of Racing, Steve Cummings, confirms he is leaving the team after not attending a race since June
Announcement comes after months of uncertainty surrounding Cummings' position
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Jonas Vingegaard is 'happy' while Tadej Pogačar calls Tour de France 2025 route 'brutal'
Visma-Lease a Bike sports director Grischa Niermann says course 'certainly appeals' to Dutch squad
By Tom Davidson Published
-
British free-to-air Tour de France highlights being 'explored' for 2026, after ITV loses rights
2025 will be the last year for the Tour on ITV, as 25 years of coverages comes to an end due to Warner Bros. Discovery "exclusivity" deal
By Adam Becket Published
-
Tadej Pogačar says blistering Sormano attack was 'planned' after cruising to fourth Il Lombardia title
World Champion ends his season on a high in Italy with 25th victory of the year secured at Italian Monument
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Mark Cavendish to conclude professional cycling career in Singapore
Tour de France stage win record holder to bring curtain down on racing career at ASO end of season criteriums in Asia
By Tom Thewlis Published