Tour de France 2010

It’s July and the world’s attention turns to France, more precisely the Tour de France. Despite the distractions of the Soccer World Cup and Wimbledon, the largest sporting event in the world is about get underway and I find myself being constantly drawn into conversations over who might walk away with the coveted maillot jaune (yellow jersey) this year.

In a sporting event that lasts three weeks and covers over 3000 kilometres, there is no such thing as a safe bet. Meticulous preparation and perfect form aside, riders also need a little luck to ensure victory. An untimely crash or unforeseen incident can wreck someone’s chances in an instant and with the opening week traversing the cobbles of Belgium and the notorious cross-winds of northern France, anything can, and most likely will, go wrong.

So to the matter at hand, selecting a handful of possible victors from the 198 riders that will start in Rotterdam. Crystal ball gazing at it’s best but I am going to be bold, stick my hand up and list them in the order I see them finishing.

Lance Armstrong

Seven time Tour de France champion and arguably the master at winning le Tour. From the brazen 21 year old, through the cancer years and his return to the top, Lance has proved over and over again that he knows what it takes to win this race. Last year, with very few racing miles in his legs, he returned to the Tour and finished third but more importantly he showed that he was prepared to play the consummate team mate, even when those around him were not following the plan.

This year with a team built around him again, he will go on to write another chapter in his amazing story. Finishing on top of the podium once more before jetting off into the sunset to continue his tireless crusade against the disease that once threatened his life.

Alberto Contador

Defending champion and the most successful grand tour rider of the new generation. He is a young, brash, talented, climber that can time trial better than most. Sound familiar? Yes, I could be describing a young Lance Armstrong and in many respects it is these traits that have brought Contador similar success.

Unfortunately for him, he won’t have Armstrong by his side and in his place will be Alexander Vinokourov. I doubt Vinokourov will show the same loyalty to his team mates, especially since the Astana team was originally created for him by some of his more influential Kazakhstan comrades. Come crunch time Contador may end up racing his own team and for the young man, with a sometimes fragile ego, this may prove too much.

Cadel Evans

They say nice guys always finish last and Cadel Evans may be the epitome of this statement. That was until last year, when in an inspired moment, he launched an attack that would see him end up as World Champion. Since then he has looked a different rider and one has to believe that if Contador and Armstrong spend too much effort trying to beat each other, Evans might slip away and take victory.

Andy Schleck

The younger of the two Schleck brothers, Andy has proved with his second place last year that he has what it takes to get on the podium. For him to succeed though, he will need to take time in the high mountains and this years tour, doesn’t have quite the right profile. I expect that we will see Andy and Contador going head to head in years to come but for now, he will have to content with fourth place.

Bradley Wiggins

The double Olympic champion turned grand tour rider. Bradley Wiggins is as famous for his incredible track exploits as he is for his dramatic weight loss and subsequent transformation from a 82kg pursuiter to a 72kg tour contender. With Team Sky created around him he has the dedicated support he needs to match his self belief and he will definitely factor in the final result. A win may be too much to ask but if he got it right then there can be little doubt that his CBE will be upgraded to a knighthood at the Queen’s end of year bash.