Questions & answers about the 108th Tour de France

That's why the Corona concept is similar to the one from the previous year. This time the route is less tailored to mountain specialists, but last year's winner Tadej Pogacar and his Slovenian compatriot Primoz Roglic remain the big favorites. Here are the most important questions and answers before the start of the 108th Tour de France:

Where does the Tour de France start? For the fourth time after 1952, 1974 and 2008, the tour begins in Brest. The tour of France was actually supposed to start in Copenhagen. However, since the European Football Championship was postponed by a year due to the corona pandemic and Copenhagen is the venue, the start of the tour in the Danish capital has been postponed to 2022. The port city in Brittany stepped in for this.

What does the tour’s Corona package of measures look like? All riders are tested twice before the start of the tour and on the first and second rest days. This also applies to the immediate environment, as can be seen from the regulations of the UCI world association. This entourage should move in a so-called own bubble. A second bubble includes the entourage (organization, media, etc.), and the public represents the third area. These so-called “bubbles” should not come into direct contact with each other.

Will spectators be allowed on the route? Yes, but initially limited. A maximum of 5000 spectators are permitted in the start and finish area and masks are required. These are the regulations for outdoor sporting events that apply until the end of June. After that, there may be relaxations depending on the number of infections. It will likely be decided at short notice whether mountain passes will be completely closed to fans, as was the case last year. At the team presentation on Thursday, 1000 visitors will be allowed in the Parc à Chaines. The organizers appeal to fans to wear masks, keep at least two meters away from the drivers and refrain from taking selfies or signing autographs.

Are dramatic falls to be expected again? The Tour de France is always hectic. A stage win can save the entire season for a driver or a team. Accordingly, there is a risk of mass falls again, especially during sprint finishes. Mark Cavendish's serious crash in the sprint duel with Peter Sagan is still well remembered. But drivers also risk more on the descents. Who wants to lose the tour downhill? On the other hand, the tour is better organized than other races. The world association has tightened the rules for this purpose. For example, sitting on the top tube of the racing bike to achieve an aerodynamic position on descents is no longer permitted.

The Slovenians Tadej Pogacar (front) and Primoz Roglic secured the Tour victory last year. © APA/afp / KENZO TRIBOUILLARD

Who are the favorites to win the Tour de France? A new edition of the Slovenian duel between last year's winner Tadej Pogacar and the unfortunate runner-up Primoz Roglic can be expected. Both have already performed well this season. The two time trials were actually supposed to speak for Roglic, but last year the Vuelta winner had spectacularly squandered the overall victory that was believed to be certain in the mountain time trial to La Planche des Belles Filles. Former winner Geraint Thomas and his two strong Ineos teammates Richie Porte (Australia) and Richard Carapaz (Ecuador) could also play a role. And the French are hoping for world champion Julian Alaphilippe, who should like the less mountain-heavy course.

What to expect from Chris Froome? It would be a big surprise if the four-time Tour champion played a role in his Tour comeback in the overall standings. Since his bad fall shortly before the 2019 Tour, when he suffered numerous broken bones, the Brit has not come close to his best form. Froome has long since recognized this. The 36-year-old wants to use his experience for captain Michael Woods at Team Israel Start-Up Nation. Originally, the distribution of roles was intended to be the other way around.

What are the highlights of the 108th Tour de France? The big highlight will be the eleventh stage, when the infamous Mont Ventoux is crossed twice. The giant of Provence is back in the program for the first time since 2016. The 1910 meter high mountain, which resembles a lunar landscape in the upper part, gained notoriety after the death of Tom Simpson in 1967. Pumped full of amphetamines, the Brit collapsed three kilometers from the finish and died. This year the goal of the eleventh stage is down in the valley. There will be mountain finishes in Tignes, at the Col du Portet and in Luz Ardiden. The decision is likely to come on the penultimate day of the individual time trial from Libourne to Saint-Emilion. There is also a fight against the clock from Changé to Laval on the fifth day.

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Questions & answers about the 108th Tour de France

The 108th Tour de France starts in Brest on Saturday. As in the previous year, the race is influenced by the corona pandemic, even if the number of infections is falling rapidly.

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