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Paris - Nice
Preview |
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Race organiser ASO has made some
big changes for the 2014 edition of the Race to the Sun. No
prologue, no time trial and no summit finishes. With no times
gaps coming from a race against the clock and from a summit
finish we should see a much more attacking and by extension
exciting race. There are time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds
on the line adding extra incentive to be aggressive and 3, 2
and 1 at the intermediate sprint points. Just because there is
no summit (one uphill) finish doesn't mean the eight day race
is without any climbing.
Race Overview
Stage 1
After 30km the stage starts a circuit riders will face 4
times. The circuit includes the Côte de Vert climb (1.5km at
4.4%) with points on the first and third laps. The final climb
of Cote de Vert comes with 22km to go setting things up for
what should be a bunch sprint.
Names to watch: Tyler Farrar, Steele Von Hoff, Thor Hushovd,
Matt Goss, Michael Matthews, Nacer Bouhanni, Tom Boonen,
Gianni Meersman, Bryan Coquard, Alexander Kristoff, Moreno
Hofland and John
Degenkolb.
Stage 2
Another day suited to the sprinters some minor undulation
throughout the stage with just the 1 climb the Côte de la
Ferté-Loupière (1.2km at 4%) with 45km remaining. A slightly
uphill finish.
Names to watch: Tyler Farrar, Steele Von Hoff, Thor Hushovd,
Matt Goss, Michael Matthews, Nacer Bouhanni, Tom Boonen,
Gianni Meersman, Bryan Coquard, Alexander Kristoff, Moreno
Hofland and John
Degenkolb.
Stage 3
The only climb of the day Côte de la Chapelle Saint-André
(2.1km at 4.2%). The rest of the stage is relatively flat but
there is a tricky finish with half a dozen corners in the
final kilometres. Positioning will be important.
Names to watch: Tyler Farrar, Steele Von Hoff, Thor Hushovd,
Matt Goss, Michael Matthews, Nacer Bouhanni, Tom Boonen,
Gianni Meersman, Bryan Coquard, Alexander Kristoff, Moreno
Hofland and John
Degenkolb.
Stage 4
The stages start to get harder today with four climbs. The
first 120km of the stage are flat but from there it starts to
climb. The first climb is Côte de la Clayette (1km at 5.4%)
coming at 137.5km. The road then levels off slightly before
climbing again to Col du Champ Juin (8.5km at 2.9%). A quick
descent follows before Col de la Crie (1.7km at 4.5%). After a
near 20km downhill run riders will face the Côte du Mont
Brouilly (3km at 8.4%). The average gradient doesn't tell the
full picture with several sections over 20% including about
200m in the final km at 25% The climb tops out with 18km to
go. Climbers who want to gain time will have an opportunity to
attack while strong descenders may make a move on the run in
to the finish.
Names to watch: Geraint Thomas. Edvald Boasson Hagen,
Tom-Jelte Slagter, Carlos Betancur, Greg van Avermaet, Sylvain
Chavanel, Mathias Frank, Simon Gerrans, Simon Yates, Rui
Costa, Enrico Gasparotto, Vincenzo Nibali, Tony Gallopin, Jan
Bakelants, Zdenek Stybar, Lars Boom, Simon Spilak, Damiano
Caruso and Eduardo Sepulveda.
Stage 5
The first 60km are relatively flat other than two minor climbs
the Col de Brouilly (1.8km at 5.1&% and Côte de Plantigny
(2.3km at 3.7%). The first major climb Côte de Saint Martin en
Haut (8.6km at 4.5%) comes after 103km. A quick descent
follows before the road starts climbing but before long a long
12km descent starts to lead riders in to the final climb. The
Côte de Sainte-Catherine starts at 126.5km and the 12.5km
climb has an average gradient of 2.8% The gradient of the
final climb doesn't tell the entire story as the road flattens
out for a few kilometres before climbing again. Depending on
the pace could see an elite group or a larger bunch.
Names to watch: Geriant Thomas, Edvald Boasson Hagen,
Tom-Jelte Slagter, Michael Matthews, Greg Van Avermaet,
Sylvain Chavanel, Vincenzo Nibali, Francesco Gavazzi, Gianni
Meersman, Jan Bakelants, Zdenek Stybar, Lars Boom, John
Degenkolb and Eduardo Sepulveda.
Stage 6
The longest stage of the race at 221.5km. The Côte de Bonnieux
(4.8km at 5.1%) comes after 36.5km but beyond that the real
action doesn't start until the 164.5km mark. Riders face the
Côte des Tuilières (2.2km at 7.8%) and 15km later Côte du Mont
Meaulx (1.7km at 4.3%). The biggest climb of the day Col de
Bourigaille (8.2km at 5.9%) finishes with just over 20km
remaining. A long descent follows before the road starts to
climb to the finish in Fayence. The uphill finish should
provide the fist real gaps and the best chances for the
climbers to gain some time.
Names to watch: Carlos Betancur, Tejay van Garderen, Mathias
Frank, Simon Gerrans, Simon Yates, Rui Costa, Vincenzo Nibali,
Wilco Kelderman, Andy & Frank Schleck, Jon & Gorka Izaguirre,
Dani Navarro, Rafal Majka, George Bennett, Damiano Caruso and
Eduardo Sepulveda.
Stage 7
The main action starts earlier than on previous stages and the
road starts to gradually climb after around 15km. The first
big test is the Col de Vence (9.7km at 6.6%). The road
continues to climb over the top of the KoM and after a short
descent riders find themselves climbing the Côte de Cipières
(3.1km at 5%). After another short descent riders start the
second cat 1 of the day the Col de l'Ecre (11.1km at 4.9%).
From here the major obstacles of the day are done but riders
still face the Côte de Cipières (3.1km at 5%) and Côte de
Gourdon (4.8km at 3.6%) in the next 40km. The next 16km are
downhill before the start of two laps of a finishing circuit
that contain a lot of undulating roads. The final 2km of the
stage are uphill. With the GC haven taken shape yesterday a
break could survive but with time bonuses on the line some
teams might want to keep it together.
Names to watch: Geraint Thomas, Edvald Boasson Hagen,
Tom-Jelte Slagter, Greg van Avermaet, Sylvain Chavanel, Simon
Gerrans, Michael Matthews, Rui Costa, Tony Gallopin, Jan
Bakelants, Zdenek Stybar, Lars Boom and Eduardo Sepulveda.
Stage 8
At 128km it is the shortest of the race but it will not be a
procession for the race leader by any means and is crucial for
the overall race. The stage starts with a gradual climb to the
first KoM of the day Côte de Duranus (3.9km at 4.3%) that
comes after 33.5km. A short descent follows before the road
starts climbing and descending before starting the second
climb of the day. Côte de Châteauneuf (5.4km at 4.4%) comes
after 55km. A quick descent follows before the Col de Calaïson
(6.3km at 4.4). The road again descends before the penultimate
climb Côte de Peille (6.6km at 6.8%). The next 35 kilometres
are mostly downhill before the last test of the race. The Col
d'Eze (4.3km at 6.7%) tops out with 15km to go and from there
it is a downhill run in to the finish. With time gaps on GC
likely to be small the Col d'Eze presents one last opportunity
to attack and on the quick run in to the finish.
Names to watch: Geraint Thomas, Tom-Jelte Slagter, Greg van
Avermaet, Sylvain Chavanel, Simon Gerrans, Simon Yates, Rui
Costa, Vincenzo Nibali, Tony Gallopin, Jan Bakelants, Zdenek
Stybar, Wilco Kelderman, Andy & Frank Schleck, Thomas
Voeckler, Jon & Gorka Izaguirre, Dani Navarro, Rafal Majka,
Lars Boom, Damiano Caruso and Eduardo Sepulveda.
The Contenders
General Classification
Rui Costa
The World Champion doesn't have a win so far in 2014 but it
hasn't been a bad start to the year by any calculation. 15th
in Dubai despite not being a race overly suited to him and
then 3rd at Volta ao Algarve where he was second on three
stages and won the points jersey. An attacking rider and while
he is a strong rider the nature of the course suits him
better. Expect to see an aggressive race by Costa as he hunts
for his first win in the rainbow jersey.
Simon Gerrans
Not a name you might immediately think of to win Paris-Nice
and his team maintains they are hunting stages but with no
time trial or summit finish the route suddenly looks like one
for Gerrans. Won the National Championships, the first stage
and overall of Tour Down Under and then finished 7th where
teammate Simon Clarke won at the Herald Sun Tour. The climbs
are not overly long and short sharp climbs suit Gerrans.
Normally targets races and with Milan-Sanremo and the Ardennes
still to come might not be on his best but don't discount him
as without a real summit finish will be hard to very beat in
select group sprints netting him important bonus seconds. He
is likely to lose time on stage 6 but bonus seconds should
keep him in contention. Important to note he took a month off
after the Australian summer.
Sylvain Chavanel
Has finished in the top 10 five times now including 3rd in
2009 and this year may be his best chance to take the win. The
lack of a time trial hurts him the aggressive nature of the
route actually suits him. Likely to lose time in the uphill
finish on stage 6 but is a fast finisher and is likely to pick
up bonus seconds elsewhere. A great descender expect to see
him attacking to gain time.
Geraint Thomas
On past routes Thomas would not have been at the top of your
list but this year it looks like one for him. Won the stage up
corkscrew hill at the Tour Down Under and finished 3rd
overall. This year finished 8th overall while support Richie
Porte's overall objectives. Was in great form at the Vuelta a
Andalucia where he was driving the peloton up the climbs even
distancing Porte at one stage. Has a fast finish that will
help him go after bonus seconds on the line.
Vincenzo Nibali
Had an outstanding season last year winning the Giro and
second at the Vuelta. Took top 10's in three other stages
races plus the victory at Tirreno-Adriatico and Giro del
Trentino. Making a return to the Tour de France this year so
with his main goal later don't expect him at his best yet.
Started slowly at San Luis but more recently finished 17th in
Oman. Without a time trial or summit finish the race the race
is not ideal for him.
Tom-Jelte Slagter
Won the Tour Down Under last year then was quieter the rest of
the season but picked up a number of podiums. Finished the
year strongly taking the mountains jersey at Tour of Alberta
and finishing 7th in the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec. The
relatively short distance of the climbs suits him. His Down
Under victory came about due to smart and aggressive racing
and if he can repeat that he will be a name to watch. Has only
ridden Trofeo Platja de Muro so far in 2014 making his form a
bit of an unknown.
Carlos Betancur
Started the season at the Tour de San Luis a few kilos
overweight but since his return to Europe has got back on
track. Finished 11th at Tour Méditerranéen, losing most of the
time in the time trial. Two weeks ago took his first win of
the season beating John Degenkolb in an uphill sprint at Tour
du Haut Var and backed up the next day with 2nd to win
overall. The lack of long climbs in the race is a disadvantage
and he will need to gain time on stage 6.
Simon Yates
First year pro but the course is good for him. Shorter climbs
and no summit finish. Goes in without any expectations on him
but if he finds himself in a good position his team will rally
around him to help him produce a good result. He showed at the
Tour of Britain last year he has a very fast finish and will
be dangerous in small groups.
Wilco Kelderman
Continued to improve last year taking 5th at Tour de Romandie
and 17th at the Giro d´Italia. Finished the second half of the
season strongly winning the Post Danmark Rundt and taking 7th
in the Eneco Tour. Not having a time trial hurts him but has a
strong finish especially uphill.
Rafal Majka
7th at the Giro d´Italia and 4th at the Tour de Pologne last
year. His strength comes in the climbs so if he wants to win
will need to gain time. Finished off his season with a strong
3rd place finish at Il Lombardia.
Zdenek Stybar
Defended his cyclocross world title earlier in the year after
having his best road season yet in 2013. Won the Eneco Tour
and a stage of the Vuelta. Is a fast finisher who can hold on
to the best of them on the short climbs. He is likely to lose
time on stage 6 but with time bonuses can keep himself in
contention.
Other names to watch: Edvald Boasson Hagen, Tejay van
Garderen, Greg van Avermaet, Mathias Frank, Francesco Gavazzi,
Enrico Gasparotto, Tony Gallopin, Arthur Vichot, Arnold
Jeannesson, Jan Bakelants, Lars Boom, Andy and Frank Schleck,
Thomas Voeckler, John and Ion Izaguirre, Jérome Coppel and
Eduardo Sepulveda
Sprinters
Tyler Farrar
After a hard few years Farrar started to return to form last
year winning a stage of the Tour of California and Tour de
l'Eurométropole which earned him a 1 year extension with
Garmin-Sharp. Finished 4th on a stage of the Tour de San Luis
but was absent in the sprints at Dubai Tour.
Matthew Goss
Another rider who has had a hard two years. His last win in a
UCI race came at Tirreno-Adriatico also a year ago. He took a
stage at the Bay Crits in January and really should have taken
a stage at the Herald Sun Tour but stuffed up his sprint. In
the final year of his contract needs and needs wins so the
pressure is on but has returned to his program of 2011.
Michael Matthews
Took two stages of the Vuelta last year and had some back
issues in January. Hasn't raced in nearly a month when illness
stopped him starting the final day of Challenge Mallorca. His
strength is on harder finishes so expect to see him supporting
Goss on the flatter days.
Nacer Bouhanni
Took his first win of the year at the Etoile de Bessèges and
has added four more podiums since then. Last year he took the
win on stage one and then started the next stage in yellow but
crashed out so expect to see him motivated to pull on yellow
again
Tom Boonen
His injury impacted 2013 is behind him and has already taken
three victories this year. He may not be the pure sprinter he
once was but he took a bunch sprint ahead of Greipel at the
Tour of Qatar. Has 11 top finishes so far with his most recent
victory at Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne last weekend.
Gianni Meersman
Like Matthews, Meersman is more suited to harder finishes so
expect to see him supporting Boonen on the flatter stages.
Only raced 5 days so far this year but has been in the top 10
in all of them including taking the win at Trofeo Platja de
Muro.
Bryan Coquard
Now in his second year pro and is no stranger to winning. Took
five victories last year and two so far this year but most
have come in smaller races. His most significant win came at
the Tour de Picardie last year where he beat Kittel. Yet to
get a World Tour win.
John Degenkolb
Generally thought of as a sprinter for harder finishes but
often surprises beating big names to win on the flat. Started
his season with 4th at Grand Prix Cycliste la Marseillaise and
then three podiums at Etoile de Bessèges. Won the first three
stages at Tour Méditerranéen to give him an early season
confidence boost.
Other names to watch: Edvald Boasson Hagen, Steele Von Hoff,
Taylor Phinney, Moreno Hofland, Jetse Bol, Reinardt Janse van Rensburg, Romain
Feillu and Armindo Fonseca |
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