Marcel Kittel and Mark Cavendish will be referred to in the same sentence over and over during the 2014 Tour de France. The two are the best sprinters in world, followed closely by André Greipel. With all three at the start in Leeds, it’s hard to see who else can sneak a win on the flat stages.
Greipel is usually strongest if the arrival is slightly uphill, which is the case today (the last 500 meters have a 4% gradient).
All three have been winning races for fun in 2014 but it’s Kittel that looks the most dominant after stealing Cavendish’s crown for King of Sprints in last years Tour. The trio won 7 stages between them, 4 for Kittel, 2 for Cav and 1 for Greipel.
Cavendish will have powerful support with Renshaw and Tony Martin his likely lead out. And Degenkolb and Veelers will support Kittel in the Tour, not too bad either. Greipel’s Lotto train is also strong and the experienced Greg Henderson should be present to provide a strong lead out.
22-Year old Arnaud Démare is the French spinters hope. Interesting rider, good in classics as well debuting 12th in last Paris-Roubaix. French champion since last week.
Favourites:
Mark Cavendish
Marcel Kittel
André Greipel
Outsiders:
Arnaud Démare
Peter Sagan
Matthew Goss
Tour de France 2014 Stage 1: Images and more
Click on the images to zoom
How stage 1 was won in 2014
Buttertubs Pass atstrava.com
Kidstones Bank atstrava.com
How stage 1 was won in 2013