Cycling fanatics across Australia are gearing up for the 107th edition of the Tour de France, which kicks off this Saturday, July 4. This year's gruelling 3,470-kilometre odyssey across France is being tipped as one of the toughest in recent memory, presenting a formidable test of endurance, strategy, and sheer will.
A Brutal Opening and Shifting Fortunes
The 2020 Tour de France opens with a particularly contentious stage in Nice, featuring three significant climbs and a technical descent right from the outset. This isn't your traditional gentle rollout; SBS News Top Stories reported that this year's race could be "more challenging than ever," with the first week expected to feature multiple hilly stages, providing ample opportunities for early time gaps and a fiercely contested yellow jersey from day one. Unlike previous years where sprinters often dominated the initial phases, this Tour seems designed to favour the all-rounders and climbers much earlier, setting a relentlessly high pace.
The race, originally slated for June, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adding another layer of complexity for teams and riders who have had their training schedules and competitive calendars severely disrupted. The revised schedule sees the Tour running into September, potentially clashing with other significant events and demanding peak performance from athletes who have had an atypical build-up.
Can Bernal Conquer Again, or will Roglic Reign Supreme?
Colombian sensation Egan Bernal of Team Ineos Grenadiers will be defending his title, having become the youngest post-war winner last year. However, his path to a second consecutive victory is far from clear. He faces fierce competition, most notably from Slovenian Primož Roglič of Team Jumbo-Visma, who has been in sensational form this season, including a dominant performance at the Critérium du Dauphiné. Roglič's strong time-trialling ability and climbing prowess make him a prime contender, and his team appears exceptionally strong. The battle between these two titans is expected to be a highlight of the three-week race, offering a compelling narrative for fans following daily.
Adding to the intrigue, other established Grand Tour contenders such as Thibo Pinot (Groupama–FDJ) and the evergreen Alejandro Valverde (Movistar Team) will be looking to capitalise on any missteps from the favourites. With no individual time trial until the penultimate stage, the focus will primarily be on mountain stages and strategic attacks, promising exhilarating viewing as the peloton carves its way through the French countryside.
Australian Hopes Shine Bright
Australians traditionally punch above their weight in professional cycling, and this year's Tour de France is no exception. Several homegrown talents are poised to make significant contributions, both as stage hunters and crucial support riders. Richie Porte, a veteran of many Tours, will once again be eyeing a strong general classification performance. After years of bad luck, the Tasmanian rider will be hoping for an injury-free run and the opportunity to showcase his formidable climbing skills. A top-five finish would be a significant achievement for the 35-year-old.
Beyond Porte, Australian cycling fans have plenty to cheer for. Caleb Ewan, the pocket rocket sprinter from Lotto Soudal, will be looking to add to his impressive tally of stage wins. Ewan was a revelation last year, claiming three victories, and his electrifying finishes are always a spectacle. Michael Matthews (Team Sunweb) is another Australian with strong prospects for stage wins, particularly in the hilly sprint finishes, and will also be a contender for the green jersey points classification. Regardless of the overall classification battle, Australian riders are expected to deliver thrilling performances and fly the national flag high on the world stage, with potential prize money for stage wins amounting to thousands of Australian dollars, adding to the prestige and hard-fought victories.
