The Tour de France is the biggest cycling event in the world each year. People have enjoyed the iconic race since 1903 when, interestingly, it was first set up to help sell more newspapers – times have changed as this year will be the largest yet, commercially.
The race is usually over 21 days and covers around 3,500 kilometres. Most years, 20 to 22 teams with eight riders participate.
This year, the big event started on Saturday, July 1, and will finish on Sunday, July 23, 2023, in Paris.
This blog will highlight the favourites to win this year’s Tour de France.
Tadej Pogačar
Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cyclist from UAE Team Emirates, is a top favourite for the Tour de France 2023. With victories in 2020 and 2021 and a runner-up position in 2022, Pogačar’s track record speaks volumes about his capabilities.
In the ongoing tour in Laruns, Pogačar faced a significant setback, losing 1:04 in the maillot jaune competition. However, showing his trademark resilience, he staged successful comebacks in Cauterets and Puy de Dôme. As the race hits its first rest day, the two-time Tour de France champion stands just 17 seconds behind the current leader, illustrating his relentless pursuit of another Tour victory.
Jonas Vingegaard
Jonas Vingegaard, having demonstrated his considerable skills with a victory in the 2022 Tour de France and a commendable runner-up spot in 2021, is currently leading the 2023 tour. Vingegaard is facing fierce competition. His rival, Pogačar, has been chipping away at his lead, intensifying the contest for the top spot. As it stands now, Vingegaard remains 17 seconds ahead, but with the relentless pressure from Pogačar, the race continues to be a thrilling spectacle.
Fans can enhance their excitement by participating in Bitcoin sports betting at Cloudbet and placing their bets on Vingegaard’s chances of winning, which are increasing in popularity, as he remains on course to defend his title, with his betting odds only expected to shorten further.
Jai Hindley
Jai Hindley, the formidable Australian cyclist, has emerged as a dark horse in the Tour de France. With no previous experience in this race but an impressive performance at the Critérium du Dauphiné, Hindley has shown potential for greatness. His victory at the 2022 Giro d’Italia only elevates expectations of his performance.
In the ongoing Tour, Hindley perhaps gave his most convincing demonstration yet of his ability to secure a place on the Tour de France podium in Paris. Despite losing ground on Puy de Dome’s slopes during Stage 9, he tenaciously fought back, successfully maintaining his overall third position.
David Gaudu
David Gaudu, a standout French cyclist from Groupama-FDJ, is considered a contender for the 2023 Tour de France. Having made five appearances with a commendable fourth-place finish in 2022, Gaudu’s consistency is a testament to his capabilities. Despite a less-than-stellar performance at the Critérium du Dauphiné, his robust spring campaign and a second-place finish to Pogačar at Paris-Nice signal his substantial promise.
As the only French hope in this year’s Tour, the pressure on Gaudu is arguably more intense than for any other competitor. However, after emerging in the top 10 following the first mountain stage, Gaudu’s confidence is visibly burgeoning, indicating he is ready to take on the challenge.
Other Contenders
Other notable contenders included Enric Mas from Movistar, who unfortunately crashed out on stage 1, Romain Bardet from DSM, Ben O’Connor from AG2R Citroën Team, Giulio Ciccone from Trek-Segafredo, and Dani Martínez from Ineos Grenadiers. Each cyclist brings unique skills and experiences to the race, making the Tour de France 2023 a highly anticipated event.
Summary
The Tour de France 2023 continues to be an electrifying spectacle, marked by the intense competition between Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard. Despite an early setback, Pogačar’s successful comeback positions him as a strong contender, while Vingegaard’s current lead remains challenged. Emerging talents like Jai Hindley and David Gaudu also make their marks, displaying tenacity and potential.
