Even the winner of the three previous editions does not automatically stand out. Primoz Roglic (32) of Jumbo-Visma was not able to prepare optimally. He still suffers from his back, the aftereffects of a vertebral fracture after his fall in the cobblestone stage of the Tour de France. Contrary to his habit, he has not been on altitude training. After dropping out for the second consecutive time in France, the question is whether he can mentally recharge for a match he has already won three times. “I’m ready,” he assured on Thursday.
Olympic champion Richard Carapaz (29) will be eager for revenge after he lost the pink jersey to Jai Hindley in the penultimate stage in the Giro. Brit Simon Yates (30() can always manage on a course with explosive climbs, but often suffers from glorious breakdowns.
The crop behind this generation is just as interesting. The aforementioned Hindley (26) has only gained confidence since his second victory in Italy. Wilco Kelderman assists him. João Almeida (24) can try to step out of his shadow in the absence of teammate Pogacar. He left the Giro with a view of the podium after a positive corona test.
It is worth keeping an eye on even younger riders. What can Remco Evenepoel (22) really do in a big round, after a failed participation in Italy last year? There can be no misunderstanding about his class, after the display of power in Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Clásica San Sebastián. The Dutch will especially look forward to Thymen Arensman (22), who will be the leader for the first time in his career for DSM in a round of three weeks. As a freebooter, he has already completed two Vueltas.