Today’s stage finish is on the Montjuïc hill in Barcelona. Like yesterday’s stage, like the Volta a Catalunya’s final day and like plenty more. If you wanted to find the one location that has hosted the greatest variety of top level pro races it has to be here.
A scenic start and a sporting finish. We’ll see if Mathieu van der Poel can match Tadej Pogačar.
What makes the ideal grand départ? Barcelona certainly adds grandeur to the Tour, and the Tour is of sufficient scale to bring something to the city as well.
Today’s stage should put the grand in the grand départ as a tour of Barcelona’s attractions and history with the yellow jersey up for grabs.
Tadej Pogačar aims for a record-equalling fifth win, Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel line up with green lights for their form and health, Florian Lipowitz is back after the podium finish last year while Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas bring carefree promise.
After previewing the mountains competition, time to look at the points competition and the green jersey contenders.
You know it’s July when you see the polka dot jersey. He’s a look at the riders who might be sporting it soon.