CYCLING – TEAM Bahrain Victorious will be on the startline today of Paris-Nice, often referred to as ‘The Race to the Sun’, in one of cycling’s most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the early season.
The eight days are always designed to attract the UCI World Tour’s top sprinters, climbers, and classics riders, and this 83rd edition is no exception.
The opening two stages are mouthwatering prospects for the fast men. Today sees a relatively unchallenging 156km loop from and to Le Perray-en-Yvelines. Whilst a bunch sprint is extremely likely, a punchy climb with 9.5km remaining (1km, 6.2 per cent) does leave a small chance that a late attack could be successful.
The following day is even flatter, and provides the most clear-cut occasion of the week for the sprinters. Departing from Montesson, the 187km to Bellegarde has barely any uphill parts, and will almost certainly end in a high-speed contest for the spoils.
Bahrain’s lead sports director in France will be Roman Kreuziger, who rode here seven times, winning the youth classification in 2010. He believes the route can be divided into several parts. “The race is split into five phases, starting with the opening two stages where there will be some echelons and sprints,” said Kreuziger.
“Next is the TTT [team time trial], where it’s important to maintain our position. Luckily, we have five guys in the group who already did Valenciana together so they know each other and know what to expect.”
“Setting off from the racetrack at Magny-Cours, the TTT is 28.6km, and should be fascinating both in terms of strategy and pacing, as it includes some very steep (if not long) ramps before a closing uphill drag in the town of Nevers.”
Among those riders who competed at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana in early February is Santiago Buitrago, who took both the overall and points jerseys. He is Bahrain’s out-and-out leader for this week, and showed in Spain, Tour des Alpes Maritimes and Classic Var that he is already in great form this year. Kreuziger has no doubt that he merits the responsibility of being the team’s focus for this next leg of the campaign.
With Buitrago for the 1,212 southbound km to the French Riviera will be Lenny Martinez, Fred Wright, Jack Haig, Edoardo Zambanini, Matevz Govekar, and Kamil Gradek.
“This will be Lenny’s third race in France with us, and he’s our ‘joker’,” said Kreuziger. “The main goal for him is to get through the first three days without losing time, which is all part of the learning process looking to the future. We’ll see how he is day by day.
“Fred will be a leadout guy and support for the climbers, and it’s a race that will help him prepare for the upcoming cobbled classics. He’s in a good mood; his aim is to come out healthy and to help the guys .
“Jack is our road captain and he is doing well this season because the guys trust in him. He is really important for the team and the younger riders.
“Edoardo is confident riding with Santi; they work well together and I think when it comes to difficult and stressful moments he will be great for Santi.
“Kamil is a big guy for protection and a big engine for the TTT.”
After the TTT comes a day of medium mountains, with no fewer than six categorised climbs, the last of which is the explosive summit finish of La Loge des Gardes (6.7k, 7.1 per cent). The attacks are anticipated to come in the latter stages, and could prove to be significant.
That is followed by a parcours suited to one-day specialists, measuring over 200km and with five small climbs in the last 40km. It’s a profile where almost anything is possible on race day, whether that be a breakaway win, a solo attack, or a GC tussle.
The last fast finish comes on Friday, which sees the longest stage: a fairly straightforward 210km from Saint-Julien-en-Saint-Alban to Berre-l’Etang, where there should be another bunch sprint.
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