As always this race lives up to the hype, its unlike any other race in the world.
With a 213km opening stage, the sprinters were definitely licking their lips at the opportunity of being the first to wear the leaders jersey for the 100th Tour de France. As is the case there were crashes and unfortunately all the top favorites got caught up in the mass pile up with less than 5km to go.
This meant the race for the line was a free for all and with Argos Shimano fielding a team full of sprinters it seemed almost wrong for the team not to take it, their tactic of sending as many fast men as possible paid off on day one.
Todays stage is built for the guys that specialize in short sharp climbs, although there's some serious mountains in the middle of the stage, it's the last 13km thats gonna determine the winner. With a short 1km hill averaging 8.9% gradient, it's perfect for a punchy explosive rider/s to gap the peleton and race to line for the stage. There are a few names that come to mind when I refer to punchy explosive riders - Philip Gilbert, Damiano Cunego, Alejandro Valverde, Dan Martin and at least half a dozen others in with a realistic chance. Let's not forget Peter Sagan who just seems to be able to do everything, this guy can sprint, he can get over the short steep punchy climbs, has time trail (TT) ability so he can go alone if he finds himself in the front with a gap. He's my dark horse for today, after his crash yesterday I feel he is a wounded animal, you know what they say about a wounded animal - its dangerous. The general classification (GC) contenders are also in with a stage win today and few seconds here could boost morale looking forward to the team time trial on stage 4.
I think todays stage is going to be as exciting as yesterday and if the climb is hard enough, the mix of guys going to the line will not consist of sprinters.
My favorite for the win today is - Peter Sagan
Outside favorite - Philip Gilbert, Sylvain Chavanel, Alejandro Valverde.
Another day on Le Grande Tour.
Stage profile and map of todays stage - http://www.cyclingnews.com/tour-de-france/stage-2
Henry ICEman Uys
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