The least prized of the classification wins is the team classification, probably because it doesn't have a sponsor-pleasing jersey to go with, or any TV time on the podium at the end of each stage. It does allow a nice photo on the Champs Elysee at the end of the Tour, but, at least in Australia, most people are asleep by then. Still, it is another award for a team to pursue, and can add a bit to the tactics come the end of the race.
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The Mountains classification is an interesting one, it is rarely targeted at the start of the race, but happenstance and misfortune often result in the winner being allowed the freedom to pursue the relatively prestigious jersey. It is a very recognisable jersey, so it is keenly fought for at the start of the race by the lesser teams. Rafal Majka was the winner last year, justly as he was the best climber outside of Nibali, and went out of his way to take points throughout the stages in long breaks.
This route of 'Le Tour' is filled with a variety of challenges, at least up until the final week, where it is back to tried and tested climbs like the Galibier, the Col de Manse and Alp D'Huez. Only a measly 5 stages on offer for the pure sprinters, but there are plenty of chances for the attackers and the puncheurs, as well as a time trial and a team time trial. Read on for a rundown on how each stage will likely go, and the main profile information.
This jersey has been in Peter Sagan's safekeeping for the last three years, but there has been a points tweak this year, favouring the winners of the stages. Will it be enough to topple the Slovakian at his new team? Certainly Mark Cavendish, Alexander Kristoff, John Degenkolb, Michael Matthews, Andre Greipel and perhaps even Marcel Kittel will be keen to take the jersey for themselves.
A very entertaining stage 6 saw the favourites on the attack from a long way out with the highest quality breakaway I have seen in some time, with Valverde, Nibali, Costa, Martin and Gallopin going clear in a hectic first half of the race. For reference that is last year's Tour de France winner, 2013's World champion, a multiple World time trial champion, a Vuelta and multiple classics-winner, and another classics winner all away in a long range move. They were able to hold a big advantage on a depleted peleton with Costa taking the stage win and Nibali yellow.
The Tour De Suisse in recent years has attracted a slightly less star-studded lineup, and it continues this season, but there will still be plenty of top-quality riders vying for the win in the premier Swiss race. It is an interesting route this year, with only one big stage for the climbers, but it is fearsome enough by itself that it will ensure that it is only the climbers that contest the GC.
The First real GC test is here, although the TTT and crashes have meant that some are a fair way off the pace already. This stage isn't where the race will be won, but it could give an indication of how each of the main contenders is going.
Romain Bardet and Tejay Van Garderen were the stars of Stage 5, the former for his daredevil descent, and the latter for besting Tour de France favourite Chris Froome 1 v 1. Today's stage is quite different, the actual climbing isn't too hard, but there isn't much flat terrain at all during the day, with constantly rolling terrain between the categorised challenges. The race should be decided on the final uphill sprint to the finish, but it could well be a day for the breakaway, without any outstanding favourites present for the stage.
Looks like another one for the sprinters here, unfortunately there is only one left, and it will be tough for anyone to outsprint the fast Frenchman (pictured above). The profile is slightly misleading, as the finale actually looks quite tough, and could allow a setting for some attackers to surprise the peleton.
The Team time trial is an uncommon occurrence at the Dauphine, indeed it was 1980 the last time the event featured in the race. This will be one for the powerful teams, and with lots of strong time-triallists on the starting line, it will be a high profile slugfest between the teams of the Rohan Dennis led BMC, Tony Martin's Etixx-Quickstep and Alex Dowsett's Movistar.
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AuthorI'm Jamie Finch-Penninger, better known as Fishy, the best DS to ever sit a couch. Anything which I don't cover for a bigger site will be up here. Archives
October 2015
CategoriesCome here for the previews of all the World Tour races this season, plus any Pro Continental/NRS/tricycle races that take my fancy. Along as it's pro cycling I'll have some sort of opinion on it. I'm Australian, so be prepared for a healthy Orica-Greenedge bias. Please feel free to request any changes or previews, and stay up to date on Twitter and Facebook.
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