It is a special year to visit Catalonia. It is neither more nor less than the 100th edition of this Spanish stage race, one of the oldest cycling races. From Monday March 22, and for a week, priority will be given to mountains and hilly areas. The last edition of 2019, which was scheduled due to a cancellation due to Covid-19 last year, was won by Colombian Miguel Angel Lopez, then a member of the Astana team.
There are excursion offers for Catalonia throughout the week not much rest for the pilots. There won’t be a single flat day. You have to know how to climb a minimum to think of a successful stage. And maybe the first leg is the cheapest for as many runners as possible. A group arrival is also very likely.
From the second day of the race it will be an important meeting for the general classification. With the return of a team time trial on the program for this Spanish event, the first gaps will appear. The main problem will be not to waste too much time before the third and fourth stages, which promise vital importance. These are without a doubt the most difficult of the 100th edition. Two summits are expected at Vallter 2000 and Port Ainé.
After the mountain, the last three days will be hilly profiles. To see if they have a real impact on the general and if there will be changes in the top positions. Backpacker climbers and perforators in general certainly have a good chance of success. As tradition dictates, the competition in Barcelona ends on a spectacular course.
If the outgoing winner Miguel Angel Lopez (Movistar Team) does not like the Slovenes Primoz Roglic (Team Jumbo-Visma) and Tadej Pogacar (Team Emirates of the United Arab Emirates) goes on a trip, the list of participants remains tempting. For the final victory, the Yates brothers, who no longer play on the same team, will have serious advantages. With two places at the top, they are obviously among the best favorites. Nairo Quintana (Team Arkéa Samsic) must also be closely watched to confirm his rise to power.
However, the Tour of Catalonia, which takes place at the end of March, is synonymous with a comeback for Richard Carapaz (INEOS Grenadiers). A first appearance of the Ecuadorian in 2021 which will be interesting to know where he is. At home, Enric Mas (Movistar Team) will also try to play in a race that suits him perfectly. And without forgetting Rigoberto Uran (EF Education – Nippo), Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) and Steven Kruijswijk (Team Jumbo-Visma), who will also be in the game.
*** Adam Yates, Simon Yates, Nairo Quintana ** Joao Almeida, Sepp Kuss, Hugh Carthy, Richard Carapaz, Enric Mas * Michael Woods, Steven Kruijswijk, George Bennett, Rigoberto Uran, Wilco Kelderman, Geraint Thomas, Wout Poels, Jai Hindley
Tuesday, March 23 â ???? Step 2 – Pla de l’Estany (Banyoles) / Pla de l’Estany (Banyoles) (18.5 km – CLM by teams)
Wednesday, March 24 – Step 3 – ???? Olympic Channel of Catalonia / Vallter 2000 (203.1 km)
I can’t wait to follow this race. It’s always so difficult. The favorites list shows it, not here for fun.
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Associated title: – The complete route and the favorites of the Tour de Catalogne 2021 – Tour de Catalogne 2021: Our complete presentation of the 100th edition
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