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Egan Bernal on the Tour: “Roglič Will Be the Strongest”

By Monica Buck

It looks like we’re in for one of the most entertaining Tours in recent memory. Team Ineos and Jumbo-Visma are expected to go head to head for the victory but there are many other contenders in the play as well. So, what does the reigning champion think? Egan Bernal shared his views with the El Tiempo in Colombia.

“Anything can happen but, in my eyes, Roglič will be the strongest. He gets a lot of respect from everyone in the peloton. He was the leader in last year’s UCI rankings, won the Vuelta, stood on the podium in the Giro, is good in time trials, can climb well and is very consistent.”

Of course, you cannot rule out Julian Alaphilippe, the big surprise of last year’s Tour. Team Ineos should have Chris Froome, the returning champ, as well as Geraint Thomas and other great riders. However, Jumbo-Visma added Tom Dumoulin to their squad and with Steven Kruiswijk, they will be very strong.

“Dumoulin, in particular, will be an important rider,” Bernal believes. “He is someone who can climb better in shape than a pure climber. We don’t know how he is after the injury, but I think he will be in shape.”

We cannot wait for the Grand Depárt. Who do you favour for the GC?