This is a time of serious things for those who love big tours. Seven months after the crowning of Tao Geogegan Hart (Inios Grenadiers), the 104th Giro opens on Saturday, May 8, with a time trial in Turin. The 26-year-old Britain will not be taking part in the 104th edition of the Italy tour, but many loved ones and outsiders will follow him on the prize list to compete for the ultimate victory and raise their arms on May 30, in Milan. Francinefo: Sport reviews the strengths involved.

Yates and Bernal became favorites, and Evnepol became a potential referee

Simon Yates (Team Bike Exchange), the 2018 Volta winner and recent winner of the Tour des Alps, will make his debut at the start of the Italy tour. With a team that is fully committed to its goal, a highly dynamic UK has a big role to play in completing the top of the general classification. Egan Bernal, winner of the Tour de France 2019, will be tasked with keeping Giro at home with the Enios-Grenadiers. At the age of 24, the Colombian, who realized the Slovenian pair of Pogakar-Roglik during the final Big Loop, will make his debut at Giro d’Italia following a back injury.

For his first Grand Tour, Belgian Remco Evenpoile (Desunink-Quickstep) also made the list of potential favorites, and partner and announced leader Joao Almeida finished fourth in the last zero. The 21-year-old’s skill and carelessness have already proven he can shine in any area. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to do so during the three-week ordeal. Another major uncertainty: the state of his form as he returns to Pelotone in August 2020 after a heavy fall and a broken pelvis during the Lombardy tour.

A group of outsiders

Zero is also known for providing a place of pride for outsiders in recent times. Many runners can beat the weird while advancing more or less wearing a mask. The status of Australian Jai Hindli (Team DSM) is another revelation with the final second place in the 2020 edition, this year the French Roman Bardet played that luxurious lieutenant.

In another register, Spinard Mark Solar for Movistar training, the double winner of Zero, the Italian veteran Vincenzo Nibali (Trek-Segafredo) or the unpredictable Irish Dan Martin (Israeli start-up Nation) can also be spoofed. .

Vlasov and Champoussin, remaining skills

Alexander Vlasov, who was unhappy last year with his retirement from the second phase of Giro, is one of the big surprises of this 104th edition. The leader of the Astana-Premier Tech team, who are already eighth in the final Tour Spain, have had great results since the start of this season, especially second in Paris-Nice and third in the Tour des Alps. The best promises for a 25-year-old Russian who can take advantage of the many climbs of the course to demonstrate his qualities as a pure climber.

On the French side, young Frenchman Clement Champosin will find the flavor of a grand tour with Tony Gallop and the AG2R Citrine team. On the 22nd, Ninois with the profile of a mountaineer will be one of the attractions of the new generation, and there should be some opportunities as soon as the road starts to climb.