Race Director Christian Prudhomme was interviewed in advance of the start of the Tour de France on Saturday.
He noted that some big names will be missing, but once the race starts, the focus will be on who is there. Cadel Evans was last year’s winner, so he’s at the top of the list. Bradley Wiggins has had a great season so he will be expected to do well also. Team Sky is strong. A British rider has yet to win the race.
There will be 100k of time trials. They are trying to shed some of the massive weight of the Tour. There will be less photo motorbikes on the course, less crowds in the “Village” at the start, and a smaller technical zone (where the big TV satellite trucks are).
And then there’s the biological passport. It’s taking some time but is having an effect which will ultimately be positive.
