The approach to summer is a time when sports fans and cycling enthusiasts begin to prepare for their busiest time of the year with the jewel in the crown being the world-famous and much-loved Tour de France.
Whether you are an avid lover of all things cycling, a casual cyclist yourself who enjoys taking to the road for fitness, or someone with little more than a passing interest in the big events, you’ll know it doesn’t get much bigger than the Tour de France.
Tour set for 107th edition
Think of cycling and we conjure up images of the top athletes battling it out in stages across France. The 2020 renewal will be a bit different from what we are used to, with the race taking place later in the year. What do you need to be made aware of to follow the 2020 Tour de France? You’ll find all the important information right here.
The 107th edition of the Tour de France will be the next running of the famous contest that was first staged over 116 years ago, 1 July 1903, to be exact. Frenchman Maurice Garin entered the history books as the first winner of the race and followers have been treated to some memorable renewals over the years.
Egan Bernal of Colombia won the title last year, but he still has some way to go to make it onto the all-time great winners list. Frances Jacques Anquetil stands as the race’s most successful rider, having claimed the title no less than five times between 1957 and 1964.
Bookmakers show an interest
Competitors from 22 teams begin in Nice for stage one and open with a hilly stage before moving on to the medium mountain stage set out around Nice. The tour then moves to Sisteron for the opening flat stage.
The sport’s top teams will battle it out over a 2,156 miles slog during the 2020 Tour de France. Some of the best-known teams will be in attendance, including UAE Team Emirates, CCC Team and Astana. The race also attracts attention from major bookmakers who offer cycling betting on a number of eye-catching markets, including the outright winner. Many bettors like to spice up their interest in the stages by backing their opinions on who will prevail.
Oddsmakers have had their say, and despite a competitive field in attendance, bettors are certain we will see more of the same from last year. Bernal is a hot favourite to defend his crown, sitting at the top of the outright winner list. His main challenger is expected to come in the form of Chris Froome. The 34-year-old Team Ineos rider has already enjoyed plenty of success in this race.
Cheers 🍻😂 pic.twitter.com/Z6NbgTu3Fy
— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) April 26, 2020
Froome aiming to return
Froome is a four-time winner of the Tour de France and will head into the race confident of clinching a place in history by winning title number five. It would rate as a remarkable personal achievement for the rider who lost out on his chance at a high five following a nasty crash.
Determined to battle on, Froome spoke to members of the national press recently about his aim to retire from racing as the man who won the Tour de France more times than anyone else. He will certainly be a popular pick with bettors to claim the next title.
