02-07-2015, 21:58
Stage 1 is a time trial around Utrecht; time trials as opening stages are basically worked in so that there is a definite leader, in my eyes. But (and this is important, don't say you weren't warned) we have time bonuses back this year, so even a regular stage would have brought a single winner.
If you're unfamiliar with time bonuses, a stage winner gets ten seconds, second place six and third place four. Should add a little something, especially as Froome and Nibali have good winning history; Quintana and Contador less so, IMO.
That won't effect Saturday, though. Expect the usual tters to dominate; Tony Martin tends to time his form well for the Tour, and Cancellara is still as good as ever.
I predict Alex Dowsett to get top three; he's been really impressive from what I've seen and something about him reminds me of Boardman when he did it.
If you're unfamiliar with time bonuses, a stage winner gets ten seconds, second place six and third place four. Should add a little something, especially as Froome and Nibali have good winning history; Quintana and Contador less so, IMO.
That won't effect Saturday, though. Expect the usual tters to dominate; Tony Martin tends to time his form well for the Tour, and Cancellara is still as good as ever.
I predict Alex Dowsett to get top three; he's been really impressive from what I've seen and something about him reminds me of Boardman when he did it.