AS Colombia is already in Florence for the Tour de France. For the first time in history, Italy will have an exit from the competition that has started from a country other than France on 25 occasions. One of the most beautiful cities in the world, already hosted the presentation of teams and now will do so with the Grand Départ, this Saturday, June 29.
Florence was one of the most prosperous and flourishing cities of the Middle Ages.At that time it was a strategically located site for the Italian economy, trade and transport. Today it is the capital of the Tuscany region and its tourist appeal also makes it financially important for the country.
It is known for being an artistic and architectural heritage of humanity. Piazza de la Signora is the heart of its historic center and it is also recognized for its bridges, especially the Ponte Vecchio, which survived the Second World War and, today, is cared for as a jewel in the city.
Its houses, its Renaissance style, its Arno river, Fiorentina, the people. The entire spirit of the city prepared to host the Tour de France. A Tour that, with all its figures, also gave itself to the city.
What will the first stage of the Tour de France be like?
It will be a medium mountain stage, but the fact that it only has third and second category climbs does not mean that it will not be extremely difficult. First, there will be seven climbs over 206 kilometers. A leg breaker from the start, suitable for classic lovers.
The good thing about it is that most of the favorites are classicomaniacs. Roglic, Pogacar, Evenepoel. A bit Egan, a bit Vingegaard. And then there’s someone else, the Dutch rider from Alpecin, Mathieu van der Poel, who clearly wants to wear yellow from day one. Well, who doesn’t.
The end of the stage will be flat to reach Rimini on the Adriatic Sea, where the first leader of the race will be known. But before that, the cyclists will have to cross the Col de Válico, the Cote des Forche, the Cote de Carnaio, the Cote de Barbotto, the Cote de San Leo, the Cote de Monternaggio and the Cote de San Marino, which is 25 kilometres from the finish.
Everything will depend on how everyone takes this first stage, but Monternaggio and San Marino will probably be the most important ports of the first stage, especially the last descent where, if one of the roosters arrives, the winner of the opening of the Tour will be decided.
What possibilities do Colombians have?
In this first stage, the Colombians would have to be in the fight for victory and they will have the responsibility of not wasting time with those who are specialists.
Egan and Santiago Buitrago have already had good results in classics and if they do not want to be relegated from the first day, the strategy of Ineos and Bahrain Victorious should be reactive and pay attention to what others do. Go hard, don’t get worn out and wait for what the favorites propose in the most important ports of the stage.
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