The Champs-Élysées
We have our worthy Tour winner decided. Jonas Vingegaard put the final nail in the coffin securing his first Tour de France victory. He produced a dominant TT display to come in second place behind his teammate and more importantly 7 seconds ahead of Tadej Pogacar his nearest rival.
Today is about procession and about the sprinters. The road leading to Paris will be full of joy and merriment as the teams chat amongst each other, toast with bubbles on the bike and pose for innumerable photos.
Once we enter Paris the white flags will be stowed away and the drag race around the Champs-Élysées will begin in earnest.
The peloton takes on the circuit 8 times in total and we are bound to see plenty of moves off the front as is customary. There have only been six non-bunch sprint winners on the Champs-Élysées with Aleksander Vinokourov being the last in 2005.
What will 2022 bring? Well it has been one of the most exciting and unpredictable Tours in recent history so perhaps a breakaway will suit the narrative however that is highly unlikely.
It is more likely for Jumbo Visma to win with Wout Van Aert extending their victories in this Tour to 7 out of 21 and completing a dominance the likes of which has not been seen.
Whatever may come to pass this Tour has been one for the ages, billed as a procession for Tadej Pogacar we have seen some of the most aggressive racing from Jumbo Visma to make it a Tour to remember. Pogacar’s tenacity has earned him a place in most fans hearts.
Personally I find the best aspect of this year’s Tour to be the manner in which it was undertaken, with humility and sportsmanship.
Top Picks for Today:
Wout Van Aert
Fabio Jakobsen
Jasper Philipsen
Outside Picks:
Caleb Ewan
Dylan Groenewegen
Our Winner:
Jasper Philipsen
