As the 2023 Tour de France is about to set off, cycling enthusiasts and punters are keen to know who’s in the race for the prestigious Yellow Jersey. The headliners this year are two outstanding talents – Jonas Vingegaard, the reigning champion who also came second in 2021, and Tadej Pogacar, the Tour’s double champion from 2020 and 2021. But there’s more to the race than this dynamic duo. Here’s a detailed lowdown on the 2023 Tour de France favorites, their current form, and betting odds.
Jonas Vingegaard: Defending Champion & Bookmakers’ Favorite
The bookmakers are singing praises of Jonas Vingegaard, who at 26, is being favored to conquer the French terrain again. The Danish dynamo has been in red-hot form, as demonstrated by his stellar performance at the Dauphiné a few weeks back. A climbing specialist, Vingegaard is an elite when it comes to high mountains. And it’s not just him; his team is a well-oiled machine, with a strong contingent rallying behind their captain. Can Vingegaard repeat last year’s exploits?If you are keen on placing bets on his performance, consider consulting a cycling betting guide to understand the odds and strategies that can boost your chances of winning.
Tadej Pogacar: Eyeing a Hat-trick Comeback
The prodigious Slovenian, Tadej Pogacar, is on a quest for his third consecutive victory at the “Grand Boucle”. Should he succeed, he will join the ranks of cycling legends such as Greg LeMond and Philippe Thys, who both triumphed thrice in the Tour. A complete package, Pogacar’s mountain climbing prowess is well complemented by explosive sprints and an excellent time-trial skillset. However, a wrist injury in April raises doubts about his readiness. His form in the Tour is a tantalizing unknown.
Other Contenders in the Mix
Beyond Vingegaard and Pogacar, the shadows conceal formidable contenders. One to watch is Jai Hindley, the 27-year-old Australian who won the 2022 Giro d’Italia. Riding for the German Bora-Team, Hindley will be making his Tour de France debut, and the bookmakers have him among the top favorites.
The home crowd will have their eyes on two Frenchmen – David Gaudu and Romain Bardet. Gaudu, who finished fourth last year, could benefit from this year’s mountain-heavy route with fewer time-trials. Bardet, a veteran with two top-3 finishes in 2016 and 2017, is someone to keep an eye on.
Spain’s Enric Mas, an exceptional climber, is also one to watch. His Movistar Team is formidable, and the route favors him, but he lacks significant victories.
Past Winners (2015-2021)
| Year | Cyclist | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia) | UAE Team Emirates |
| 2020 | Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia) | UAE Team Emirates |
| 2019 | Egan Bernal (Colombia) | Team Ineos |
| 2018 | Geraint Thomas (UK) | Team Sky |
| 2017 | Chris Froome (UK) | Team Sky |
| 2016 | Chris Froome (UK) | Team Sky |
| 2015 | Vincenzo Nibali (Italy) | Astana |
Who’s Eyeing the Other Jerseys?
Aside from the coveted Yellow Jersey for the General Classification, there are three more prized categories – the Points Classification (Green Jersey) for the best sprinter, the Mountains Classification (Polka Dot Jersey) for the best climber, and the Young Rider Classification (White Jersey) for the best young professional (under 25).
For the Green Jersey, Jasper Philipsen, Wout van Aert, and Fabio Jakobsen are the top favorites. Van Aert bagged this title last year and has an edge due to his versatility.
The Polka Dot Jersey is likely to be a toss-up between the General Classification front-runners, Vingegaard and Pogacar, given their climbing skills. However, other climbers like Giulio Ciccione and Thibaut Pinot might have a say.
For the White Jersey, Tadej Pogacar is the prime candidate. Other young talents like Mattias Skjelmose and Tom Pidcock will be battling it out for this prestigious accolade.
There you have it – a deep dive into the gladiators of the 2023 Tour de France. Whether you’re an ardent cycling fan or looking to place some bets, this year’s race promises to be an enthralling affair. If you are looking to wager on these riders, don’t forget to check promotions and bonuses on iBet for enhanced odds and offers that can add extra value to your bets. Buckle up for an exciting ride through France!
