First and second on the opening stage of this year’s Tour de France, Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma Lotto) and Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team) are fully expected to be at the forefront of those fighting it out for victory on today’s Mûr de Bretagne finish. The steep uphill to the line suits their explosive characteristics, as underlined by Gilbert’s win in the Amstel Gold Race and Flèche Wallonne, plus Evans’ victory in Macerata on stage six of this year’s Tirreno-Adriatico.
Both riders have additional motivation to succeed; Gilbert is celebrating his 29th birthday today, while Evans is just one second off the yellow jersey. With current race leader Thor Hushovd admitting that the finish is too tough for him to chase the stage win, he is likely to lose yellow; Evans is ready to swoop and grab the jersey he briefly held during last year’s Tour.
“Getting into a good position in the final is always the best way to make time, which is a similar sort of tactic we used on the first stage,” the Australian said after yesterday’s stage.
His ability on short, steep climbs will be a major asset; his preoccupation before making his push for the line will be to ensure that he stays out of trouble. Yesterday’s stage was one he found to be dangerous and stressful. He believes that things could be more ordered today, even if there will be a lot of fighting for positions before the Mûr de Bretagne.
“A short sharp climb at the finish might (hopefully) calm a few anxious risk-taking riders, which might help to calm also the anxiety of the group,” he said. “Of course Phil [Gilbert] will be the man to beat on that finish.”
Evans will mark Gilbert; Gilbert has said that he will focus his attention on another rider when it comes to that last climb.
“The stage to the Mûr-de-Bretagne is one that I’ve waited a long time for because I think it’s a great stage for me,” he said. “I hope to win again. It’s likely to be different to the day to Mont des Alouettes because the situation has changed since then… Alberto Contador, for example, has lost some time and he could attempt to make up for that in stage four. He can be an ally for me and it’s possible that I could follow his wheel for a while.”
Before then, he’s going to enjoy his time in the Maillot à Pois. He’s level on points with FDJ rider Mickaël Delage, but gets to wear the tunic. “Since the start of this Tour I’ve worn almost all the jerseys and tomorrow I’ll race with the polka-dot jersey,” he said. “It’s a rather beautiful collection.”
The Mûr de Bretagne is a third category climb; winning the stage would give him additional points, and keep him in the polka dot jersey tomorrow. Both achievements would be a big birthday present for the Belgian and, on his 2011 form, few would bet against him.