JForrest English : Five things to know before the 2023 Tour de France

 Reference : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTzNOC89_RA&ab_channel=JForrestEnglish

Five things to know before the 2023 Tour de France

25th start outside France

The Tour will kick off outside France for the 25 time. it will be the second start from the Spanish Basque Country after San Sebastian in 1992. After two stages entirely in Spain, the peloton heads for Bayonne in France. Cities ay dearly for the right to host the Grand Depart, which race organizers insist expands the international influence of one of the biggest sporting events in the world. 

A very mountainous route 

With  nearly 56.000 metres of climbing, a record 30 passes, five French mountain ranges and a single time-trial, this Tour presents a tough profile that favours climbers

Pogacar-Vingegaard summit duel

Jonas Vingegaard, winner last year after a second place in 2021, and Slovenian Pogacar, the 2020 and 2021 champion, then runner-up in 2022, are the big favourites. Yet Pogacar's form remains unknown after breaking his wrist on April 23. For Vingegaard, the question first concerns his ability to resist the pressure of defending his title.

Safety in spotlight

The death of the Swiss rider Gino Maeder mid-june, descending a mountain in the Tour of Switzerland plunged the peloton into disarray and reignited the debate over safety. Accustomed to exceeding 100km/h downhill, many riders shared their apprehension, while recalling that danger is an integral part of their sport. 

Covid concerns 

As in the last three Tours, staff, journalists and guests will have to wear masks when in contact with riders who are advised to avoid selfies and autographs.