With the start of Paris-Nice still three weeks off, it’s a little early to predict rosters for the 78th edition of the race, but it’s almost certain that 2019 Champion Egan Bernal (and reigning Tour de France-winner), will return as the favorite to win the 2020 edition.
Oddsmakers have not yet released any odds, but Bernal has also said that defending his TDF title is his only real goal for the season, so he may wind up treating this as just a tune up. As the date of the race gets closer, sportsbooks will start releasing odds. There’s a few bigger ones listed at this site that should be able to get those numbers out faster than others. Check back later in the month to see if they have been posted.
Paris-Nice runs from March 8 to March 15 and features two key stages for the general classification – a 15km time trial and the Col de la Colmiane which will also feature on stage two of the 2020 Tour de France. The race opens in the northern Yvelines department in France for the 11th consecutive year with Plaisir hosting the event for the first time for the opening stage.
Bernal came off of his 2019 win in ‘The Race to the Sun’ and the Tour de Suisse to go on and win the 2019 Tour de France, but that was in a year where Team Ineos leader Chris Froome was injured and Bernal had to show his leadership over Ineos co-leader Geraint Thomas before he had the full support of his team.
Bernal made his 2020 debut at the Tour of Colombia where his Ineos outfit put in a disappointing performance in the opening team time trial, but managed to claw his way to 4th in the General Classification by the end of the race.
Bernal can expect competition in the 2020 edition of the race from his Colombian compatriot Nairo Quintana (now in a leadership role at Arkea-Samsic)
It’s expected that Bernal will again see competition from Jumbo-Visma’s Dylan Groenewegen and Deceuninck–Quick-Step’s Sam Bennett, both multiple stage winners in 2019.
Bernal could also see competition from a wealth of other 2020 Tour de France contenders, as the parcour features a 16km mountain-top finish of the Col de la Colmiane in its queen stage, which also features in Stage 2 of the Grand Tour.
Ron is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.
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