Yorkshire is the decor, the young guns the real attraction?
From September 22nd until September 29th the World Road Cycling Championships are held in Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Last year, in Innsbruck, Austria, the old veteran, Alejandro Valverde took the upper stage on the podium. But will this year be the beginning of a new era? Will the youngsters, with their attacking style of cycling take the power, not to give it away anymore? I sincerely hope so.
The magnificent Yorkshire decor
Who are the contenders?
If you ask me, there are lots of contenders, but some jump out, because of their latest performances. For France, there is a question mark after the name of Julian Alaphilippe. Is he recovered from his nerve wrecking but very succesfull Tour de France? I think he will be ready.
For The Netherlands, there is one big name to put in front, Mathieu Vanderpoel, the UCI cyclo cross World Champion, has proven once again today he is ready, by blowing away the competition in The Tour of Britain. Mathieu is a big favorite for me.
For Belgium, there are multiple favorites, Philippe Gilbert is no youngster, but he is still in the form of his life, and after 280 kilometers, he can beat anyone in a sprint. The same goes up for Greg Van Avermaet. But then there is Remco Evenepoel, 19 year old youth prodigy, European Champion Time Trial, and his abilities stretch to places we have not seen yet. Another big favorite for me.
Italy has yet to set a big favorite, as their squad is not revealed yet. Will they play the Bettiol card?
For Spain is it once again the card Valverde? Or will a youngster take over? And what with Peter Sagan, can he become World Champion for the fourth time? I think so!
Evenepoel and Alaphilippe in their Deceuninck-Quick Step shirt
Shadow favorites are also Jacob Fuglsang, Michal Kwiatkowski and Ackermann.
A very interesting race, where I hope the youngsters Vanderpoel and Evenepoel will take the power!
Sincerely,
Pele23