Refresh
Every thing is again collectively once more within the peloton.
Jan Hirt is in the back of the peloton, and already struggling. What an unlucky begin to the Tour for him.
DSM is the best-represented staff within the present main group, with two riders.
They’re introduced again, and a brand new group of 5 strive their luck, with a Groupama-FDJ rider concerned once more.
A brand new group now making an attempt to clear, that includes Paul Lapeira, now very conspicuous in his tricolore jersey as newly topped French nationwide champion.
That transfer has been introduced again.
A gaggle of about ten now has the most important hole we have seen thus far, however even that’s just a few seconds.
Even fortmer podium finisher Romain Bardet is getting concerned within the assaults! That is removed from the same old suspects of wildcard groups and small names making an attempt to get into the break.
Stefan Küng can be being energetic on the entrance. Groupama-FDJ appear desperate to get into the break at this time, and have their strongest males utilised.
After a pause of some moments, the assaults start, led by Groupama-FDJ’s Valentin Madouas.
205KM TO GO
A horrible begin to the Tour for Jan Hirt, even earlier than the unofficial begin. The Czech rider crashed on his manner again to the staff bus after signing on, breaking three of his tooth. Soudal-QuickStep staff will want him to recuperate, as he’s set to be a key domestique within the mountains for Remco Evenepoel.
Now simply 4km till the official begin. Typically earlier Grand Tour levels could be characterised by how little riders need to get into the break, however the quantity of climbing on the menu at this time, and the prospect of every little thing from a Polka-dot jersey and fame on such an enormous event, ought to imply there’s motion as soon as the flag drops quickly.
Nonetheless 10km left of the neutralised zone. The Tour de France is benefiting from this distinctive Grand Départ.
Though there are not any climbs ranked greater than class two at this time, there are plenty of them — seven in whole, amounting to three,600m elevation achieve in whole. It’s been described as one of many hardest begins to a Tour de France, and one which even many puncheurs will discover too exhausting.
Mark Cavendish is in good spirits, waving to the group because the peloton units off from the unofficial begin. He’s right here using the fifteenth Tour of his profession, and is, as has been a lot mentioned, chasing the record-breaking thirty fifth win.
The riders have simply set off from the neutralised zone – the Tour is to start quickly! Not simply but, although, as they are going to spend longer than ordinary within the zone than ordinary as they savour the sights of Florence.
Comply with our Instagram for on-the-ground updates in Florence and Rimini on our tales:
Be certain that to take a look at CN’s mega Grand Départ tech gallery, as shot and put collectively by our affiliate editor Josh Croxton, who’s on the bottom in Italy for the opening 3 levels:
Enormous reception for World Champion Mathieu van der Poel as he brings the rainbow bands to the Tour de France.
Simply half-hour till the départ fictif now in Florence. Reminder that it’s absolute scorcher at this time in Tuscany so temperature regulation might be extremely necessary.
Here is Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan) arriving initially of stage 1 on his sixteenth and remaining Tour de France.
Be certain that to meet up with this nice learn on the significance of the Italian Grand Départ, which honours the hometowns and coaching roads of Italian greats Gino Bartali, Marco Pantani and Fausto Coppi:
Fantastic reception for fan-favourite Mark Cavendish on stage in Florence, a spot expensive to his coronary heart. He is right here in quest of stage win 35.
Reminder that though it’s a punchy day, Mathieu van der Poel would not see it was an possibility for himself of Jasper Philipsen:
Massive crowds welcome the primary staff on stage, TotalEnergies.
Groups have arrived in Florence and are gearing up for sign-on and the staff presentation. Here is Visma-Lease a Bike and defending champion Jonas Vingegaard setting off from their staff lodge this morning.
To get issues began, be certain to learn our preview of stage 1, written by one among CN’s staff on the bottom on the Grand Départ, Dani Ostanek:
It is again, lastly! The largest bike race on the planet is about to start out and we’re getting the build-up began an hour and a half earlier than the riders set off from the neutralised begin in lovely Florence.
Bonjour and welcome to Cyclingnews stay protection of stage 1 of the 111th 2024 Tour de France!
