The 2020 Tour de France kicks off on August 29 in Nice, a familiar stomping ground for Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas who live locally as residents of Monaco. These two pros will not, however, compete in the 107th edition of the event having both been swapped out in pursuit of victory.
There had been some doubt in regards to Froome’s participation with Team Ineos this year as the four-time winner of the event is still in the recovery process following a very serious crash from a year ago. “Chris needs that little bit longer to get to the highest level,” said team boss Dave Brailsford, adding that “Chris is a true champion who has demonstrated incredible grit and determination to come back from his crash last year.”.
While Froome sets his sight on the Vuelta a Espana in October, Thomas is looking ahead to the Giro d’Italia in October instead, hoping to become the first Welshman to win the event.
This year’s race is set to take place later than usual, between August 29 and September 20, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Cyclists will be treated to two tough hilly stages right off the bat, which will bring them north to the southern point of the Alps. After some climbing stages, the race will then move downhill towards the Pyrenees.
After a transition to the west coast, the tour will move through the centre of the country before taking on numerous climbs and the only time trial of the event up to the top of La Planche des Belles Filles. In keeping with tradition, the race will conclude in Paris, along the Champs-Élysées. All in all, the 2020 tour will cover a total of 3,470 km.
Featured Image courtesy of Luca Bettini, BettiniPhoto©2019
