ALBERTO CONTADOR WIGGINS PREVIEWS THE 2022 TOUR DE FRANCE

Who can challenge Pogacar and Roglic for the yellow jersey? 

“I think we should also include Jonas Vingegaard after his second-place last year. He's a rider who put Pogacar in trouble and we know he's very strong as we saw in Dauphiné.”

Is Tadej Pogačar the clear favoruite?

“He is a favourite not only because of his recent victories but also because he has won the last two editions of the Tour de France because that gives you a plus of experience and hierarchy.”

How long can Tadej Pogačar dominate the Tour de France?

“Right now, he's the rider everyone wants to beat in the Tour de France. It is true that we have seen a few duels between Tadej, Roglic and Vingegaard and you have to think that we are seeing athletes who are rising fast from the junior ranks to the professional ranks and competing with guarantees in the best races. 

“There is no telling how long Tadej's dominance will last because it has happened with all the big names. Pogacar stands out for competing extraordinarily well in time trials and also very well in the mountains. He is a very complete rider, and he proves it in every race.”

Will Roglic and Jumbo be Pogacar's main rivals and how can you beat someone from the same country who knows you as well as Pogacar and Roglic? 

“It will be a very important duel because they know each other well and other teams will try to benefit from this rivalry. In fact, the duel will be Pogacar vs Jumbo in reality because not only Roglic will be watching.”

What can you say about the Spanish riders?

“It's true that this year we don't have too many riders, which is noticeable in comparison to 2007, for example, because there were 5 or 6 Spaniards in the top ten. I see Enric with options to be in the top 10, he has the potential to do it.”

What are the chances of Geraint Thomas following the Tour de Suisse?

“After a win like that you get a lot of confidence that boosts your performance and motivates you to keep getting results. It's a very positive thing for Thomas, but it's not definitive.”

Do you think we'll see Mark Cavendish compete in another Tour?

“I don't know if we will see him again in the Tour, although I think he will make an effort to do it again at some point. In the end it's something he has to decide with his team. As a sprinter, if he is not the best in history, he would be tied with Mario Cipollini, because after so many years and the professional career he has, I think he has more than enough merits to be at the top.”

Do you think of Chris Froome can win another Grand Tour? 

“Froome has plenty of experience and knows what it's like to dominate a race like the Tour de France. He is the first one who after all doesn't think about winning the general classification but about having moments of prominence like a stage he wants to aspire to.”

Who could surprise in the general classification: 

“Aleksandr Vlasov is the one I can think of who could surprise in the top three.’’

What are the key stages?

“The Tour de France is demanding from the first stage because there are already important differences. Also the weather in Denmark is not the usual for any Tour event and that will have an influence, as well as the cobblestones/pave on the fifth stage. The first nine stages will be all about survival and keeping the gap.”

What are you looking forward to most about this year's Tour de France? 

“This year's edition will be a lot of fun starting with those first nine stages which are going to be very demanding to begin with. Every day will be an adventure and that will be noticeable in the race and the pace that the riders will maintain.”

What makes the Tour de France so special?

“It's the race of races. It's the most important and the one with the most impact. When you compete professionally you realise that it's the number one objective of all the teams. The pressure of the Tour is unparalleled.”

Do you welcome the inaugural Tour de France Femmes this year?

“It's great news because more and more teams are betting on women's cycling and it's a very nice thing. Organisers, teams and sponsors are betting on women's cycling and I hope it continues to grow.”

Which of your Tour de France victories is the most special?

"They are all special for one thing or another. More than 20 days trying to solve all kinds of unforeseen events and keep your level and get the victory.”