Assens 12.2km ITT
As usual, we have an ITT in the Tour of Denmark, one that will have a big impact on the GC fight.
Weather
A bit grey at times, but it should be dry for all. The wind should also be the same strength for all, with a lot of headwind throughout. One forecast predicts the wind will change direction a little bit for the later starters, which would give them a disadvantage. As it’s just one forecast, I’ll say that it won’t happen.
Route
Nice and straightforward, it’s a power course.
Contenders
Geraint Thomas – this should suit him well if he has energy left. His TT performances this year have been as good as ever, but he’s coming to the end of a demanding block of racing, he should be getting tired by now. Today he rolled in 1:26 down, so he’s clearly not here for GC, but don’t write him off over 12km.
Magnus Sheffield – the new kid on the block. His 2nd place in the Tour of Poland TT was an excellent result, his best since joining Ineos. If he wants to win this race, he needs a big ride, he’ll need time on the punchy riders for the stages to come.
Christophe Laporte – he’s only had one real chance to go full gas in a TT since joining Jumbo-Visma, and that was way back in Paris-Nice, where he finished 11th. Laporte has long been very strong in this discipline, especially over this type of distance. He should be able to push the Ineos riders all the way and has a good shot at winning the stage.
Søren Kragh – another who you could say is a specialist over this type of distance, he only lost by 1 second to Evenepoel in last year’s TT over 10.8km. The last couple of years haven’t gone to plan, but if it all comes together, he can win the stage.
Tom Scully – he always flies under the radar, but every so often he can pull a big TT out the bag.
Johan Price-Pejtersen – he’s a former under 23 world champion in this discipline, but it can often be hard for these young guys to immediately get results in the world tour. He was 9th in the UAE Tour TT at the start of the year, riding on home soil will obviously give him some extra motivation but winning will still be hard.
Magnus Cort – this is a big day for him in his fight to win the overall title. He can go very well on his TT bike, but some days it doesn’t work out for him. He needs to stay within 15 seconds of the best, or it’s going to be very hard to win the Tour of Denmark.
Josef Černy – it’s been a while since he’s challenged to win a TT, but I live in hope. As this stage comes early in the race, he won’t have done too much work for his teammates, which gives him a chance of challenging for the top 5.
Alex Dowsett – this is a good route for him, 5th in the Tirreno TT shows there’s plenty of life left in his legs. I expect him to be in the top 10, maybe the top 5 on a very good day.
Mattias Skjelmose – he’s another who needs a good ride to stay in contention for the overall title. After doing the whole Giro, his form has been outstanding. First up it was 5th in Occitanie, then 3rd in Wallonie, followed by 8th in San Sebastian and then 2nd in the Tour de l’Ain. He’s normally good on his TT bike, he’ll hope to be fighting for the win.
Prediction Time
This will be a close one. Sheffield, Thomas, Laporte and Kragh all have the ability to take the win, and a crucial lead on GC. I’ll go with Christophe Laporte, I think he’s go the power for this one.
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