Category: Previews

Mantes-la-Ville > Mantes-la-Ville 159.7km Very much a classical opening stage of Paris-Nice. We have a chance of echelons, some punchy climbs, a chance for the puncheurs and hope for the sprinters. As I said, a classic opening stage of Paris-Nice. Weather Cold and sunny with a wind of 15-20km/h coming from the north-east. There is...

Siena > Siena 184km Same route as previous years, no need to change anything. This is one of the best races of the year, it rarely fails to deliver. Will it follow a similar path to previous years? Unfortunately, several riders have dropped out in the last 24 hours, it’s a shame we won’t see...

We head for Paris-Nice, the first big stop of the year for the GC riders. It’s the usual mix of stages, with the climbers keeping one eye on the weather forecast. A crash denied Roglič in 2021, will he make up for it this year? Stage 1 Looks like a classic opening stage of PN...

Siena > Siena 135.9km The women’s peloton rolls into Italy, and we’re all set for the first world tour race of 2022. The organisers have stuck with the same route that’s been used in previous years, there’s no need to change it. As usual, we’ll see lots of attacking riding and exciting racing. Weather Sunny...

Quaregnon > Dour 208.2km After a cracking opening weekend, the cobbles continue in Le Samyn. The organisers have made a few changes to the route compared to previous years, with a new bit of road before the lap circuit and the finale reverts to the usual finish, straight up to the finishing line. The changes...

Kuurne > Kuurne 195.2km The Oude Kwaremont has been taken out of the race; the organisers feel it’s done in enough races. Removing it has a massive impact on the race, it’s no surprise to see most teams arrive with a top line sprinter. Can the attackers steal the day? Weather Very similar to the...

Al Ain > Jebel Hafeet 147.8km The race ends with the big mountain stage. We’ve been here many times; it’s climb we all know well. It is on wide roads, but the mountain is steep and very demanding, especially in the heat. The GC is still all to play for, but UAE are looking nice...

Ghent > Ninove 129.1km After a gentle opening over in Spain, the women’s season properly kicks off with the 14th edition of The Omloop. We have a new look SD Worx looking to continue their dominance, but they will come under fierce pressure from the likes of Trek-Segafredo and Movistar. Weather A beautiful day for racing....

Ghent > Ninove 204.3km It’s time for The Omloop! The organisers have made a few changes to the route, out goes the Molenberg and in comes Marlboroughstraat and Biesestraat, plus some lovely narrow roads. It’s a risk to remove the Molenberg, but the addition of the narrow stretches of road will have an impact on...

Expo 2020 Dubai > Expo 2020 Dubai 179.8km The final sprint stage, it looks like another messy one. Nothing much to say about the route, this is all about the finish. Weather Another sunny day. There is some wind around, but it shouldn’t cause any echelons. Finale Just a couple of gentle corners in the...