BinckBank Tour 2020 – Stage 2 Preview
By David Hunter
Vlissingen 11km ITT
A big moment in the GC battle.
It might only be 11km long, but if someone has a big day the gaps can be big. This is an interesting little TT. For a start off, there’s nearly 2km right on the beach. We also have some cobbles(not Roubaix style), some fast sections and a little technical bit too. Looking at the route it’s one for the big powerhouses of the bunch. Head down, full gas for 11km with hardly any recover time throughout.
Weather
There is a small threat of rain at the end of the stage, but it looks like everyone will get home before the roads get wet. The wind is strong, coming from the south, but it should be the same for everyone.
Contenders
Stefan Küng – third in the World TT race was a very impressive result, backing up his win in the Euros. The Swiss TT specialist is no stranger to big performances in this race, he won the TT here in 2017 and 2018. He knows that his hopes of challenging for the overall win relies on a flying TT, something he’s more than capable of delivering. He is one of the few riders who could go relatively easy at the Tour, getting valuable kilometres in the legs, without going too deep. As a result, he has to start as the favourite.
Søren Kragh Andersen – after a brilliant Tour, he’ll be here full of confidence. The Dane is usually very strong against the clock, he stands a good chance of challenging for the win. As he is also going for GC, he knows he must post a good time.
Tobias Ludvigsson – 5th in the Tirreno TT is an indication of what he can do. He won’t win, but a good result will put FDJ into a strong position in terms of the GC. Having two men in contention will be a big help as the race develops this week.
Paddy Bevin – 7th and 12th in the two TTs he’s done this year. That is below what he would expect of himself, but given the disruption to the season it is understandable. Looking at the level of his rivals, he really should be challenging for the win.
Alex Edmondson – nearly won the TT in Andalucía, way back in February. The Aussie is strong against the clock, and the distance is good for him. Winning would be a surprise, but he should be aiming for the top 5.
Luke Durbridge – another who’ll be in and around the top 10.
Jannik Steimle – the young German won the recent TT in Slovakia. He’s as strong as an ox, and it always helps to have the best equipment. QuickStep will hope to have a few riders challenging for the win, don’t be surprised to see Steimle up there.
Yves Lampaert – another one of the GC riders who’ll be wanting a big result. He was beaten by Steimle over in Slovakia, you can bet he’ll be looking to reverse that result and restore some pride!
Mathieu Van Der Poel – says he’s not touched his TT bike since Tirreno. He’ll still go well, but I don’t think he’ll win.
Prediction Time
He loves this TT; it’ll be another win for Stefan Küng.
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