GP la Marseillaise 2015 preview
By David Hunter
Cycling returns to Europe!
It’s the 36th edition of the race, that runs up some familiar hills, before descending into Marseille. At 139.7km it’s a nice start to the year for many of the riders.
Despite many attacks the race usually ends in a small bunch sprint. This year, we have many contenders for the sprint and a long range attack. As you would expect the race is full of French teams happy to race at home, instead of going to Mallorca. We have Cofidis, FDJ, Bretagne, Europcar and AG2R but also competing are Lotto, Caja Rural, Team Colombia, Wanty and Topsport.
Defending champion Kenneth Vanbilsen returns, but he’s now riding for Cofidis. He brings with him, Michael Van Staeyen, another ex-Topsport rider. These two guys know how to ride together and form an impressive duo. After years of flattering to deceive, Cofidis will be at the sharp end of most races in 2015, after a very impressive signing spree.
FDJ will look towards a breakaway, or a much reduced sprint. They have Elissonde, Pinot, Roux and Vichot. These riders will try and animate the race and look to attack at every opportunity. Despite being signed as a lead-out rider, Kevin Reza, should be their man for a sprint. The popular French rider is an excellent lead-out man but also packs a punch. To start with a win would be perfect for the new boy.
AG2R will also look to the break, with no recognised sprinter in their ranks. They’ve got Bardet, Cherel, Latour and Riblon. Romain Bardet had a brilliant 2014 and he wants to start this year with a bang. He’ll certainly try out his legs and will attack the peloton, but it will be very difficult to make a decisive break. Riblon is one of the few to have raced this season, having completed the Tour Down Under. This should give him an edge over most of the field.
Europcar only look to have Cyril Gautier as an option. Gautier is a very attacking rider but he sometimes leaves his brain on the bus. He needs to be more selective in his attacks as he has a good sprint finish. He should look to follow the moves of AG2R and FDJ and hope for a small bunch gallop. If we get it, he has a great chance of winning.
Lotto Soudal arrive with Tony Gallopin. The Frenchman is ready to move into a more important role within the team, starting here. They also have the option of Kris Boeckmans but the race will probably be too tough for him. They have a very strong team, who should be able to hold the race together. Their efforts will be a major factor in the type of race we get.
Caja Rural have an interesting mix of youth and experience. Amets Txurruka will look for the break, as usual! Peio Bilboa had a very good 2014. The 24 year old looks to be close to making a big move and landing some serious results, I look forward to seeing him flourish in 2015.
Team Colombia are here with a strong squad. Their fast man, Leonardo Duque, has just completed the Tour de San Luis, so he’ll be in form. He has a fast kick when others are tired and with racing in his legs, compared to the others, makes him a favourite for the race. His team are quite young, so Duque will have to look after himself in the race.
Wanty – Groupe Gobert have multiple options. They have Roy Jans for the sprint, with Leukemans and Marcato for the break. This is a strong looking team, with Jans hoping to move up the sprinting ranks in 2015. They’ll be fighting for the win, no matter what type of race we get.
Jonathan Hivert makes his debut for Bretagne – Seche. A former winner of the race, in 2010, he’ll be looking to enjoy the role of team leader. After a poor season with Belkin, it will be very interesting to see how he copes with the extra responsibility. I expect a very strong performance from him. His team have two options as they also have Romain Feillu. The sprinter had a fairly good 2014, his first season with the team. He could go well but I think the team should really be working for Hivert, he is a more reliable rider.
Roubaix Lille Metropole have 2 options: Antomarchi and Planckaert. Julien Antomarchi had a strong 2014, winning the Tour of Hainan, but the team should really be riding for Baptiste Planckaert. 2nd, last year, the Belgian turned in some very noticeable performances, including 4th in Paris-Bourges. He’s another rider looking to make a step-up in 2015 and he’ll be disappointed not to make the podium.
Remy Di Gregorio is a dangerous rider for Team Marseille 13 KTM. He won the 2014 Tour de Taiwan and always goes well in French races. This is a big race for the local team and they’ll try to animate the race.
Prediction Time
The French teams will look to attack, attack, attack. Lotto Soudal will have to do a significant amount of work, but their team is strong enough. They will try and set-up Tony Gallopin for the win but it will be Baptiste Planckaert stealing the show. The Belgian rider is ready to show everyone that it’s time for a move to a bigger team.
David HunterFollow us in facebook https://www.facebook.com/CiclismoInternacionalLatinoamerica?fref=ts …
or Twitter @CiclismoInter
Copyright © 2015 Ciclismo Internacional. All Rights Reserved
