GP la Marseillaise 2017 Preview
By David Hunter
Marseille – Marseille 144km
The French racing season begins with the usual ride around Marseille. The organisers have decided to stick with the more challenging route used in 2016, this is not an easy roll to the finishing line.
The Climbs
The racing really begins with Col des Cretes, 4km at 7.9%. That is a serious climb and the most important point in the race. It is on this hill that the puncheurs will hope to drop the sprinters, leaving them with a chance of victory. It crests with 27km remaining, so it’s unlikely the winning move will go on that climb.
Soon after is Col de la Gineste. It opens with 2km at 6.3%, before 4km of false flat. It then kicks up again for the final kilometre at 5%. This is the point where the winning move can be made, especially with a 9.4km descent to the finishing line.
Tactics
This race is the opening of the French Cup, currently the property of Samuel Dumoulin. As in all French races, we see all their top domestic teams: FDJ, AG2R, Direct Energie, Cofidis. Delko Marseille and Fortuneo – Vital Concept. They are joined by Lotto, Wanty, Verandas-Willems, Veranclassic and Sport Vlaanderen. It is a race full of tough competitors.
The bulk of the work will be taken on by Cofidis, FDJ, AG2R and Lotto. They are the biggest teams here and have squads full of quality. We will see all teams ride an attacking race, as they will all benefit from removing the pure sprinters. These teams possess good climbers and I hope we see the likes of Pinot stretch his legs on the climbs.
As the race comes at the beginning of a long season, it’s impossible to tell who will have good form at this point. The overall race will be slower than usual, as the peloton try to ease themselves back into the cycling calendar.
Contenders
Thibaut Pinot – 2nd here last year, losing the two man sprint to Dries Devenyns. Such an outstanding cyclist, a pity it didn’t work out for him in the Tour de France. 2016 was shaping up to be his best and most consistent season, but it fell apart at the Dauphine and Tour. Hopefully they have sorted out the problems and I would expect another big year ahead. He’s sure to test his legs on the last two climbs.
Roy Jans – the sprinter the teams should all be worried about. We shall have to wait and see if he’s in the form required to climb with the best, but if he does make it to the end, he’ll be the man to beat. Now riding for the new team, Veranclassic, a quick start to the year will be welcomed by his new bosses.
Tony Gallopin – the classy Frenchman is always a good pick for a one day race. Lotto do have some sprint options, so Gallopin will be used as an attacking rider. He had some good results in 2016, but will be left wondering what could have been. He would benefit from a tough race.
Mauro Finetto – my old Italian friend is back in the big time, riding for Delko Marseille. He is usually good at the beginning of the year, that means he has to be one of the favourites for this race. He can climb and packs a very fast sprint. I would be very happy if he starts 2017 off with a bang.
Jonathan Hivert – after jumping from team to team in the last few years, the Frenchman now finds himself at Direct Energie. Hivert is another of those riders that can climb and sprints well after a tough day in the saddle, but he could do with some stability in his career. The team also bring the Canadian sprinter, Ryan Anderson, 5th here in 2016, we will have to see who gets to sprint.
Samuel Dumoulin – the current holder of the French cup and always consistent on home soil. He’s another of the fast men that could suffer on the climbs and the other teams will want to drop him before the finish. He didn’t go well here in 2016, maybe a sign that this route is now too tough for him.
Dimi Claeys – the rider with a 3rd lung! After a good season with Wanty, the Belgian was rewarded with a move to Cofidis. He is a ridiculously strong character and will love this race. Already in 2017, Claeys has been doing some serious training. He is a rider to watch.
Tosh Van der Sande – Lotto have to decide who will be their sprint option, Tosh or Jens Debusschere. Van der Sande ended the season in good form and can certainly cope with the climbs in this race. Whoever is strongest on the road will get the nod as team captain.
Timothy Dupont – the sprinter was simply amazing in 2016, netting 14 victories. His team, Verandas Willems, have now stepped up to PCT level, allowing Dupont to stay with the team. He didn’t go well here in 2016, but he seemed a different rider at the end of the season.
Video Preview
Here is my video preview with the current Swiss champion, Jonathan Fumeaux.
Prediction Time
A strong solo win for Dimi Claeys. What a signing Cofidis have here.
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