GP La Marseillaise 2018 Preview
By David Hunter
Allauch – Marseille 146km
The European racing scene properly begins with the usual demanding race in Marseille. Just 146km is perfect for riders beginning their season, but the tough route makes it very difficult for most of the peloton to win.
Route
Col de l’Espigoulier marks the real beginning of the race, as it’s 12.1km at 4.2%. This is long enough for riders to be put into difficulty and the big teams will use it as a launchpad for attacks. The next important point in the race is Col des Crêtes, which is the hardest climb in the race. Only 4.2km in length, but a gradient of 7.5%, makes this a very challenging effort for the front group. This is also the point where a number of fast men have to kiss goodbye to the win.
After a period of false flat and a steep descent, the riders begin the final climb of the day, Col de la Gineste. Officially, the climb is 9.3km at 3.1%, but that includes a shallow section in the middle. The opening of the climb is where damage can be done, but if you survive this section, you should be fine to remain in the front group. Once the climb has been crested, we have a 10km descent to the finishing line.
Tactics
It all depends on the strength of your team. The big French squads want to make each other work and they’ll be keen on getting in each move. The early attacks will all be about reducing numbers in the peloton, the important attacks will come on Col des Crêtes. This is the point where missing the move will cost you the chance of winning. With a small peloton, there won’t be enough firepower to bring the attack back.
If you are lucky enough to have multiple riders in this move, it gives you a great chance of taking the win. Last year, FDJ had two riders, with Pinot helping Vichot take the win. Having a strong squad certainly increases your chances of success. It’s worth noting that AG2R had Cherel and Dupont in last year’s winning move, but they couldn’t escape the FDJ duo.
Weather
Looking like the riders will be lucky and the sun will be out, however, the wind will be blowing a little.
Contenders
AG2R – arrive with a very strong squad. Not only do they have Romain Bardet, but also Alexandre Geniez, Hubert Dupont and Tony Gallopin. Given the level of this team, it’s hard to think they won’t walk away with the win. All of these riders can climb very well and I would expect to see 3 of them in the front group. Having numbers like that will give them a big advantage in the closing kilometres.
Cofidis – the Herrada brothers debut for their new team. This is a good move for the team and riders, as Jesús Herrada really does deserve more leadership opportunities. He is a solid climber, packs a fast sprint and finished 2017 with 2nd place in GP Montréal. The Spaniard is a good leader for the French squad, but they also have Anthony Perez, a rider who seems to be developing at a good rate.
FDJ – not the strongest squad they’ve sent here. Given the climbs, their best chance should be with Benjamin Thomas or Valentin Madouas. Both of these youngsters will find it hard against the more experienced riders, but after a strong 2017, Thomas will not be worried too much. After a hugely successful year with Armée de Terre, he takes a well deserved step up into the World Tour. It would be good to see him start with a big result.
Delko Marseille – eager to impress in their home race, the Delko boys have Finetto, Combaud and El Fares. It was great to see Mauro Finetto return to his rightful place in 2017, I still can’t believe he struggled to get a contract in 2016. Combaud is a rider who impressed me last year, he seems to be one of those that can do a little bit of everything. El Fares was 4th here in 2017, he provides them with a 3rd card to play. A strong team who will have a say in the outcome of the race.
Lilian Calmejane – after a stellar 2017, which included a landmark win in the Tour de France, Direct Energie will be hoping for an even better year. He was 3rd here in 2017 and I think one day races is where we could see him making a big mark in 2018. He packs a punch, has a relatively good sprint and seems to be tactically astute. It would be a surprise if he wasn’t involved in the finale.
Sean De Bie – I’m fascinated by his move to Vérandas Willems-Crelan. After four years with Lotto, he takes a step down to pro-conti level. Now, this isn’t always a bad thing as it allows him to ride as a team leader and be involved in trying to win races. De Bie is a rider with a big engine, he climbs well, but he also has a very fast sprint. The climbs in this race might just be a little too hard for him, but if his winter has been good, he’ll be a man to watch out for. That goes for the rest of the season, I hope to see him doing very well for his new employers.
Prediction Time
AG2R seem much stronger than the rest and I think we’ll see them taking the win. Tactics on the road will determine their chosen rider, but I will go for Alexandre Geniez.
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