People’s Choice Classic 2017 Preview

By David Hunter

The TDU pre-race criterium is always a nice way to start the season. The riders face 22 laps of a fast circuit, and you always get a very exciting race. It’s the same course that the women tackle during the 2nd stage of their TDU, this takes place a little earlier in the day, making it a cracking night for fans.

You might have noticed we have a brand new course for the criterium. Brakes will only be required in the first corner, the rest of the time the riders should be at full speed. The finishing straight is slightly uphill, this makes timing very important.

Tactics

There is very little point getting excited too early. A criterium like this needs experience and patience. The canny sprinters will stay at the back and only make their way forward for the last 5 laps. At this point, it’s still wise to stay in the middle of the bunch, before trying to get your boys on the front for the last 2 laps. Hit the front too soon and you’ll burn your teammates.

Contenders

Caleb Ewan – defended his Aussie criterium crown in impressive fashion. The small sprinter is one of the best in the world and certainly should be in much better form than his rivals in this race. Orica have extended their lead-out train, bringing in Roger Kluge. I would expect to see him slot in to position 3, the man before Impey. With Howson and Durbridge needed to control the break, these 3 should stick together until the very end. Ewan starts the race as the massive favourite.

Peter Sagan – the world champion is one of the best bike handlers in the world, he’ll love this criterium. This will be his first race for Bora, but they also arrive with Sam Bennett. It isn’t known how they will share sprinting duties, especially as this doesn’t really count as a proper race. Given the attention on Sagan, I would expect him to have a go for the win.

Nikias Arndt – the German only won one race in 2016, and that was after the cruel elimination of Giacomo Nizzolo in the Giro. That was a very poor return for him, especially as the team could have done with him filling the shoes of Marcel Kittel. His team have to decide whether they give him a chance in this race, or turn to Phil Bauhaus. Arguments could be made for both German sprinters.

Danny Van Poppel – Sky have a good history in this race. With Stannard, Rowe and Doull they have three impressive riders to dominate the closing kilometres. That should put DVP into a great position, but it’s doubtful he’ll have the speed to finish it off. A place on the podium should be a realistic goal for Sky.

Mark Renshaw – this is Renshaw’s 15th TDU, what an achievement. He had a good start to 2016, in this race, and I would expect him to be challenging for the win. Dimension Data have Jaco Venter and Tyler Farrar to help him try and topple King Caleb!

Niccolò Bonifazio – a lot was made of the young Italian, but he hasn’t managed to live up to expectations. His adventure at Trek only lasted one season and he left Lampre under a cloud, the year before. From what I hear, he’s not much of a team player. Now the main man for Bahrain Merida, he has to start delivering on that promise. His team aren’t particularly strong, so he’ll have to look after himself in the sprint. That shouldn’t be too much of a problem for him, he is excellent at retaining a good position.

Baptiste Planckaert – making his world tour debut, this finish is simply too fast for him.

Carlos Barbero – will not like the action packed criterium.

Edward Theuns – I like the look of this Trek team. Looking to support Eddy will be Pedersen, Didier and De Kort. Having the experience of De Kort is fantastic news for the Belgian sprinter. Theuns was flying, back in the Tour, but as we all know, he suffered a terrible back injury. After a good winter on the track he is feeling good and ready to challenge for wins. Don’t be surprised to see him on the podium.

Prediction Time

Can’t see anyone challenging Caleb Ewan. His form is outstanding, as is his sprint train. Should be a convincing win for the young Australian.

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