Paris-Nice kicks of the European Cycling season in style
today with a short blast against the clock in the Prologue, the traditional
test used to establish the order of the GC before the first stage. Normally the
preserve of the GC elite or specialist roluers, today’s event is very different
from the norm due to one fact; It’s just 3.3km.
The prologue is usually the preserve of grand Tour
contenders and specialist, power driven roleurs, but the shortened distance of
today – along with a tight, narrow route, brings anyone who can bring the
correct amount of power or position to their game. Those who have the same
outputting skills needed for individual or team pursuit usually come to the
fore in such events, with the finishing times and power outputs often being
similar – Geraint Thomas won the 3.3km opening to the Tour De Romandie in a
time of 3.39. It’s a real shame Thomas isn’t taking part here, as he has a
superb record in time trials and prologues – he was second to Taylor Phinney in
the opening prologue of the Giro D’Italia and won the Romadie prologue by some
5 seconds – but today’s favourite Leigh-Howard (left) might be worth supporting. A
superb track rider for Australia, he was third to Taylor Phinney and Johnathan
Castroviejo two years ago in Romandie (when the course was dry, as Thomas won
his with several favourites being affected by rain), and his two wins at the
Challenge Majorca show him to be in good form. Sprinters have often done well
in super short efforts against the clock, and his previous history in such
events makes him a worthy guess at 8/1. The 18/1 about Cannondale’s Elia
Viviani – capable of seated bursts and also holding plenty of good form from
the Tour of Oman also makes appeal, with the tour favourites likely to need
longer to get set into gear.
Advice
1 pt Leigh Howard (8/1 general)
1 pt Elia Viviani (18/1 Bet Victor)
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