Van der Poel and Evenepoel brace for Paris battle but disagree on favourite

Ask any cycling fan to name the favourite for the Tour de France’s unconventional final stage, and Mathieu van der Poel is likely to be the first name mentioned. But as the peloton prepares for an intense 89 km race through Paris, the Dutch star is tempering expectations.

"I am really keen on it, but a lot will depend on my legs," Van der Poel admitted ahead of the start to Sporza. "We are going to see a race from start to finish. It will be hard, and it will be a race of attrition until only a few men remain."

After three relentless weeks of racing, however, the Tour appears to have taken its toll. Although the revised route through the French capital should suit his explosive qualities far better than a traditional sprint finish, Van der Poel admitted that his recovery is far from complete.

“I do not feel fresh anymore, but I hope I am still strong,” he said. “Everyone has suffered during this Tour, myself included. Hopefully, I can still find something in my legs today.”

Also feeling the effects of three weeks of racing, but ready to seize any tactical opportunity, is Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe’s Remco Evenepoel. The Belgian arrives in Paris secure in second place overall, returning to the French capital for the first time since winning two Olympic gold medals there.

Although the day will largely be one of celebration for the Tour runner up, Evenepoel has no intention of treating the final stage as a procession.

“It is certainly very special to ride into Paris in second place in the Tour, behind the rider who equals the record,” Evenepoel told Sporza, referring to Tadej Pogačar. 

“That makes this second place even more special. I want to give everything one last time and then we will see. It is a beautiful stage and I will enjoy it, but when there is an opportunity, you have to take it. The most important thing is to enjoy what we have achieved over the past three weeks.”

A repeat of his memorable Olympic solo ride through the streets of Paris appears unlikely, however. Given the strength and explosive qualities of the riders expected to contest the finale, Evenepoel anticipates a closely controlled tactical battle on the cobbled climbs rather than a successful long range attack.

“No, I do not think it is possible to drop everyone,” he said. “I have watched Mathieu throughout this Tour, and he has certainly had some very good days. He is extremely motivated for today. Mathieu is the clear favourite, but I think we could see a very exciting battle. Both Tadej and I have spent a lot of energy over the past few days.”

While Evenepoel views Van der Poel as the leading contender, the Dutchman believes the yellow jersey wearer may hold the strongest cards in the Paris finale.

“I also think Tadej Pogačar has targeted this stage and has suffered the least this week,” Van der Poel said. “I think he is the man to beat.”

Van der Poel is also motivated by the disappointment of missing the action in Paris 12 months ago. With the revised course offering a better opportunity for riders with his qualities, he is determined to make the most of his chance.

“I was disappointed not to be there last year,” he said. “I am very motivated, but a lot will depend on my legs. The course change gives me a better chance of winning in Paris one day. Hopefully, that day is today.”