The Tour de France begins this Friday with a 13-kilometer time trial in Copenhagen, serving as the first real test for the contenders aiming at overall victory. By July 24, one rider will lift the yellow jersey on the Champs-Élysées in Paris after 21 days of racing. A second attempt at a 40-kilometer stage could prove pivotal in shaping the general classification. There is ample climbing terrain to allow many riders to show their cards, widening the field of possible podium finishers.
These are the Tour de France 2022 favourites:
Tadej Pogacar
The race has a clear standout: Tadej Pogacar. At 23 years old, soon to turn 24, the Slovenian rider from Emirates has already claimed two Parisian victories, a remarkable feat for someone his age. This edition sees a team tailored to Pogacar that can contend with powerhouses like Jumbo-Visma and Ineos. After a strong third place at the 2019 Vuelta a España, Pogacar reaffirmed his path to glory with a Tirreno-Adriatico victory earlier in the season.
Primoz Roglic
Slovenian Primoz Roglic is emerging as Pogacar’s main rival. A veteran in this sport, he looks to settle scores, particularly after winning Paris-Nice and the Dauphiné this year. Roglic, a former La Planche des Belles Filles time trial victor, rode to third place last year after an unfortunate crash. At 32, he brings a wealth of experience and a powerful team behind him, ready to push for the title.
Jonas Vingegaard
As the field expands with teams bringing multiple options, the Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard adds depth to Jumbo-Visma’s ambitions. Last year’s runner-up, he enters the race with a quiet confidence and an ability to seize chances if others falter. This season he has already signaled potential with strong showings at Tirreno-Adriatico and the Dauphiné, finishing in second place in both events.
Daniel Felipe Martínez
Ineos rises as a super team with a choice between Daniel Felipe Martínez and Geraint Thomas. The team will appoint leadership based on form and stage profiles, but Martínez sits on the cusp of a breakout. The 26-year-old Colombian has already shown his prowess with a Giro d’Italia fifth place, a victory at Itzulia, and a top finish at Paris-Nice, suggesting he could be a major factor in the race this year, especially in time trials.
Geraint Thomas
Welsh rider Geraint Thomas, within Daniel Felipe Martínez’s Ineos, is a candidate with proven leadership. One of the few finishers with multiple Grand Tours under his belt, he remains a strong climber and strategist. At 36, his recent victory in the Tour of Switzerland demonstrates continued resilience and the capacity to perform across varied terrains, from mountain stages to time trials. His experience and race smarts could be decisive in the final weeks.
More
The evergreen Spaniard Enric Mas remains in contention for Movistar. The 27-year-old Mallorcan has matured into a steady general classification rider and will rely on a reliable team to help him challenge for the podium. Mas has previously finished high in the standings and aims to step up this year, leveraging his consistency on tough French roads to push for a top result, even without a flood of big wins this season.
Ben O’Connor
The list of contenders expands with names that will need to prove themselves on the day. Among them are Aleksandr Vlasov, Adam Yates, Romain Bardet, and Nairo Quintana. But attention often gravitates toward Australia’s Ben O’Connor. Coming off a strong finish last year, the AG2R rider does not enjoy the same support as larger squads, yet he can exploit any missteps among the favorites on mountain stretches to carve out a high finish.