Cycling: Yellow is the color of the Tour de France. But in addition to the overall ranking, there are other important special rankings in the Tour of France. In this preview, we look at the favorites in the Green Jersey, White Jersey and Mountain Jersey battles - and we even make predictions.
Green jersey: Sagan is the favorite again
There are three serious contenders for the points classification at the 2021 Tour de France. Seven-time winner of the green jersey, Peter Sagan, is of course the top favorite again this year. Last season, he was sensationally beaten by Sam Bennett. However, the Irishman will be absent this year. Therefore, his main rivals are now Caleb Ewan and Arnaud Démare. The Australian and the Frenchman have their advantages in a classic, flat mass sprint, while the Slovakian can also score points on challenging stages. Since all three riders can count on the support of their teammates, we expect an exciting three-way battle. It remains to be seen, however, whether Caleb Ewan will even finish the Tour de France. He wants to be successful at the Vuelta a España after the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. In our opinion, Wout van Aert would probably be unbeatable in this classification. However, the Belgian will fully dedicate himself to the service of captain Primoz Roglic and is therefore not really a contender for the green jersey.
Velomotion prognosis in the fight for the green jersey:
1. Peter Sagan (Bora – hansgrohe)
2.Caleb Ewan (Lotto-Soudal)
3. Arnaud Démare (Groupama – FDJ)
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Mountain jersey: ranking rider or climbing king?
As with every Tour de France, predicting the results, especially in the mountains classification, is virtually impossible. It's difficult to guess who will be aiming for the polka dot jersey from the start and who will only join the ranks of contenders later. Often, the mountain points are automatically won by breakaway riders on mountain stages. Not infrequently, these breakaways include general classification riders who have already lost too much time and then shift their focus from yellow to the polka dot jersey. This could be the case for Simon Yates, for example . The Briton already has the Giro d'Italia in his legs and will likely not be fighting for the yellow jersey at the Tour de France. Julian Alaphilippe intends to do so, but might shift his priorities in the third week. Guillaume Martin could be eyeing the polka dot jersey right from the beginning. Instead of finishing tenth overall, winning the mountains classification would certainly be a greater success. It's also possible that a rider will be on the podium in the general classification and simultaneously claim the polka dot jersey – as happened last year with Tadej Pogacar.
Velomotion forecast in the battle for the mountain jersey:
1. Simon Yates (BikeExchange)
2. Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck – Quick Step)
3. Guillaume Martin (Cofidis)
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White jersey: Pogacar is the clear favorite
Last year, Tadej Pogacar had a very successful Tour de France. The Slovenian won not only the yellow jersey but also the polka dot jersey (the King of the Mountains) and the white jersey. It's possible that this season could unfold similarly. He is considered the clear favorite in the young rider classification. Even if he fails to defend his yellow jersey, a top-five finish should be enough to reclaim the white jersey. However, if the reigning Tour champion falters, David Gaudu or Lucas Hamilton could step out of his shadow. While the Frenchman is the clear leader in the mountains for his team, the Australian has to play second fiddle to Simon Yates. Only if Yates isn't competing for the overall classification could he suddenly assume the leadership role.
Velomotion Prediction in the Battle for the White Jersey:
1. Tadej Pogacar (UAE)
2. David Gaudu (Groupama – FDJ)
3. Lucas Hamilton (Bike Exchange)
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