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The quartet around Hirschi, Küng, Dillier and Bissegger tackles the «Grande Boucle». Who can set accents where?
From Friday, 4 Swiss will be pedaling in the prologue to the Tour de France (5 p.m. live on SRF Zwei). Who is most likely to wear the leader’s yellow jersey? Who has the best cards for a Swiss victory in the 8th stage with the finish line in western Switzerland? Before the upcoming time trial in Copenhagen, we take a close look at the quartet.
I’m one of the top favorites in the time trial.
This race against the clock takes time trial specialist Stephen Bissegger (EF Education) with great ambitions: “Whoever wins wears the Maillot Jaune. I’m one of the top favourites. That’s why I see nothing that stands in the way of a victory in the time trial.”
Same first names, different expectations
If Bissegger can put his words into action, he would be the first Swiss to wear yellow on the Tour since Fabian Cancellara in 2015. Important prerequisite for this: After his corona-related exit after the 5th stage of the Tour de Suisse, Bissegger is back in shape in good time.
Unlike Bissegger, it resonates Stefan Küng (FDJ-Groupama): «The preparation did not go well. Now I don’t know exactly where I stand. But there are more important things in life than winning a stage in the Tour de France. I was able to experience that myself recently.”
The reigning European time trial champion is addressing the ups and downs of the past few weeks. First he became a father after a strong Tour de Suisse (fifth overall), then he also contracted the corona virus – accordingly, the training in the last few days had been too short, according to Küng.
A final ascent made for Hirschi
That the nominated Marc Hirschi was only second choice for the UAE Emirates team, should encourage the 23-year-old all the more for the Tour of France. The detour to Switzerland of all things could serve as a stage for a big show: The 8th stage from Dôle to Lausanne (VD) ends with a final from Ouchy up to the Pontaise – with gradients of up to 12%, the terrain would be exactly on the «Puncheur» tailored.
Wants to stage themselves in different ways Sylvan Dillier (Alpecin), who feels “in good shape” before the starting gun. When asked about his role in the team, he has a clear answer ready: “I’m needed as a supporter. At the start of the Tour I will ride for Mathieu van der Poel and help him get the Maillot Jaune. Maybe one day I can ride in a leading group and fight for the day’s win.