The 2024 Tour de France starts in Italy and Stage 1 is a challenging 206km starting in Florence and ending in Rimini. We take a closer look at the stage and the betting odds.
Outright Betting – click here to bet
Tadej Pogacar is the firm favourite at 5/10 and you can click here for our outright preview and bets on the Polka Dot and Green Jerseys.
STAGE 1 ROUTE
This is a very tough opening stage with no fewer than 7 classified climbs, the longest of which starts within the 1st 40km and is 12.5km at 5.1%. There are no Cat 1 or HC climbs but there is hardly any flat once you hit the 1st climb until you crest the final climb with 25km to go. There is a technical descent and then a fairly straight forward run to the finish.
STAGE 1 TACTICS
There can be times early in Grand Tours where a weak break goes clear and is reeled in comfortably to set up a bunch sprint. This stage is far too tough for that though and there will surely be a battle to get into the break, especially given the prestige of winning the 1st Yellow Jersey.
The break will likely be a strong one but I don’t see it getting much leash and if as most expect Pogacar has targeted this stage and wants to test his great rival Vingegaard’s condition after his recovery from a bad crash.
If as I suspect the break is caught it will likely be on the final climb and what happens from there may depend on whether there is any weakness shown from the GC contenders.
Pogacar has the ability to go alone if he has good legs but he is also capable of winning from a small bunch so if he can’t get away I suspect he will take his chances in a sprint.
He won’t have things all his own way thoughand there are a host of riders capable of winning this.
STAGE 1 BETTING – click here to bet
Tadej Pogacar – 22/10
Wout Van Aert – 7/1
Alberto Bettiol – 14/1
Maxim Van Gils – 16/1
Primoz Roglic – 18/1
Mathieu Van Der Poel – 18/1
Tom Pidcock – 22/1
Remco Evenepoel – 22/1
Magnus Cort Nielsen – 22/1
Prices subject to change
PREDICTION
As strong as Pogacar is this won’t be an easy stage to control and win. If you are going to back him then make sure you are aware of the “Money Bach for 2nd Place” Promo
Get a refund on a 2nd place finish
Back any rider to win any stage of the 2024 Tour De France and if your selection comes 2nd, we will refund the stake in Free Bet vouchers up to R5000!
Pre-Match events only. T’s & C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R5000. Single/Straight bets only. Free Bets do not qualify.
Valid for bets taken before each stage from 29th June – 21st July
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘TDF Stage’
I am going for a few riders further down the boards.
Bet: Pidcock at 22/1
The Brits is climbing well and is great at descending so can bridge back to the lead group or even attack after the final climb.
Bet: Alex Aranburu at 25/1
He has disappointed me a lot in Grand Tours but is climbing well and would be one of the fastest in a small bunch split.
Click here for betting on all Tour de France markets
Prices correct at time of writing but subject to change
