Tour de Suisse 2023 – Stage 1

A time trial. Short and flat.

Route

Some long straights and some areas with corners. It should suit the power houses!

Weather

Dry roads for everyone, some wind for everyone. A fair challenge.

Contenders

Sheffield – this is a very similar course to the stage win he took in Postnord Danmark Rundt last season. That is all you need to know, he will challenge for the podium.

Bissegger – he has not been doing very well against the clock this year. I do not hope the unfortunate crashes in Tour de France 2022 has had an impact on his mental state. On paper, this should be the type of course where he can beat the very best.

Küng – he would prefer a longer route but he is still good enough to challenge for the win. On home soil, he usually goes well.

Wout van Aert – starts as one of the riders to beat. After an altitude camp, he usually comes back flying. I expect him to challenge for the stage win.

Dennis – same goes for Dennis. The way he ended the Giro d’Italia, he should challenge for a good spot.

Kelderman – I’m not taking the piss. At Jumbo-Visma, I expect his time trial to be significantly better. Good enough to challenge for a spot inside the top-10.

Evenepoel – you never really know how he has recovered. A short effort like tomorrow, I expect him to be good enough already to win. The real test lies within the mountains.

Asgreen – 3rd in 4 Jours de Dunkerque time trial is not good enough to win here. A top-10.

Skjelmose – One of the GC men that will do well. A top-10.

Ayuso – I think the same can be said for Ayuso. A top-10.

Stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wout van Aert
⭐⭐⭐Evenepoel, Küng
⭐⭐ Dennis, Bissegger, Sheffield
⭐ Ayuso, Kelderman, Asgreen, Skjelmose

Who will win?

I will take Wout van Aert. He has had a better preparation compared to Evenepoel.