The 35th time the Tour De France visits Nice, but this time it won’t be about the nice views and the change of road structures, this time it’s the return of the team time trial and it looks to be as heated up as ever. The race is very short compared to the previous races being only 25 kilometres long, which is normal because it’s not the same kind of race as the first three races.

In this race team chemistry and leaders is essential and will most likely be the difference between winning or losing. A good start is also important, that’s why the team’s best racer is supposed to start the race off and set the pace for the others with another experienced rider setting the pace afterwards, then each team member is supposed to take part in setting the pace and dropping back.

No climbs expected for this race

What To Expect

Teams who have got strong cyclists all around the team should be the ones that take this win. The big teams like Sky, BMC, Garmin, Saxo and Omega are the favourites coming into this. BMC will have strong cyclists like Evans, Van Garderen and Phillipe Gilbert are three strong enough cyclists to take BMC on their backs. Sky have a very strong team but with Welshman, Geraint Thomas carrying a broken pelvis, that could hold down Sky a bit. Cannondale could try and make up lost ground being one of the few teams to be more than a second behind first place Radioshack Leopard, their strongest riders have been staying within reaching distance of the last few stages but they also have too many weak cyclists to be able to compete against the likes of BMC or Sky. Omega Pharma-Quick Step are also strong favourites to get something out of this race.

Predictions

Before the Tour started I would have put my money on Team Sky to take the win but after having seen BMC look at the top of their game physically and tactically, I have a strong feeling that BMC will just about win. Cadel Evans will surely lead team BMC over the line in that case, being a strong time-trialist. I think Omega Pharma-Quick Step will flop like they have done in the last 3 stages, although the stages weren’t ideal for them, they’ve shown they’re less capable than we think at putting up a big fight with the sprints.

“Tour De France 2013 Stage 4 Nice To Nice Team Time Trial Preview” written by Seb True

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