Tour boss understands critical Vingegaard and ventures statement on Van der Poel: 'Don't think I'm taking too much risk'

“I’m excited about everything this opening phase has to offer,” Prudhomme said. “I’ve used the term ‘first week of the flatlands’ to mislead a little. When you look at the names of the towns and stages, you might think it's a traditional Tour — like twenty years ago, eight days for the sprinters — but the reality is quite different.”

Prudhomme believes teams that did their homework and reconned the tricky stages will hold a key advantage. “There may not be long climbs early on, but we’ll get a direct battle between Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, just watch. Remco Evenepoel will have to mix it up as well.”

The Tour director naturally hopes for a close GC fight all the way to Paris, but he’s particularly impressed with Team Visma | Lease a Bike. “They’re always well-prepared and know how to manage chaotic stages. That said, with Pogacar in the race, there’s always a surprise around the corner. He’s a champion who attacks when he sees an opening. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go on the offensive within the first ten days.”

Prudhomme also spoke about Evenepoel’s debut at the Tour. “The 33-kilometer time trial suits him well. If he gains confidence there, that can help him in the mountains too. But a lot will depend on what his team can do for him. The same goes for Vingegaard. Let’s hope Wout van Aert has fully recovered from his illness, because he could be the difference between winning and losing.”

Vingegaard recently criticized the decision to include Montmartre in the final stage to Paris. Prudhomme understands where the Dane is coming from. “I get it — just like I understood the riders who weren’t thrilled with us putting cobblestones or gravel into the race. That’s part of the sport now. I don’t doubt, though, that it’ll be a spectacular finale.”

One rider who could shine in that final stage — and before — is Mathieu van der Poel, according to Prudhomme. “Just saying his name makes me smile. We saw him attacking every day at the Dauphiné. Watching him race is pure joy. Having him back at the Tour adds a special flavor.”

Prudhomme reminisced about the 2021 edition, when Van der Poel wore the yellow jersey for six days in his Tour debut. “Given the emotional connection to his late grandfather Raymond Poulidor, that was one of the most moving moments of my time as Tour director.”

As for predictions? Prudhomme didn’t hold back. “Mathieu can single-handedly make the race more exciting — especially during the first week. I don’t think I’m taking a big gamble by saying I expect to see him standing on the top step of the podium after one of those early stages.”