For cycling fans, the Tour de France is a definite highlight in the annual sporting calendar. It might hit fewer headlines compared to football and other sporting events but that doesn’t mean that the Tour de France is without its nail-biting moments and thrilling wins. If you speak to any cycling enthusiast they’ll have their own opinions on who is worth watching and who is likely to do well this year.
However, Betway Insider wanted the real inside scope on who is likely to be successful this year, so they recently caught up with three-time green jersey winner Robbie McEwen.
Who Does He Think Will Do Well?
Talking about who has caught his eye in the race so far this year, he immediately mentions Jonas Vingegaard; which will likely come as no surprise to anyone that is following the Tour de France proceedings so far. He touched on the fact that at the start of the race it was his team mean Primoz Roglic that had most people’s attention, but how things are switching up as the race progresses. That said, Roglic has a chequered past with big races like this and McEwan knows that this could affect his confidence this year too – “Roglic has, unfortunately for him, a history of falling off in important races. It happened last year in the tour, it’s happened to him again, and it’s compromised his bid for the GC”
Australian Cyclists
The moment that McEwan became the first Australian to win the green jersey is a sporting moment that will remain etched on the calendar for a number of years. However, a keen Australian and proud of his country, McEwan also talks with pride about how well the country is doing in cycling currently – and his hopes for them to continue to be a success story.
“We’re really one of the powers of world cycling,” he says whilst talking about the Giro d’Italia and the recent win by Jai Hindley. He also talks about Richie Porte and his top 3 result in the Tour de France – going on to see how fans “have been waiting to see who’s going to be our next one to win a Grand Tour, and then Jai won the Giro. It was just incredible.”
It’s clear that McEwan has a passion for professional cycling and continues to follow the careers of those taking part. He also talks with passion about Peter Sagan and his incredible Tour de France achievements where cyclists dream of winning the yellow jersey; knowing that many of those taking part will be hoping to one day have similar successes under their belt.
“He’s been just absolutely incredible, performance-wise throughout his career, having already won seven green jerseys and more than 130 international, world-level races. But not just looking at everything he ha won, he’s also been incredible for the publicity of the sport. “
As for whom to watch this year, Robbie McEwen suggests we all keep an eye on Jonas Vingegaard and judging by his pretty consistent performance so far, he could very well be right.
