The big start of the 36th Tour Poitou-Charentes will take place this Tuesday at 11 a.m. from Chauray in Deux-Sèvres. On the program for the week: 685 km of course, 132 participants, 4 days of racing, 5 stages with the essential time trial on Thursday afternoon… 20 teams will be lined up, including four World Tour teams (highest level worldwide): FDJ, Cofidis, AG2R, Trek, etc.
Who will succeed the British Connor Swift, winner of the previous edition? The 26-year-old Englishman from the Arkéa team (70th in the Tour de France last month) will be present to defend his title. But he will have a lot to do. The Swiss Stefan Kungdouble European time trial champion, is one of the big favorites and should scare his opponents.
A European size on the clock
Other specialists will be present. Among them, the French Benjamin Thomas who has just been crowned European champion in the team pursuit and points race on the track. The Cofidis rider will be the main tricolor chance in the absence of Bruno Armirail, second in the TPC last year.
Disappointment on the other hand among the sprinters, Peter Sagan, a time hoped for, finally preferred to participate in the electric mountain bike worlds organized on Friday in the Alps by one of its sponsors. On the Poitevin side, if the Niortais Tom Mainguenaudout of form, had to withdraw, the Loudunais Valentin Ferron will indeed be there under the colors of his TotalEnergies team and will be keen to shine on his training routes.