The Tour of Norway recovers its pre-pandemic format
After not taking place in 2020 and seeing its 2021 edition reduced to 4 stages and moved to August, the Tour of Norway returns to its pre-COVID-19 pandemic format of 6 stages in May. However, the inclusion in this edition of the climb to Stavrov (12.1 km at 7.6%) on the third day rules out the puncheurs and sprinters who used to fight for the general classification, which will necessarily be won by a climber in this edition.
Route
As usual, the Tour of Norway takes cyclists through some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet throughout its six stages. As we said, the third stage is expected to be decisive for the general classification, with the finish at the top of Stavrov (12.1 km at 7.6%), although stage 1, with the finish at the Voss short climb ( 2.7 km at 6.6%) can already set the first time differences. The second stage includes the longest climb of the race, Dyranut (28.5 km at 4.3%), but its location far from the finish line may discourage the GC candidates. The last three stages seem to be the best options for the sprinters, but all three include some short climbs near the finish line perfect for late attacks.
Favorites
Ethan Hayter (1000) will start with the number 1 on his back and with the intention of back-to-back wins, while Remco Evenepoel (1200) will possibly be his main rival. Other contenders for the general classification are Anthon Charming (400), Ide Schelling (400), Jay Vine (400), Markus Hoelgaard (400), Tao Geoghegan Hart (600) and Tobias Johannessen (200).
Mads Pedersen (1000), Alexander Kristoff (800), David Dekker (200), Magnus Sheffield (200), Mike Teunissen (400), Giani Vermeersch (400) or Michael Valgren (400) can be good candidates for stage wins in the stages with less vertical meters.
For their part, top-class rouleurs such as Filippo Ganna (1000), Kasper Asgreen (600) and Remi Cavagna (400) will surely serve their leaders, and are unlikely to have the freedom to challenge for stage wins.