Race analysis, favourites, and predictions for Deutschland Tour 2021

If a stage has 4000 meters of climbing, sprinters disengage. If it is completely flat, the climbers sit in the peloton and wait for the day to pass. It is in the intermediate profile stages where there is often a fight between both kind of riders, since many see themselves with options for the win, and each one wants to take the race towards the most favorable outcome for his interests. It seems that the design of the Deutschland Tour seeks this confrontation between the two kind of riders, and it promises to be an entertaining race.

Route

Of the four stages that make up the race, the first seems the most suited for a sprint royale, while the general classification will be decided in stages 2, 3 and 4. These three stages do not include big climbs, but they do present undulating enough routes to rule out sprinters if a strong pace is set.

Favorites

The main sprinters on the starting list are the German cyclists Pascal Ackermann (1000), Phil Bauhaus (600), André Greipel (400) and John Degenkolb (400), who this time will defend the colors of the national team. The threats to a local victory in the sprints are mainly Mark Cavendish (800), Alexander Kristoff (600) and Kristoffer Halvorsen (600).

For the general classification, João Almeida (1200) seems the man to beat, and comes to Germany with a very strong Deceuninck - Quick Step team, with Yves Lampaert (400) and Remi Cavagna (600) as squires. Almeida's main rivals for the GC could be riders like Ben O'Connor (600), Pello Bilbao (800) or Gonzalo Serrano (400).