The 2024 Tour of Emilia takes place this Saturday, October 5 and promises to be a dress rehearsal before the big meeting of the Tour of Lombardy. 215.3 km long, this Italian classic around Bologna will test climber-punchers on the formidable slopes of the San Luca Wall. The line-up of runners involved is simply exceptional. The three big favorites, Tadej Pogacar, Primoz Roglic and Remco Evenepoel, will offer a high-flying show. Each of them, with their specific qualities, contributes an additional dimension to the race.
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Read also: The detailed route of the Tour d’Emilie 2024
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With such a strong field of riders, this edition of the Tour of Emilia promises to be spectacular, and the duel between Pogacar and Roglic could well make an impression one week before the Tour of Lombardy.
The favorites of the Tour of Emilia 2024: Who will win in the Mur de San Luca?
Among the favorites, Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates), just crowned world champion, will be the man to beat. The Slovenian, who lost to Primoz Roglic (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) last year, will try to take revenge. Roglic, looking for another victory in this race that he loves, remains a formidable opponent, especially after his success last year.
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Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) arrives with a lot of confidence after his recent victories, and his explosiveness uphill will make him a serious contender. Other big names are also expected like Enrique Mas (Movistar), surprise winner in 2022 after having left Pogacar in the final climb, or even Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates) and Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike), which are gaining momentum at the end of the season.
The race should once again be decided on the final circuit around Bologna, with its multiple climbs of Montechiaro (3.1 km at 9.7%) and the legendary Wall of San Luca. This steep climb, which culminates at an altitude of 200 meters with passages at 18%, is the judge of the peace of the event and has often crowned the best climbers. If the punchers sometimes have their say, as evidenced by past performances of Julian Alaphilippe or Tom Pidcockpure climbers seem better equipped to dominate this edition.
On the French side, David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ), author of a very good Vuelta (6th) and stage winner in the Tour de Luxembourg, will try to confirm his newfound form. With full confidence, he could surprise in the finale.
A dream trio
The line-up of runners involved is simply exceptional. The three big favorites, Tadej Pogacar, Primoz Roglic and Remco Evenepoeltestify to the quality of the participants present at the start of this 107th edition. Tadej Pogacar, newly crowned world champion, is expected around the corner. The Slovenian, still impressive, has the status of big favorite. His explosiveness and his ability to impose himself on big passes make him a formidable opponent. Primoz Roglic, winner of the previous edition, is also eagerly awaited. The Slovenian, renowned for his consistency and power, is ready to demonstrate that he is one of the best climbers in the world. Remco Evenepoel, the Belgian prodigy and double gold medalist at the Olympic Games, comes to battle with the two Slovenians. The Soudal Quick-Step runner, complete and versatile, knows that he can compete with the very best in this race.
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