The 2024 World Championships, organized on a (very) demanding circuit around Zurich (Switzerland), should give rise to a great battle between some of the best riders in the peloton.
Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia)
The big favorite. After flying through the 2024 Tour de France, Tadej Pogačar cut a few weeks to prepare as best as possible for the end of the season. We could (legitimately) wonder if the Slovenian, on deck for several months with his historic Giro di Italia-Grande Boucle double, would manage to find form at the dawn of these World Championships. And the answer is obviously positive. His beautiful solo victory in the Montreal Grand Prix, two weeks ago, reminded all those who might have the slightest doubt about his condition that they should count on him in Zurich. Especially on such a demanding circuit – 4,291 meters of elevation gain! –, which perfectly suits his qualities as a puncher-climber. Suffice it to say that “the Ogre of Klanec” will be the man to beat this Sunday.
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Primož Roglič (Slovenia)
The second man. Besides Tadej Pogačar, Slovenia has in its ranks another favorite for these World Championships: Primož Roglič. The recent winner of the Vuelta a España comes to Zurich with less pressure than his compatriot. He is less expected – even if the circuit (also) suits him very well – and this is precisely what could allow him to win. Indeed, if the big nations decide to mark the winner of the last Tour de France, the Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe rider should have the opportunity to try his luck, whether from afar, or in the final. He will definitely be one to follow.
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Remco Evenepoel (Belgique)
For History. Double Olympic champion this summer in Paris, Remco Evenepoel retained his title of world time trial champion last week; proof that he is (still) in great shape. This Sunday, the Belgian has the opportunity to achieve a double – and a quadruplet including the Olympic Games! – unpublished. The versatile rider will be able to count on a team built entirely around him, including excellent lieutenants such as Tiejs Benoot and Maxim van Gils, who showed themselves to their advantage in the Canadian classics. On a particularly difficult course, the “Little Cannibal” should find a perfect field of expression to do what he does best: attack from afar to try to isolate himself. And win?
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Mathieu van der Poel (Pays-Bas)
The title holder. World Champion last year in Glasgow (Scotland), at the end of a race as difficult as it was breathtaking, Mathieu van der Poel obviously hopes to keep his rainbow jersey, which he wore so brilliantly these last twelve months. The Dutchman, who is coming off a good Skoda Tour of Luxembourg (one stage victory, 2e of the general classification), will be able to rely on a team which will be totally devoted to it. Slight problem (or not): the route, including the Witikon coast (1.9 km at 6.3%), could be a bit difficult for him in the long run. However, if the other favorites fail to get rid of the classics rider, he will certainly be one of the main threats in the finale with his great burst of speed.
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Marc Hirschi (Switzerland)
This is the big odds. Before the summer, no one would have bet on Marc Hirschi. But in recent weeks, the Swiss has, it seems, regained his best level, the one which he displayed at the end of the 2020 season. As proof: after winning the Czech Tour at the end of July, the puncher imposed in quick succession on the Donostia San Sebastian Klasikoa and the Bretagne Classic-Ouest-France in August, then on three Italian semi-classics in September. He is therefore in great shape and full of confidence. He will be one to watch closely, especially since he will be playing at home and should therefore be supported by his audience.
