Tour de France

Today the summer afternoons begin, mornings in Colombia. Today starts the most disputed Tour in recent years, let's say forty or fifty. The competition this time is not based on the number of candidates or the absence of favorites. What defines this race is the enormous category of its four main actors: Contador, Froome, Nibali, and Quintana. The coincidence of four candidates with such equal options is unprecedented. Never before has there been a Tour, before today's, in which the photo finish was necessary before the start.

It is not just a hunger for bicycles and green valleys; the 2015 edition has it all. On the one hand, we will witness the dispute of three consolidated and mature champions: Contador (winner in 2007 and 09), Froome (2013), and Nibali (2014). On the other hand, in the middle of that battle, the relay of a young cyclist with no known limits is proposed, the Colombian Nairo Quintana, second two seasons ago in his first participation.

Add now the route we always dreamed of for Perico: 14 kilometers against the clock that will be disputed today (team time trial aside) and seven mountain stages with five finishes at the top. Not to mention the fearsome cobblestones of the fourth stage.

The second line of figures does not detract from the first. Not far from the favorites, an army of French cyclists is encamped, two of which already stepped on the podium last year (Péraud and Pinot). Thirty years after Hinault's victory, the last tricolor victory, cyclists like Bardet, Barguil, or Rolland, in addition to those mentioned, seem destined for great feats.

There are also Spaniards on that step, just below the superheroes. Valverde comes without pressure and with the immediate objective of winning on the walls of the first week (Huy and Bretagne). On those same slopes, he will meet Purito, encouraged by the route and his podium finish in 2013.

The tundra. The advice for Spaniards is to enjoy before the glaciation catches up with us; Contador is still determined to retire at the end of next season and there is no sign of a replacement for the golden generation, only tundra. The general recommendation is to enjoy other springs (France, Colombia, Holland...) and the fabulous spectacle that begins today, an adventure that is already 102 years old.

If you are still not attracted to cycling, try this Tour. Choose a cyclist and hop on their wheel. If you are not satisfied, I will refund your naps, mornings in Colombia.