Tour de Romandie 2015: Favourites

Chris Froome
The Briton won in the Tour de Romandie in 2013 and 2014. The combination of time trialing and climbing fits him like a glove. Froome is not yet his best this season, let’s hope it all changes in Switzerland.

Simon Spilak
The Swiss stage race is a favourite of the 28 year old Slovenian also. He won the overall in 2010 and both in 2013 and 2014 he finished second behind Froome. Had a good spring, by finishing third in Paris-Nice.

Rui Costa
Last two editions, the Romandie podium was completed by Rui Costa, and in 2012 the former World Champion was third also. Obviously he likes to race on Swiss roads as he won past two editions of the Tour de Suisse. A string of good performances in 2015, but as of yet no victory.

Mathias Frank
The 28-year old Swiss home-rider finished fourth in last year’s Tour de Romandie and was second in the Tour de Suisse behind Costa. No big victories on his palmares, but both Romandie and the Tour de Suisse are his main goals for 2015 – who what it will bring.

Vincenzo Nibali
The Tour winner finished fifth in 2014. The downhill finales in stages 2, 3 and 4 will suit him just fine. Strong back up by Fuglsang and Westra.

Nairo Quintana
In the Tirreno he faced both Nibali and Contador in the Tirreno-Adriatico and he blew them away in the only real mountain stage. Is he going to do it again with his other two Tour de France antagonists Froome and Nibali in stage 5 to Champex?

Thibaut Pinot
The Tour de Romandie has not been his cup of tea until now. Three participations and each time finished around 10th place finish. But the Frenchman is still young and after his podium finish in the 2014 Tour de France the sky could be the limit.

Rafal Majka
The king of the mountains in last year’s Tour de France has been invisible this season, but he sure knows his way in the mountains. Like his compatriot Kwiatkowski only 24 years of age and hugely talented.

Rigoberto Uran
Could definitely be in the mix if focussed, but the Colombian is in Switzerland as a warm-up for the Giro. So don’t expect major results. In 2014 Uran also did Romandie in preparation for the Giro and he finished 14th.