In an insightful observation, Netcompany-Ineos cyclist Oscar Onley predicts that the expanded time trial sections will play a crucial role in determining the overall champion of the 2027 Tour de France. The recently unveiled race itinerary includes two substantial individual time trials, covering a combined distance of 71 kilometers. This marks the most extensive time trial mileage seen in the Tour since the 2012 edition, which featured 96.1 kilometers against the clock.
During the route announcement in Paris, Onley shared his perspective with Cycling Weekly, emphasizing the potential impact of these time trials. He believes that the two lengthy, predominantly flat time trial stages – a 33-kilometer stretch between Blois and Chambord on stage seven, and a 38-kilometer challenge around Toulouse on stage 16 – will significantly alter race dynamics. This strategic inclusion is expected to open up diverse opportunities for various competitors and introduce new tactical scenarios into the general classification battle.
Onley's teammate, Remco Evenepoel, a world and Olympic time trial champion, is expected to benefit greatly from this change. Evenepoel, who secured second place overall in this year’s Tour after winning a 26-kilometer individual time trial, possesses a distinct advantage in such disciplines. Onley noted that Evenepoel's strong time trialing ability would provide him with a significant edge over other general classification contenders. Onley himself remains optimistic, highlighting the extensive effort his team dedicates to time trial preparations and his own optimized setup for these events.
Chris Froome, a four-time Tour winner, echoed these sentiments at the route presentation, observing that while the mountainous stages remain formidable, the increased time trial distances are particularly noteworthy. Froome suggested that this shift might be a strategic move to counteract the mountain dominance of riders like Tadej Pogačar, thereby maintaining a more competitive general classification race for a longer duration. Onley, who has emerged as a strong British general classification contender, also spoke about his personal connection to the upcoming Tour. The 2027 race will commence with three stages across Great Britain, featuring a Grand Départ in Edinburgh. For Onley, whose home in Kelso, Scottish Borders, is just 10 kilometers from the opening stage route, this is a deeply sentimental event. He expressed immense excitement, having trained on virtually every road of the first stage since childhood, including the challenging Côte de Melrose, a 2.2-kilometer climb with a 6.7% gradient.
Onley intends to savor this unique opportunity to compete on his home roads, acknowledging that such an experience is rare in a professional cycling career. Despite the potential for getting carried away in the moment, he plans to balance competitive focus with appreciating the special nature of the event.
The 2027 Tour de France promises to be a compelling event, with the expanded time trial component likely to reshape strategies and intensify competition among the elite cyclists. This strategic alteration is anticipated to maintain a vibrant general classification contest, offering both seasoned time trialists and aspiring champions a fresh battlefield to pursue glory.