Tour de France: Rain could put damper on Danish ‘grand départ’
Showers are expected across Friday's opening time trial, putting the entire peloton on edge if conditions are wet and slippery.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Forecasted rain this weekend could put a damper on three stages across Denmark for the “grand départ” of the 2022 Tour de France.
There is a 70 to 80 percent chance of scattered showers for Friday’s opening time trial in Copenhagen, with rain and cool temperatures expected across the long weekend in Denmark for the Tour’s first three stages.
Wednesday’s team presentation should avoid forecasted rain showers, but a cool front is expected to arrive by Thursday.
Also read:
- How to watch the Tour de France: Online, streaming, and on television
- Tour de France essential race preview: Who will win the yellow jersey?
- Tour de France stage-by-stage guide
- Tour de France beginner’s guide
Rain is expected to begin Thursday and carry into Friday, with temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s, moderate showers, and light winds.
Light to moderate rainfall is expected across the entire Friday afternoon and evening, meaning that nearly everyone in the peloton could face wet conditions for the 13km opening time trial in the urban streets of Copenhagen.
That means the peloton will be on edge to avoid crashes and mishaps that could derail anyone’s 2022 Tour ambitions on the opening weekend. None of the GC contenders will be taking unnecessary risks, and tire selection and pressure could prove decisive.
A similar forecast is expected for stage 2 on Saturday from Roskilde to Nyborg, with a westerly headwind of 8 to 12mph across the long bridge ahead of the finish line Saturday.
Rain is expected to ease up for Sunday’s third stage from Vejle to Sønderborg, with cloudy skies, cool temperatures, and light breezes for the final day in Denmark.
Sunny skies are expected by the Tour’s rest day on July 4, but by then, the peloton will be back in France.
We’re getting closer 🚴🇩🇰
Director of @LeTour Christian Prudhomme arrived in Copenhagen earlier today – and he’s very happy to be here 📸#letourdk #tdf2022 @koebenhavner pic.twitter.com/xtOznmqko6
— Grand Départ Copenhagen Denmark Tour de France ‘22 (@letourdk) June 26, 2022
