Tour de France King of the Mountains predictions and cycling betting tips

Free cycling tips, best bets and analysis for the 2021 Tour de France.

Where to watch

Stage One
ITV4 & Eurosport 1, 11.30am Saturday

Best bet

Michaels Woods to win the King of the Mountains
1pt each-way 50-1 general

King of the Mountains preview

The King of the Mountains classification is always tough to decipher before the start of the Tour de France and usually becomes clearer as the race develops.

The polka-dot jersey has in the past been won as the by-product of general-classification success, by riders who have faltered in their overall hopes seeking a consolation prize, or by tactically astute stage hunters. The latter who will be licking their lips at the prospect of six mountain stages and five hilly days in this year's race.

Form is not necessarily a determining factor but class can be, and Michael Woods may well be the man to watch in 2021.

The Canadian climber is a stage-winner at the Vuelta a Espana in and has improved on his previously punchy displays to demonstrate real staying power in the high mountains, taking this jersey on his way to finishing fifth at the Tour de Suisse.

Woods has been named ahead of Chris Froome as Israel Start-Up Nation's leader at the Tour but he has openly played down his chances. A top-ten finish is realistic but a shot at the polka-dot jersey might be something he prefers as it means he will be able to pick and choose his days.

With teammate Thibaut Pinot absent, Groupama-FDJ's David Gaudu looks set for his audition to be the next great French hope.

The 24-year-old played a crucial role in Pinot's flirtation with the yellow jersey in 2019 and further buccaneering displays in the mountains will only boost his popularity.

Proving himself as a serious GC contender might be his priority, though, but there will be other home favourites who will want to be in the conversation.

Cofidis' Guillaume Martin has a blueprint for success having won this jersey at last year's Vuelta, while 2017 King of the Mountains Warren Barguil has the experience, cunning and nous to suddenly appear from nowhere in the final week.

Those looking for a huge price could consider Frenchman Benoit Cosnefroy, who grabbed this jersey after stage two last year and didn't relinquish it until the final week.

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