Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida)
Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida)
Kwiatkowski’s predecessor in the rainbow jersey, Rui Costa, put on a fine show at Paris-Nice last year, finishing second overall after a strong finish to the race.
While yet to prove he can be a contender at the Grand Tours, week-long stage races are well-suited to Costa – particularly with such a balanced parcours.
The Portuguese rider has proved as much with a trio of successes at the Tour de Suisse but – like Kwiatkowski – his overall hopes will rest upon how he fares on the big mountain stage.
Stay in touch with his rivals, and the undulating stage six and Costa’s strength against the clock will play right into his hands.
Costa’s support when the road heads uphill will include Rafael Valls, conquerer of Green Mountain on his way to Tour of Oman victory last month. Costa was sixth that day and 11th overall, but he is only likely to get stronger as he targets the Ardennes Classics, Tour de Suisse and Tour de France this year.