Canadian Ryder Overcomes Tour de France Crash
The 2013 Tour de France got off to a chaotic start on Saturday (June 29), with more than a few crashes along the opening stage's 213km route from Porto-Vecchio to Bastia, including one involving Canadian entry, Ryder Hesjedal.
Ryder Hesjedal Narrowly Escaped Injury
The good news, however, is that the fall was relatively minor, and Hesjedal - who is riding for Team Garmin-Sharp - not only went on to finish the stage, but crossed the line around half way in 91st place, which is not a bad result considering. It will not be lost on betting fans that the Canadian is the 10th favorite to win this year's race.
A separate crash occurred right on the finish line, when one of the team vehicles collided with some scaffolding resulting in a 20 rider pile-up near the front of the pack resulting in a slew of scrapes and scratches, but fortunately no race-ending injuries. Marcel Kittel of Germany won stage one.
Top contenders for this, the epic 100th Tour de France, caught up in the fray include world time trial champion Tony Martin of Germany, who despite being diagnosed with a bruised left lung, managed to start in stage two on Sunday. Another top rider who escaped serious injury was Alberto Contador of Spain, who was also cleared to ride the next day.
Three Canadians Riding in this Year's race
As for Hesjedal, as just one of three Canadians entered in the world's most prestigious bicycle race, he will no doubt have the support of the entire nation as he traverses some of the toughest roads in France for the shot at winning the coveted yellow jersey, and ultimately the race. The other two Canadian riders are David Veilleux of Team Europcar and Svein Tuft of Team Orica-GreenEDGE.
But with such a top field as the Tour de France always attracts, Hesjedal will have his work cut out for him, as the challenge is not only to have the ability to deliver stamina and longevity when required, but just as day one proved, to have the reflexes to avoid accidents or at least serious injury that could result from them.
Sunday's 156km stage two from Bastia to Ajacciowas was won by Jan Bakelants of Belgium, while today the riders will compete in the 145.5km stage three, from Ajaccio to Calvi.
Chris Froome is Betting Favorite to Win
From a 2013 Tour de France betting standpoint, the rider most touted to win the whole bang-shoot is Kenyan-born, South African-raised UK-citizen, Chris Froome, who has been posted as the 4/6 race favorite at William Hill, ahead of Alberto Contador on 3/1 odds and Joaquim Rodriguez on 14/1 odds.
But this race is as unpredictable as it is tough, which means between now and the 21st and last stage from Versailles to Paris, anything could happen. Here are the complete Tour de France odds (for outright winner) as posted by William Hill:
2013 Tour de France Winner Odds (Top 10)
Chris Froome - 4/6
Alberto Contador - 3/1
Joaquim Rodriguez - 14/1
Richie Porte - 20/1
Cadel Evans 22/1
Nairo Quntana - 22/1
Tejay Van Garderen - 25/1
Alejandro Valverde - 33/1
Andy Schleck - 33/1
Ryder Hesjedal - 50/1
