Top sprinter Andre Greipel (Lotto – Belisol) and former Tour de France green jersey Thor Hushovd (BMC Racing Team) could be set for an early season showdown, with L’Equipe saying that both riders are likely to take part in the Tour of the Mediterranean in early February.
Greipel had a very successful season in 2012, winning nineteen races, while Hushovd had a year that was full of frustration due to illness. He believes he is fully over the issue and is determined to get back to speed as soon as possible and to finally win Paris-Roubaix.
Both would otherwise be expected to ride the Tour of Qatar but a clash of dates means that Tour of the Mediterranean participation would rule that out.
According to l’Equipe, 2010 Tour de France winner Andy Schleck (RadioShack Nissan) is also provisionally listed to take part, the Luxembourg rider considering riding the race soon after competing in the Santos Tour Down Under.
If so, he will line out in the French race ten days after the Australian event finishes, thus continuing what is expected to be a busy early season as he seeks to catch up after a quiet 2012 season.
French favourite Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) is another one who is said to be likely to take part. The 22 year old won a dramatic Tour de France stage victory last July and finished an excellent tenth overall.
The 2013 edition of the race features both a 24 kilometre time trial and the traditional uphill finish on Mont Faron.
Tour of the Mediterranean 2013:
Stage 1, Wednesday February 6: Limoux – Gruissan, 141 km
Stage 2, Thursday February 7: Cap d'Agde - Sete (Mont Saint Claire), 24 km time trial
Stage 3, Friday February 8: Marseille l'Estaque - Saint Remy de Provence, 158.5 km
Stage 4, Saturday February 9: Rousset - Toulon (Mont Faron), 151 km
Stage 5, Sunday February 10: Bandol – Grasse, 167 km