Harrogate (United Kingdom) (AFP)

Favorites? At least serious contenders ... They are five to rally the bulk of the vote from the 285-kilometer race of World Cycling Sunday in Yorkshire. Overview of candidates:

. Van der Poel, the neophyte

Mathieu van der Poel (NED), 24 years old:

Neophyte of the elite race of the Worlds, the Dutchman is nevertheless the first favorite. Superior to all in the recent Tour of Britain, he walks a relaxed and adaptable that allow him to the highest expectations although he has only behind him four days of racing WorldTour (and two victories! ).

"I can hardly do anything for the whole day," he said in the Dutch-language press. "There is not really a justice of the peace on the course but the road is never completely flat in England.After 250 kilometers, a small ascent does enough to make a difference". Its start, almost always devastating, would cause serious damage.

. Sagan, the indifferent

. Peter Sagan (SVK), 29, winner in 2015, 2016 and 2017:

The course, which uses and requires much more than selective, lends itself to its characteristics provided that the Slovak, standing back in the classics of spring, evolves at its best. But his last Canadian outings in mid-September - 2nd at the GP of Quebec and in the blow until the end at the GP of Montreal - showed he was gaining momentum.

Accustomed to being forgotten - in 2015 he had also failed in the classics before conquering his first rainbow jersey - Sagan has for him a great experience and unparalleled know-how. He says he is indifferent to the stakes: "What will change if this happens?" Although no rider, before him, has won four times the world race since enrolling in the program in 1927.

. Gilbert, the strategist

Philippe Gilbert (BEL), 37, winner in 2012:

The Liégeois, in great form at the end of the Vuelta (two stage wins), is expecting a movement race. "The course allows it, there are plenty of places to attack," he said Friday morning at the press briefing of his national team.

The leader of the Belgian team, who shares responsibility with Olympic champion Greg Van Avermaet, insists on the decisive importance of the climatic factor (rain and wind announced for Sunday). "It will be difficult worlds," he predicts. For the last winner of Paris-Roubaix, one of the finest strategists of the peloton, this is not the worst news.

. Alaphilippe, the revenge

Julian Alaphilippe (FRA), 27, 8th in 2018:

A year after the disappointment of the World Innsbruck which he was the favorite, the French has a revenge to take. However, he assured him coming without pressure after an incandescent Tour de France, still in everyone's memory: "I am aware that it will probably remain the best season of my career, and it will be without a world championship title . "

"This World Cup may suit me," announces the leader of the French team now commanded by Thomas Voecker. In view in both races of Quebec mid-September, but overflowed in the final, he explains having sought to recover the freshness after a very long season. It remains to recognize the course on the ground - Saturday, the day before the race - appreciate the possible openings to distance the sprinters and accommodate the weather conditions.

. Valverde, the regular

Alejandro Valverde (ESP), 39, winner in 2018:

The Spaniard, crowned last year at his ... twelfth attempt, admits he has struggled to assume the weight of the rainbow jersey. Before returning to his habits and excel again at the Vuelta (2nd). "I'm in good shape and we have a great team", assures the runner most often medalist (7 times since 2003!). Valverde, with unalterable enthusiasm, insists on his peace of mind: "I have already achieved what I wanted to achieve." In case of a new victory, he would overtake Dutchman Joop Zoetemelk and become the oldest world champion in history.

© 2019 AFP