gHolly Lawrence on the women’s side.
Men’s is harder for me to choose, especially with my long course bias. I think at least 2 of the top 3 will be ITU guys, probably Luis and Iden, and one of the remaining top 3 will either be RVB or Lionel.
I think a great place to look is ITU guys at Challenge Samorin. They haven’t excelled even though it’s flat and should be easier. The amount of work that the long course guys have been doing on aero and in aero (over years - not just weeks or months) will come into play I would assume as well. Even the bike guys with power from ITU would be questionable. That said - the Norwegians have spent some more time than most with TT bikes…I think that’s an advantage. Luis is stylish - so I suspect he’ll make sure he looks really good on that TT bike…but how will be roll it? Just a month or so since he got it!
Is Alistair an ITU guy still? His Valencia race against Luis was telling - first time I’ve seen him with TT bars on the ITU bike and he was SMOKING it, really kept that group away, then almost ran with Vince. I think he’s really becoming comfortable with the TT position and putting out power - it’s hard to say he’s a dark horse though, haha.
Lionel will be top 3. I can agree with that.