Rider security a priority as Tour de France kicks off from Basque port

The recent death of Gino Maeder who fell racing down a mountain at the Tour of Switzerland was on most rider's minds as authorities unveiled fresh safety measures on the eve of the 21-day race to Paris.

Tour director Christian Prudhomme said Friday "rider security is our eternal quest."

He unveiled a plan for 30m long mattresses to be placed at potential fall points.

A massive dormant volcano on stage nine and an unusually mountainous route lends Vingegaard of Jumbo-Visma an edge over two-time champion Pogacar.

Pogacar is backed by a reinforced Team UAE squad notably with new recruit Adam Yates, but hindered by a nagging wrist injury.

The attack-minded Slovenian finished first in 2021 ahead of Vingegaard, who reversed the positions in 2022. The renewal of hostilities has been billed as Vingegaard v Pogacar III.

Tour director Prudhomme told AFP on Friday "the duel is good for the Tour de France, it adds to the thrill." 

On arriving in Bilbao, Pogacar said his injured wrist had only 70 percent mobility. He then did a wheelie up a mountain in training on Thursday.

"The first week has everything," he said.

"I was really excited about it before the accident."

Tour folklore insists the champion is chosen by the Alps, and 13 of this year's 30 high passes are there.

The Tour makes a hilly start over the forested slopes with stages around Bilbao and San Sebastian.

The Spanish Basque Country is a cycling heartland and fervent local fans will be out in force for the Grand Depart.

The opener, around the Bilbao back-country, is laced with terrain to tempt the one-day mavericks to go for glory with Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe one to watch.

The 20km descent to the chic coastal resort of San Sebastian on stage two might now raise an