Having analysed Green, it’s now time to look at the contenders for the Yellow Jersey. With time trials, sprints, plenty of hills and mountain top finishes, Germany tests every aspect of a rider’s skill and sinew. The winner of the General Classification will be a rider who can place himself consistently within the top 20 on all the important stages, and place well in the two big stages – the stage 7 time trial and the stage 8 mountain finish in Kempten.
  
  Many managers have commented on the strength of this year’s Tour and, indeed, as many as 15 riders have a chance of taking overall victory. Germany also has the ability to throw up a big surprise, such as Season 11’s winner Isak Backe (Telek@m), so there will be a further group of riders who may stand a chance. Let’s a look at the prediction for the top 3 and the other contenders.
  
  1. Sterling Dorsher (FFL)
  
  The feeling of many managers in OCM is that this is ‘his year’. Dorsher is one of the best climbers in the peleton and also drops like a rock on the descents. A competent time trialler with a superhuman team behind him, Dorsher is the overwhelming favourite. However, the Englishman has been a big favourite for the past couple of years and has failed to deliver, a 2nd last year representing his best finish. Having won his last two races, he comes into the Tour in strong form. At 31, one feels that if he doesn’t win this year then he never will.
  
  2. Vernon Kings (Fairfield Flyers Cycling)
  
  Defending champion, Vernon Kings, is quite literally the tour de force of OCM. The American rose to stardom last year when winning OCM’s biggest race and has now finished in the top 6 in Germany, Perm, Essex and the Division 2 Tour, the Volta. Previously, many rivals underestimated this rider as he is not outstanding in any discipline. But over the last 2 seasons he has shown that a steady and consistent performance in all stages can reap big results. No-one underestimates this rider any more, but with the amazing array of talent in the race, making it 2 in a row will probably a step too far.
  
  3. Dirk Herman (Telek@m)
  
  Austria climber, Dirk Herman, has been on the OCM circuit for 5 seasons now and has the experience and class to be a contender for any big race. An unspectacular career has seen the German place 8th in Germany twice but this season took his first big victory at the Division 1 classic Zürich-Bern-Zürich and then come 3rd at Perm. Is this man coming into form as he turns 30 or will Germany Season 12 see him be another also-ran? Herman will be a real factor

in the mountains but will need to perform well in the time trials to stay in contention.
  
  The Other Contenders
  
  This year’s Tour sees perhaps the highest calibre of entrants ever seen, meaning no end of riders could take the title. Nico Holt (Ursus RT) has seemingly been around forever in a career that has promised much but not delivered any significant victories. This season, a move to Ursus RT from FFL, has certainly revitalised the Dutchman and has seen him take his first victory in 4 seasons in the Giro de Firenze. With Essex and Perm seeing maiden big race victories for older riders perhaps this year will be the year for the talented all-rounder?
  
  With a strong, dedicated team and a great tour rider in Isaak Papadimitriou, Club Ciclista Riaza will be licking their lips at the prospect of points in their first Germany Tour. Papadimitriou is one the new kids on the block and announced his pedigree by taking 2nd in this season’s Volta au Porto. The Greek has shown his ability to take key victories in his debut season with two 1st places in the Volta and also the El Limón GP. Papadimitriou is certainly a rider that the big teams will be marking though with five talented climbers around him, they will have to work hard to find his weaknesses.
  
  Another new kid and one tipped for success in the future is Amadeu Brasil (Bajen Belfast). With perhaps the most apt name in OCM, Brazilian Brasil is still green behind the ears though his appearance in this season’s Perm Tour means he has useful Tour experience. The 26 year old has a strong team behind him though with super sprinter Hanke Vibbard also in the team, it will be interesting to see if the teammates will have the reserves to support both a climber and sprinter over 8 stages.
  
  As many as 8 other riders will also fancy their chances. One is Perm Tour winner Giovanny Enrico, though a lack of team support will limit his chances. With an all round team, CCFC will be challenging on every stage. The fast-rising Team iPower will also be fancying their chances and, indeed, they have two riders in Christoph Frisch and Yasunari Yamauchi who can challenge. Team Kernow’s Keegan Shiable will also be one to watch. Last season’s Volta winner knows how to win and has amassed 10 victories in the past 2 seasons. Or will an all round sprinter knock the tour riders and climbers out of the top 3 as Pauli Michielsen managed last season?
  
  And finally....
  
  ....remember Elias Marquez? The 3 time winner of Germany? Since his last victory in Germany three seasons ago, Marquez has done almost nothing in OCM (other than an ironic win in the Elias Marquez Invitational) which seemed inconceivable after a stunning Season 7. Can it make it 4? It’s unlikely but certainly possible.