 Two–time champion Bernard Hinault entered the race with a strong supporting team as he sought a third overall victory.Author Bill McGann believed that going into the race Hinault was "the world's most potent racing machine" and that Moser would have to ride very well in order to repeat as champion.Mario Fossati of "La Repubblica" named Moser, Saronni, Hinault, and Greg LeMond as contenders for the overall crown.