The Critérium du Dauphiné, now known as the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is underway, and the opening stage promises an exciting race with several climbs and a potential sprint finish. The race is a crucial warm-up for the Tour de France, and with a strong field of riders, including the standout favorite Paul Seixas, the competition is fierce.
Seixas, who dominated in Itzulia Basque Country and La Fleche Wallonne, and finished second to Pogačar at Strade Bianche and Liege-Bastogne-Liege, is a force to be reckoned with. However, the absence of Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, who are resting after their recent victories, means Seixas is a stand-alone favorite, but with plenty of talent to go up against him.
The race is also notable for the high number of young riders eligible for the white jersey of best young riders, with 64 out of 154 riders in the race. This includes Seixas, Del Toro, Juan Ayuso, Kevin Vauquelin, and more, all vying for the yellow and white jerseys.
The opening stage is a classic Dauphiné stage with several climbs, and the race is expected to be fast-paced with a potential sprint at the end. The peloton is currently around a minute back on the 10-man break, and the battle is expected to begin all over again as the race progresses.
The race is a crucial warm-up for the Tour de France, and with a strong field of riders, including the standout favorite Paul Seixas, the competition is fierce. The Critérium du Dauphiné, now known as the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is a race that promises an exciting race with several climbs and a potential sprint finish.
