Critérium du Dauphiné: Stage 1
The tour will start in less than a month. Time to warm up with Critérium du Dauphiné as a traditional prep course. In the first stage, there is an immediate chance of victory for Wout van Aert. Catch it live here from 10.20am.
Time to pull the socks up a bit or take one last pee. Riders may proceed gradually at first to neutralize.
The official start will begin in less than fifteen minutes, at 10.20 am.
Theatrical performance is now in full swing. Four-time tour winner Chris Froome received a modest reception from the local French public.
In 2015 and 2016, the Briton was also the best at Dauphiné, but he probably won’t be able to repeat the feat – despite signs of improvement – in this year’s edition.
Unlike our country, nice weather is expected in French Ardèche today. At La Voulte-sur-Rhone there is no cloud in the sky.
That can change along the way, in the absolute final phase of this phase it might fall off a bit. But the riders will not have to suffer from the cold, it will be warm in the south by about 27 degrees.
She takes Jumbo-Visma Dauphiné very strictly as a preparatory course for the tour. With Wout van Aert, Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard at the start, they want to test mutual cooperation. Tiesj Benoot, Steven Kruijswijk and Christophe Laporte will have to force the tour selection this week.
Primoz Roglic appears to be the front-runner for an overall win in this stage race, but can expect competition from the INEOS Grenadiers corner. The formation of British Giro-winning star Tao Geojegan sent Hart to France. Wilko Kieldermann, Enrique Maas, David Gaudo and Jack Haig are also among the favorites for the final win.
In the opening stage, riders are allowed to sit on the saddle for a long time. With a 191 km stage, the magical 200 km limit has yet to be reached. Fortunately, they can enjoy the beautiful southern landscape. The riders will cross the Ardèche section today.
After a short time, it is necessary to ascend immediately. Peloton will respectively face Col de Leyrisse (9.9 km at 4.2%) and Côte des Baraques (3.3 km at 6.6%).
After landing, the riders will arrive at the local circuit. There they still have to cross the Cote de Chambon de Pavas (4.7 km at 5.2%) and the Col de Moulins a Vent (3.4 km at 4.8%). Two powerful executioners who are likely to decide on the chances of the fugitives. It follows a flat final descent along the Rhone, increasing the chances of a sprint.
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