Few one-week stage races consistently draw amazing startlists riding at a very high level of form quite like the Dauphiné. This year’s race is no exception. Most of the big Tour de France contenders will be in attendance to do battle in the Alps.
The Route
This year’s Critérium du Dauphiné is all about the climbers. The only time trial is the first stage of the race, and it’s a pure hill climb that will bring the lightweight mountain goats to the fore.
Then come four straight days for the stagehunters – stages ranging from sprinter-friendly to puncheur-oriented – before a mountainous three days close out the race. Stage 6 looks like the queen stage, with the fearsome hors categorie Col de la Madeleine halfway into the day and a Cat. 1 finale to close things out. The seventh and final stage is a tough one as well, with a late Cat. 1 into a Cat. 3 finish to provide a final test for the uphill specialists.
The General Classification Contenders
I see a quintet of riders as the top tier of GC favorites in this race. Chris Froome headlines the list. He’s won the Dauphiné in the past, and showing that he does like to do well in the race, and it goes without saying that when he’s at his best, he’s practically unstoppable in a stage race. It will also help to have a hugely impressive support squad. Any one of Mikel Landa, Michal Kwiatkowski, Sergio Henao, or Wout Poels could even contend for the win should Froome not be up for it.
Alberto Contador has been on the podium in the Dauphiné more than once and should challenge again this year. Motivation is the biggest question for the Spaniard – you get the feeling that it’s all about the Tour for Contador – but if he’s on his game he’ll be right there in the mix.
Fabio Aru will love the parcours. He’s not at the same level as Froome or Contador in the time trials, so this climber-centric route favors him. We haven’t had too many opportunities to see him up against a fully healthy and motivated Froome, so this will be a nice chance to gauge the two riders against one another.
Richie Porte doesn’t have the Grand Tour credentials of Froome, Contador, or Aru, but he’s a one-week star and should be in excellent shape. Unlike Aru, he’d probably prefer more TT mileage, but he’s still a threat to win the race.
Thibaut Pinot is the other name that stands out to me as a real contender for the overall victory. He’s had a strong year so far and motivation won’t be in question racing on French roads. Having put his problems with descending into the rearview mirror, he’ll thrive on the final few stages of this race.
The list of other contenders that come to mind includes Joaquím Rodríguez, Romain Bardet, Pierre Rolland, Daniel Moreno, Adam and Simon Yates, Louis Meintjes, and Bauke Mollema.
The Stagehunters
Alexander Kristoff and Nacer Bouhanni should battle for sprint victories (and there will be a few opportunities) with John Degenkolb another potential protagonist in the fast finishes if he’s feeling up to it.
Meanwhile, there are several punchy types and big engines to look for stage wins on the bumpier days, with Dan Martin, Julian Alaphilippe, Tony Gallopin, Greg Van Avermaet, Tony Martin, and Niki Terpstra all in attendance.
VeloHuman Top 10 Overall Favorites
Winner: Chris Froome
Podium: Alberto Contador, Fabio Aru
Other Top Contenders: Thibaut Pinot, Richie Porte, Joaquím Rodríguez, Pierre Rolland, Bauke Mollema, Mikel Landa, Sergio Henao
Photo by Georges Ménager (CC).