The newly named Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, formally the Critérium du Dauphiné, is underway, and the opening stage promises an exciting race with several climbs and the potential for a reduced sprint at the end. With a neutral start in Vizille, the riders are set to roll out in about five minutes, marking the beginning of a 146.2km journey with 3160 meters of elevation gain. The race is particularly intriguing due to the presence of standout favorites like Paul Seixas (Decathlon-CMA CGM), who dominated in Itzulia Basque Country and La Fleche Wallonne, and Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), among others.
What makes this race particularly fascinating is the high number of young riders eligible for the white jersey of best young riders, accounting for 41% of the peloton. With Seixas, Del Toro, Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek), Kevin Vauquelin (Netcompany-Ineos), and more all vying for the yellow and white jerseys, the race is set to be a battle of youth and experience.
However, the absence of Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) is a notable disappointment for Seixas, who views the Dauphiné as a 'rehearsal' for the Tour de France. Nevertheless, the race is far from over, and the battle for the white jersey and overall victory is set to be a thrilling one.
From my perspective, the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is a race that showcases the best of French cycling, with a mix of young talent and experienced riders. The presence of Seixas and Del Toro, in particular, adds an extra layer of excitement, as they are both capable of making a significant impact on the race. However, the absence of Pogačar and Vingegaard is a reminder that the race is still in its early stages, and anything can happen.
In my opinion, the race is set to be a close one, with the young riders pushing the experienced ones to their limits. The battle for the white jersey and overall victory will be a thrilling spectacle, and I can't wait to see how the race unfolds. The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is a race that is sure to keep cycling fans on the edge of their seats, and I'm excited to see what surprises it has in store.
