The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, formerly known as the Critérium du Dauphiné, remains the most important barometer of form for the Tour de France, even under its new name. This year, the tour has an additional attraction: a team time trial is on the programme, exactly the discipline that will also characterise the Tour opener in Barcelona. There could hardly be a better dress rehearsal. The field of riders is peppered with high-calibre riders, overall class riders and noble helpers alike.
The TOUR favourites by stars*
***** Paul Seixas
**** Isaac del Toro, João Almeida
*** Juan Ayuso, Matteo Jorgenson
** Oscar Onley, Kévin Vauquelin
* Tobias Halland Johannessen, Daniel Felipe Martínez, Mattias Skjelmose, Georg Steinhauser
* The more stars a driver receives, the higher her chances are rated
Note: At the time of publication of this article, the final start list has not yet been 100 per cent finalised. It is possible that drivers mentioned here will not start
The favourites - Only Seixas can win
The centre of attention is Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM Team), the super talent who is already one of the top favourites for the Tour de France. His climbing strength, his time trial skills and his remarkable consistency make him the clear favourite for overall victory. The Tour seems to be tailor-made for him and anything other than a podium finish would be a huge surprise, whereas a victory is almost expected. But one must not forget the Frenchman's age. As a 19-year-old, he is already extremely mature, but the pressure on him must not be too great.
Behind them, UAE Team Emirates - XRG is shaping up as the strongest challenger. Isaac del Toro, who is also regarded as a great talent, and João Almeida, one of the most complete riders in the peloton, form a double lead that is most likely to pose a threat to Seixas. Del Toro brings explosiveness and youthful courage, Almeida his typical toughness and above all experience. In a field full of young talent, his experience really stands out. Both are among the biggest pursuers of the top favourite Seixas. Their chances of winning the Tour Auvergne - Rhône-Alpes are good, with only the young prodigy standing in their way.
The pursuers
Somewhat behind, but by no means without a chance, are Matteo Jorgenson and Juan Ayuso. Jorgenson, who rides for Visma | Lease a Bike, has developed into one of the most versatile noble helpers for Jonas Vingegaard in recent years. He is a good time trialist, strong in the mountains and tactically clever. A rider who will once again be one of the most important men for Vingegaard this year. Ayuso, now with Lidl-Trek, has enormous climbing skills, but sometimes still seems unstable and immature. However, if the Spaniard has a good week, he could be in contention for the win. Both are candidates for the podium, but victory is rather unlikely.
Oscar Onley and Kévin Vauquelin will line up for Netcompany Ineos. Onley caused quite a stir at the last Tour de France with his fourth place overall and proved that he can handle three-week tours extremely well. Over a one-week tour, he may still lack the explosiveness of the greats, but he should not be underestimated. Vauquelin is solid and consistent, but he is still lacking big results this season. Both are among the favourites.
Outsider - but not without a chance
Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility), Daniel Felipe Martínez (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe) and Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) are in the outsider role, but with the potential for surprises. Johannessen is an explosive climber who is really turning up the heat this year. Martínez brings experience and time trial strength, but often seems inconsistent. Skjelmose is more likely to be used as a helper for Ayuso, but has the class to finish high up in the overall standings himself if he gets a clear run.
And then there is Georg Steinhauser (EF Education - EasyPost), the German hopeful who is secretly mingling with the GC riders. His development curve is pointing steeply upwards and he has proven several times that he can keep up with the best in the mountains. A podium at the Tour Auvergne - Rhône-Alpes would be a sensation in view of the competition, but a place in the top 5 is realistic, if not likely.
Leon Weidner
Working student
