Underneath article was written prior to the start and hasn’t been updated since.]
The 2016 Critérium du Dauphiné is custom made for the climbers. The race features four summit finishes, one mountain stage is to conclude with a fast descent, while the prologue is from start to finish a steep climb. Perfect terrain for the likes of Contador and Froomes.
Two years ago the Critérium du Dauphiné was a Contador/Froome clash. During the whole week those two were eyeing each other up and exchanging the leader’s jersey, but in the last stage it was Andrew Talansky who powered to the overall win. A likewise scenario must be appealing to Thibaut Pinot, the French rider who is showing great form this season.
Favourites Critérium du Dauphiné 2016
*** Chris Froome, Alberto Contador, Thibaut Pinot
** Richie Porte, Fabio Aru, Bauke Mollema
* Joaquim Rodríguez, Tony Gallopin, Romain Bardet, Mikel Landa
Critérium du Dauphiné 2016: Route maps, height profiles, etc
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