Ben O'Connor leads the AG2R Citroën Team in preparation for the Tour de France at Critérium du Dauphiné

An important step on the road to the Tour de France, the Critérium du Dauphiné is key for preparation for the Tour de France. Including for the AG2R Citroën Team and their big GC hope, Ben O'Connor.

“The most important part of the year,” says the 27-year-old Australian to the team's official social media. "The past three weeks in Sierra Nevada were good. I'm just happy to race again and feel back to myself after what was maybe a slower start to the season. But it all means nothing until you get to the Tour de France."

After finishing third at the Dauphine last year, O'Connor will be supported this time around by a strong team that includes former Giro d'Italia King of the Mountains winner Geoffrey Bouchard, Tour de France stage winner Nans Peters, the legendary Greg van Avermaet, Oliver Naesen and the French duo of Franck Bonnamour and Dorian Godon.

AG2R Citroen Team for the Critérium du Dauphiné:

Ben O'Connor, Geoffrey Bouchard, Nans Peters, Greg van Avermaet, Oliver Naesen, Franck Bonnamour and Dorian Godon.