Critérium du Dauphiné: Vingegaard, clear favorite; Landa, Mas, Martínez and Carapaz aim for the podium

The Criterium du Dauphiné, known as the prelude to the Tour de France, is fast approaching and expectations are rising. In this edition, there is one name that resonates strongly as the big favorite to take the victory: Jonas Vingegaard. The Danish rider of the Jumbo-Visma team has been training at altitude for several weeks in preparation for the prelude to the Grande Boucle.

However, the Nordic rider will not be alone in his quest for glory. Other talented cyclists are ready to fight for a place on the podium. Mikel Landa of the Bahrain Victorious team has shown great form in 2023 and his ability in the mountains makes him a serious contender. Movistar Team's Enric Mas also looks like a contender to watch, with his ability to maintain a high pace in mountainous terrain.

Richard Carapaz, of the EF Education-EasyPost team, comes in form after winning the Mercan'Tour. Daniel Felipe Martinez, of the INEOS Grenadiers team, is not coming in with a brilliant 2023 and the Criterium du Dauphiné is a litmus test for him ahead of the Tour de France. Egan Bernal has also confirmed his participation. He will want to continue with the improvement of sensations after his good performances in Romandie and Hongrie. The other man in question is Carlos Rodriguez, who should be the INEOS leader in the Tour, but who will be very short of preparation for the Dauphiné;

Not to forget David Gaudu. The Frenchman, podium in the last Tour, was stronger than Vingegaard in Paris-Nice and we assume he will be looking forward to this Dauphiné. The 2022 Giro d'Italia champion Jai Hindley is an unknown quantity, as he hasn't shone since he won the Corsa Rosa last year.

BOXES

Tadej Pogacar continues his recovery process, which will prevent him from participating in the Critérium du Dauphiné. Although his absence will be felt, the young Slovenian is expected to return in top form for the big event in July.

In addition, it is worth noting that two other prominent cyclists, Primoz Roglic and Remco Evenepoel, look set to race the Tour de Suisse.

All in all, the Critérium du Dauphiné promises to be an exciting and action-packed race. Jonas Vingegaard emerges as the undisputed favorite. However, Mikel Landa, Enric Mas, Richard Carapaz and Daniel Martinez will not make it easy for him, and will fight with all their might to climb the podium.

TOUR DE FRANCE.

Vingegaard is in a unique position to win the Tour de France again. The Danish cyclist has a winning formula on his side, starting with the major support of his team. Jumbo-Visma has an impressive roster of experienced riders who excel in the mountain stages and possess exceptional strategic skills.

Moreover, Vingegaard's meticulous preparation is different from that of his great rival Tadej Pogacar: all the planning at the start of the campaign is focused on preparing for the Tour, while the Slovenian has been racing to win classics throughout the spring.

But perhaps the most important factor in Vingegaard's favor is the unfortunate injury to Tadej Pogacar, who will be very short of form for what is expected to be a very tough first week in the Basque Country and the Pyrenees.