As proven by the fact this is his first visit to the Dauphine since 2020, Pogacar is taking a different route to the Tour de France this year, one highlighted by a majority one-day racing calendar so far this season. "I’d say the time went too fast from Liège to here. I would wish for a few more days at home or something, but we’re here now and I’m looking forward to racing," Pogacar says of how he's spent his time since the Spring.
And with stage 1 offering an immediate chance for Pogacar, many are expecting an early sign of intent from the
UAE Team Emirates - XRG leader. "There are some small climbs in the end, but let’s wait and see. It’s the first stage race in Europe after a long, long time, so let’s take it controlled today and see how we feel," he concludes. "We’ll see today, and tomorrow, and the day after. But I think it should be okay. The shape is okay, and I hope for good feelings — that I’ll be strong as always in this race."