INEOS Grenadiers put faith in Carlos Rodriguez at 2025 Criterium du Dauphiné as they build towards Tour de France

INEOS Grenadiers have unveiled a well-rounded team for the 2025 Critérium du Dauphiné, a race the British outfit — including its Team Sky era — has dominated in the past, racking up seven overall wins and 20 stage victories.

Carlos Rodriguez headlines the line-up and returns to the Dauphiné as a key contender for a top-five finish and the white jersey for best young rider. The Spaniard is sticking with the formula that’s served him well in recent years — using the Dauphiné as a springboard into the Tour de France.

Having recently returned from injury with an encouraging 6th place at the Tour de Romandie, Rodríguez followed up with altitude training and now heads into the Dauphiné looking for his third consecutive top-10 finish at the race. Though still building form, his upward trajectory suggests he's capable of being a major player in the high mountains.

Magnus Sheffield could emerge as an important secondary option in the general classification battle. The American thrives in one-week stage races and proved as much with a stunning victory on the final stage of Paris-Nice earlier this year. While the Dauphiné offers a sterner test, the team will likely aim to keep Sheffield well-positioned should an opportunity arise.

Rodríguez will be backed in the climbs by Tobias Foss and Óscar Rodríguez, the most experienced riders in this youthful line-up at 30 and 28 years old, respectively. Foss opened the season strongly, finishing 13th overall in Valenciana and 9th in Paris-Nice, but his form has dipped somewhat since. Óscar Rodríguez, meanwhile, has yet to make a significant impact this season. It’s worth noting that only Foss is currently listed for the INEOS Tour de France squad.

INEOS also bring firepower for the sprint finishes, with Axel Laurance and Sam Watson forming a versatile duo. Watson is likely to feature in the flatter stages — although those will be scarce — while Laurance is better suited to rolling terrain and reduced sprints. The Frenchman has come close multiple times this season, amassing 10 top-10 finishes in 2025.

Watson arrives in excellent form, having claimed three victories in the past month. If he can manage the more selective stages, the Brit could extend his winning streak in France.

Rounding out the squad is Canadian rouleur Michael Leonard, who will play a key role on flat terrain, both in protecting Rodríguez and contributing to the sprint lead-out. His steady engine and tactical sense will be valuable assets throughout the week.

With a mix of GC ambition, sprint options, and versatile support, INEOS Grenadiers appear to be targeting stage wins and a strong overall result. While Rodríguez remains the headline act, the team’s depth gives them flexibility to adapt as the race unfolds — a critical asset in a race as unpredictable and mountainous as the Dauphiné.

Carlos Rodriguez
Magnus Sheffield
Tobias Foss
Oscar Rodriguez
Samuel Watson
Axel Laurance
Michael Leonard