Is Joshua Tarling going to win Dauphine time-trial? "I am certainly not a favorite. I think Remco is in better shape"

Last year Joshua Tarling beat Remco Evenepoel to win the Chrono des Nations. The European Champion has had incredible success at 19 years of age and had an impressive spring. However, a small injury has hampered him before the Criterium du Dauphiné and he believes that he may not be at the level to beat the competition.

Tarling, who rode to sixth at the Dwars door Vlaanderen and 17th at the Tour of Flanders, was then not at his best for Paris-Roubaix. "By continuing to ride, that has gotten worse", team manager Christian Knees tells Het Nieuwsblad. This meant that Tarling stayed three weeks off the bike after his spring campaign. Although this would not ordinarily put Tour de France preparation as his rivals on the day - GC favourites Evenepoel, Primoz Roglic and Juan Ayuso - his non-optimal form may not see him able to get ahead of the competition.

"I think Evenepoel is in better shape. After Paris-Roubaix I had to stay off the bike for three weeks. I am certainly not a favorite. I think Remco is in better shape," he admits to the Belgian news outlet. "On the uphill sections I can't gain any time as a big guy and I also have a new time trial bike that I haven't sat on yet."

Hence, it ultimately feels like a big challenge for the INEOS Grenadiers rider who has been supporting the team over the past few days. He will still be an outsider for the stage win and could benefit from an early start; but most likely the British team will be prioritizing Carlos Rodríguez, a contender for the overall victory.

As for Tarling, he will certainly use these difficult race days at the Dauphiné as preparation for the upcoming national championships where he will want to defend his title. He is eyeing the Olympic Games as a clear contender for the medals; whilst the Tour of Austria is also in his schedule.