OFFICIAL: Remco Evenepoel leads Quick-Step as Belgian team prepares Tour de France block with Mikel Landa and Ilan van Wilder

The Criterium du Dauphine will soon be upon us and with this begins a new phase of the season. The Giro d'Italia slowly fades into memory and the contenders for the Tour de France return to the peloton to prepare. Remco Evenepoel has already been confirmed to be part of the French race, leading in the Soudal - Quick-Step team.

This is Evenepoel's first race day since crashing out of Itzulia Basque Country. The Belgian rider suffered a fractured collarbone and shoulder blade after cashing at high speed, but was able to return to training on the road a few weeks later. After a month of proper training and an altitude camp, he and the Quick-Step block for the Tour get their form tested in what is traditionally the most important warm-up race.

Evenepoel will aim for a result at the Tour de France this summer and joining him next week will be some of his most important support riders. This includes Mikel Landa who also crashed in the Basque Country a few days later. Although he 'only' suffered a fractured collarbone, he was carried away with serious attention and for some time it was possible that the Dauphiné and possibly the Tour itself was at risk.

They will have Ilan van Wilder - fourth at the UAE Tour and Tour de Romandie - who himself could be a card for the overall classification. James Knox will also be an important support rider in the climbs; the Briton is looking to gain a position at the Tour de France. The same situation develops with Gianni Moscon, both of them will have to show their very best legs in order to convince the Soudal - Quick-Step leaders (specially as Evenepoel is said to want Julian Alaphilippe to also be part of the lineup). Casper Pedersen and Antoine Huby complete the lineup for the Dauphiné.

Soudal - Quick-Step for Criterium du Dauphiné:

Remco Evenepoel
Mikel Landa
Casper Pedersen
Ilan van Wilder
Gianni Moscon
Antoine Huby
James Knox