Valentin Paret-Peintre is back at the start of his home race after last year’s debut.
Known as the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré and then as the Critérium du Dauphiné for almost eight decades, the prestigious French race is getting a new name this year - Tour Auvergne - Rhône-Alpes - in order to explore the region the event now visits, one spanning from the famous Massif Central to the mighty Alps.
Taking place from 7 to 14 June and consisting of eight stages, this 78th edition will cover a total distance of 1204 kilometers and feature more than 30 classified climbs. A 28.4km team time trial in Perreux and three summit finishes (Crest Voland, Grand Colombier, and Plateau de Solaison) stand out at the most demanding stages of the Tour Auvergne - Rhône-Alpes, the ones that will shape the general classification of what is one of the last major stage races before the Tour de France.
Steff Cras, Pascal Eenkhoorn, Ethan Hayter, Valentin Paret-Peintre - fourth overall at the Volta a Catalunya this season - Pepijn Reinderink, Martin Svrcek, and Mauri Vansevenant are the seven Soudal Quick-Step riders who’ll line up in Vizille, from where things get underway on Sunday.
It’s one of the hardest and most prestigious races of the season.
“This year, it puts on the table an important team time trial, some long stages and a tough final weekend, so plenty of days that can have an impact on the general classification. Steff and Valentin can try something in the mountain stages, Pascal and Ethan will be important for the TTT, while Pepijn, Mauri and Martin can go in the breakaways, as there should be some chances. Most of the riders come from altitude training camp, so let’s see what we can do in France”, explained sports director Tom Steels, who’ll lead the team from the car together with Wilfried Peeters.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
