Critérium du Dauphiné 2016 – Prologue Preview

By David Hunter

Les Gets 4km

We have 4km of pain! An average gradient of 9.7% ,with the final kilometre at 15%. A prologue like this, really is a joy to see. Climbing ability will be important, more so than TT skills.

It really is quite unique to see the riders begin a 1 week race with this type of effort. It means that the GC favourites will go straight into battle and continue at the top of the rankings for the rest of the week.

Weather

Hot and humid conditions are expected for the area. There is a chance of a thunderstorm around 1pm, which would have an impact on the later starters.

Contenders

Big riders need not apply! This is a day for climbers, especially those that are lighter than the others. That narrows the list of potential winners.

Chris Froome – this is a big moment for Team Sky’s captain. He goes into this race with pressure on his shoulders, thanks to his recent performances. This is a true test of climbing ability, so it should suit him down to the ground. Will start as the joint-favourite with Contador.

Alberto Contador – anytime there is a TT that features a climb, Contador, always seems to be the best. His time in the climb section of the Pais Vasco TT was extraordinary. I would think that this stage suits Contador a little better than Froome, but the Spaniard will be wary of the number of threats on Team Sky.

Fabio Aru – a wonderful climber but has disappointed in 2016. It’s hard to see him beating the other climbers here.

Joaquim Rodriguez – the final kilometre is wonderful news for Purito. This is the type of climb that he excels on, so the others should be worried about him. His early season was disrupted by illness, but he should be about to hit peak form.

Thiabaut Pinot – brilliant climber, brilliant TT rider. It’s looking good for the Frenchman, but can he cope with the expectations of the home fans? I think he can, and I think we’ll see him on the podium.

Richie Porte – the King of Willunga Hill. He loves these short, steep efforts. I’m always a little unsure of what he’ll produce, thanks to his lack of consistency. He could win, or lose 50 seconds!

Adam Yates – another who excelled in the climbing section of the Pais Vasco TT. His time was very impressive, an indication of what he can achieve against the clock. Starts without pressure.

Julian Alaphilippe – the flying Frenchman will be quietly confident about this stage. Fresh from winning the Tour of California, I’m excited to see what he can do against this company. His light weight could be crucial.

Michal Kwiatkowski – another small rider that could do very well. Prologues are usually good for the Pole, and he is also a wonderful climber. The longer efforts are usually his downfall, but 4km sounds about perfect for him.

Mikel Landa – yet another potential winner from Team Sky. I’m not sure how long he was off his bike after pulling out of the Giro, but he should be fully recovered by know. The Basque rider is an expert on double digit climbs and is a real contender for the stage.

Start Times

11:54 Yates

12:01 Kwiatkowski

12:15 Rodriguez

12:19 Alaphilippe

12:42 Pinot

12:45 Froome

14:30 Aru

14:33 Contador

14:34 Porte

14:35 Poels

Some teams are clearly concerned about rain coming in the afternoon. It is fascinating to see Froome go out nearly 2 hours before Contador.

Rider Info

I spoke to Oliver Naesen, just after he completed the course today. He rode a 36×28 gearing and attempted to do a 400 watt effort. He only managed a cadence of around 60! I asked him how hard it was, his response was “Herculean hard.”

Prediction

Should really be a day for King Contador, but watch out for some of the smaller riders springing a surprise, especially if the rain comes down.

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