The Criterium du Dauphiné has long been a very prestigious race on the cycling calendar, but what is it about this week long stage race that is so important? We asked the riders.
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Marco Pinotti of BMC talks about the importance of the timing of the race. It finishes just three weeks before the start of the Tour de France, and so riders can put the finishing touches on their race fitness and yet still recover in time for the tour.
Young hotshot GC rider Andrew Talanski of Garmin-SHARP recognises the importance of the location of the race. Riding the very same roads that the Tour de France will use in a month, including the new descent off Alpe d'Huez that hasn't been used so far in competition.
Finally, British rider Geraint Thomas of Sky Procycling talks of the psychological importance of getting a race like this under your belt and knowing that your condition is in the right place.
All in all, some fascinating insights.
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Music licensed by Cue Songs
Music - licensed by Cue Songs
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