Evenepoel Wins Stage 4 of Critérium du Dauphiné; Van der Poel Eyes Final Chance
Table of Contents
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) seized victory in stage 4 of the Critérium du Dauphiné, a challenging time trial, clocking in ahead of his rivals. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck), despite a strong showing throughout the race, finished sixth, 1 minute and 2 seconds behind evenepoel. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has lauded the stage as a pivotal moment in the competition.
Van der Poel’s Perspective
Van der Poel, who has consistently placed in the top five in the previous stages, acknowledged that the time trial favored riders like Evenepoel. “I knew that guys like Remco Evenepoel and the other favorites were going to resume a lot of time today, so the yellow jersey was not a goal,” he stated. He also humorously referenced a prior conversation with evenepoel, adding, “I asked Evenepoel a few weeks ago if he thought I could finish within a minute of him. It was tight (1’02 ”),but I still have work to do!”
Did You Know? The Critérium du Dauphiné is often seen as a key preparation race for the tour de france,offering riders a chance to test their form on similar terrain.
Evenepoel’s Triumph
Evenepoel expressed satisfaction with his performance, especially considering his efforts in the previous day’s breakaway. “I am really happy with my performance today,especially after spending so much energy yesterday in the breakaway. During recognition and warm-up, I felt fatigue in my legs, but I was motivated to give everything in this time trial,” he explained. According to ProCyclingStats, Evenepoel’s average speed during the time trial was approximately 52 km/h.
The Road Ahead for Van der Poel
While Van der Poel is only 14 seconds off the yellow jersey, the upcoming mountainous stages may not suit his strengths. Stage 5, a route between Saint-Priest and Mâcon, presents his last realistic opportunity for a stage victory in this year’s Critérium du Dauphiné.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the weather conditions for Stage 5, as wind and rain could significantly impact the race dynamics.
Stage 4 Results
| Rank | Rider | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Remco Evenepoel | Soudal Quick-Step | [Insert Time] |
| 2 | [Insert Rider] | [Insert Team] | [Insert Time] |
| 3 | [Insert Rider] | [Insert Team] | [Insert Time] |
| 6 | Mathieu van der Poel | Alpecin-Deceuninck | +1’02” |
General Classification After Stage 4
| Rank | Rider | Team | time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Insert Rider] | [Insert Team] | [Insert Time] |
| 2 | [Insert Rider] | [Insert Team] | [Insert Time] |
| 3 | [Insert Rider] | [Insert Team] | [Insert Time] |
| [Insert Rank] | Mathieu van der Poel | Alpecin-Deceuninck | +0’14” |
Critérium du Dauphiné: A Legacy of Cycling Excellence
The critérium du Dauphiné,established in 1947,has a rich history of showcasing cycling’s elite. Many past winners have gone on to achieve success in the Tour de France, solidifying its reputation as a crucial pre-Tour event. The race’s challenging parcours, featuring a mix of flat stages, time trials, and mountainous terrain, tests riders’ all-around abilities and provides valuable insights into their form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Critérium du Dauphiné?
The Critérium du Dauphiné is an annual cycling stage race in the Dauphiné region of France. It is indeed part of the UCI World Tour and is considered an critically important preparation race for the Tour de France.
When was the first Critérium du dauphiné held?
The first edition of the critérium du Dauphiné took place in 1947.
How many stages are there in the Critérium du Dauphiné?
The Critérium du Dauphiné typically consists of eight stages, including a mix of flat stages, hilly stages, mountain stages, and time trials.
Who are some famous past winners of the Critérium du dauphiné?
Notable past winners include Chris Froome, Bradley Wiggins, and Miguel Indurain, many of whom also won the tour de France.
What makes the Critérium du Dauphiné a good preparation race for the Tour de France?
The race’s challenging course and timing, typically held in June, allow riders to test their form and strategies before the Tour de france in July.
What are your predictions for the remaining stages? Who will take home the yellow jersey? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to share this article!
