Criterium du Dauphine 2022 – Stage 4
It’s time for a long time trial in France. It is a flat one with one small climb that will not impact the stage significantly. We have some long straights – this is where the time differences will be made tomorrow.
Weather
The first rider is down the ramp at 13:00 and the last at 16:00. The forecast for tomorrow is a bit of a weird one. Are you starting early, the chance of wet roads is higher, but the wind is better. I think, just logically looking at this, it suits the riders starting late. Higher chance of dry roads.
Contenders
Ganna – starting quite early which should mean wet roads. Nonetheless, he is the best, by far, on this flat and long route. We will have to see if the rain makes it more difficult for him. Furthermore, which times will he race after? I do not think it matters, he knows how to pace himself.
Wout van Aert – is the latest starter, but he went deep today. He should have better weather conditions and dry roads which is a big bonus for him. He has said in an interview he has been making progress on his TT bike – I think he will be more than ready today.
Cavagna – the man who can fool the two favorites above. Loves a flat and long TT, he almost beat Ganna in one of these in the Giro d’Italia. I think the Frenchman will finish on the podium.
Roglic – I thought he looked good today, sitting down and spinning a high cadence. The flat route is not ideal, but he looks very, very good if you ask me. He is another rider who will fight for the podium.
Vingegaard – big pull at the front today, still with energy to communicate with the radio. He is better than expected – tomorrow is a big test ahead of the Tour de France, I think he can finish safely inside the top-10.
McNulty – the American has a big engine, but I doubt the flat route is perfect for him. The same as Vingegaard, I imagine him just a level behind the best.
Thomas – top 10, form is very good but he prefers a shorter tt
Cattaneo – top 10, form is a bit unknown.
Kelderman – a little disappointed in his result today, if he still has fresh legs from the Giro, he should get a decent result.
Hayter – too hard today. I think the Brit is out of matches. A top 10 is still possible.
Who will win?
A battle between Ganna and Wout. One of them should be fresher, the other one has better weather conditions. I will take a win for Wout van Aert.