8 riders to watch at the 2021 Critérium du Dauphiné

Thomas Gaudu Quintana 8 riders to watch Dauphine 2021
David Gaudu, Geraint Thomas and Nairo Quintana are among our Critérium du Dauphiné riders to watch (Image credit: Getty Images Sport)

The Giro d'Italia may be still edging towards its denouement, but already the first build-up race to the Tour de France is around the corner, with the Critérium du Dauphiné kicking off on Sunday.

With the Tokyo Olympics necessitating a slightly condensed summer schedule, the Dauphiné begins in late May rather than the usual spot in early June, with the Tour also moving up to accommodate the late July events.

Dani Ostanek
Senior News Writer

Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, joining in 2017 as a freelance contributor and later being hired full-time. Before joining the team, they had written for numerous major publications in the cycling world, including CyclingWeekly and Rouleur.

Dani has reported from the world's top races, including the Tour de France, Road World Championships, and the spring Classics. They have interviewed many of the sport's biggest stars, including Mathieu van der Poel, Demi Vollering, and Remco Evenepoel. Their favourite races are the Giro d'Italia, Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix.

Season highlights from the 2024 season include reporting from Paris-Roubaix –  'Unless I'm in an ambulance, I'm finishing this race' – Cyrus Monk, the last man home at Paris-Roubaix – and the Tour de France – 'Disbelief', gratitude, and family – Mark Cavendish celebrates a record-breaking Tour de France sprint win.