Criterium du Dauphine 2016 Stage 2: Crêches-sur-Saône - Chalmazel-Jeansagnière, 167.5km
Map and profile
The first uphill road stage finish of the race should provide another shake up in the overall standings with a third category climb up to Chalmazel-Jeansagnière. The preceding 155km are rolling throughout with the Col de Durbize coming inside the opening 15km, and the Col de la Croix Nicelle after 52km. However, it's the final slog to up Chalmazel-Jeansagnière and the all-important Côte de Saint-Georges-en-Couzan that comes just before that should set the race alight. Teams such as Sky and Tinkoff will have to measure their approaches in order to control the field but with so many fresh legs, the attacks will be constant. If this stage came later in the race it would be ideal for a break but with the race so tightly contested, there's little chance in the peloton being so relaxed.
Cyclingnews' top tip: Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEdge): A breakaway could be a threat but if not – or if in there – the Australian has the characteristics to be aggressive on the long, gentle ascent to the line, along with the requisite punch to finish it off.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Budget shortfall to blame for second cancellation of CIC-Mont Ventoux in June
'Giant of Provence' was set to serve as tester for stage 16 of Tour de France -
First-time altitude camp for Kristen Faulkner sets up 'real fitness' for Ardennes Classics and Grand Tours
Double gold Olympic champion makes pitch for fans to send her video reactions from solo road race victory -
'Close to the real shape' - No wins yet in 2025 but Lotte Kopecky approaches peak in bid to reclaim Tour of Flanders crown
World champion collects prestigious Belgian National Trophy for Sporting Merit in Brussels, an award athletes can win only once -
Dwars door Vlaanderen Women 2025 start list
Marianne Vos returns to defend title in pre-Tour of Flanders Spring Classic