Criterium du Dauphine Preview

The Criterium du Dauphine, or as I like to refer to it as "Le Tour de Tuneup", is traditionally one of the last races many of the top contenders ride before the Tour de France. This year, however, it may as well be the Criterium du Contador, as many of the other top contenders have elected to participate in other events. The Criterium is a climber's race, as the stages get more mountainous as they go on. The field will be thinner, but that does not mean that the competition will be any less fierce. On top of being a tuneup for the top riders, it is one of the final opportunities for some of the "bubble" riders to make their team's Tour de France squad. These riders will give 8 days of their best riding, and may even contend for the race if the top riders let their guard down.

ODDS ON FAVORITE: Alberto Contador

How can anyone possibly say anyone else considering many of the top competitors have dropped out? Contador is already the overwhelming favorite for nearly every event he enters, and this one is no different. It would be a surprise to everyone if, barring any trouble, he wasn't right near the front for the majority of the race.

TOP CONTENDER: Denis Menchov

Menchov is probably the top contender left, after the others opted not to compete. Menchov is very good in the mountains, and could steal the race away from Contador if he gets enough of a lead. Expect Astana to mark him at nearly all times, considering he may be the only other rider with the ability to break open the race like Contador.

DARK HORSE: Chris Horner

I am going out on a limb with this one and am going to say Horner. Horner is motivated by the fact he is still fighting for a Tour de France spot and has showed some serious promise this season. He put together a great ride in this year's Tour de California, and can possibly do it again if given the opportunity.

Sunday's stage is just a short prologue, but never the less an opportunity to grab the leaders jersey for a night and get off to a strong start. The 6.8 km course is mostly flat with no hills of great significance.

It should be interesting to see who is freshest and who takes early control of the race.