No Pogačar or Vingegaard but Paul Seixas faces test of Tour de France credentials against Del Toro, Ayuso and more – Analysing the contenders at Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, formerly known as the Critérium du Dauphiné, begins this weekend and promises to be a compelling preview of the Tour de France, despite the absence of marquee names such as Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard. The race features eight challenging stages and has become a crucial testing ground for riders aiming to prove their credentials ahead of cycling’s biggest event. Among the key contenders is 19-year-old French rider Paul Seixas, whose meteoric rise has captured significant attention as he prepares for his Tour de France debut. Seixas, representing Decathlon CMA CGM, has emerged as the standout figure in this edition, especially given the absence of the sport’s current superstars. Last year, he finished eighth overall as a neo-pro, an impressive feat for such a young rider, and this year he arrives as the pre-race favourite. His recent victory at the Itzulia Basque Country, where he dominated a WorldTour field, has further cemented his status as one of cycling’s brightest prospects. The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes will test both Seixas and his team, particularly with the inclusion of a team time trial, mirroring the challenges he will face at the Tour de France. Isaac del Toro of UAE Team Emirates-XRG is another notable contender, stepping up in the absence of Pogačar. The 22-year-old Mexican showed immense promise last year and has already claimed significant stage race victories this season, including the UAE Tour and Tirreno-Adriatico. However, his recent crash at Itzulia and the time lost to Seixas have raised questions about his current form and consistency. If he can regain his best shape, del Toro could provide a fascinating rivalry with Seixas and play a vital role as a support rider for Pogačar in the Tour de France. Juan Ayuso, now with Lidl-Trek, also remains a rider to watch as he seeks to regain momentum ahead of his first Tour de France. The 23-year-old Spanish rider burst onto the scene with high expectations but has faced setbacks due to crashes and injuries this season. Despite these challenges, Ayuso’s early-season performances, including a win over Seixas at the Volta ao Algarve, demonstrate his potential to contend at the highest level if he can recapture his form. Alongside him, João Almeida of UAE Team Emirates offers a wildcard element, having shifted focus to the Tour de France after illness curtailed his Giro d’Italia ambitions. Overall, the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes presents a vital opportunity for emerging talents to stake their claim in the lead-up to the Tour de France. With a strong field including Seixas, del Toro, Ayuso, and Almeida, the race will provide crucial insights into the form and readiness of these young riders. Their performances over the coming week will not only shape expectations for the Tour but also highlight the evolving landscape of professional