“The riders are in good shape,” says Head of Racing Grischa Niermann, who will also act as sports director during the race. “Most of them are coming back after a long altitude camp and are eager to return to racing. The Dauphiné is of course a preparation race, but it’s also a proper competition. We’ll try to win it – simply because we always line up with the ambition to win.”

The route of this 77th edition of the Dauphiné is both varied and demanding. Set in the southeastern region of France, the race provides a full week to sharpen form. The opening stages are hilly and unpredictable, but from the stage four time trial onwards, the general classification contenders will need to step up. The real climbing begins in the final weekend. “The route is very tough,” Niermann notes. “The time trial on day four is a good test of strength, and the final mountain stages are really challenging. That’s when we’ll see where we currently stand.”

For Vingegaard, it’s his first race since his crash in Paris–Nice over three months ago. His return in the Dauphiné is no coincidence: the Dane won here in 2023 and knows the terrain well. Matteo Jorgenson also has fond memories – the American finished second overall last year after several strong performances. “Jonas won here two years ago, while Matteo was on the podium last year,” Niermann says. “Those are things that give us confidence heading into this week.”

Alongside Vingegaard and Jorgenson, the team also brings Sepp Kuss, who is building towards top form after a relatively quiet first half of the season. Together, the trio forms a strong GC block, not just aiming for the overall but also versatile enough to control the race. “Jonas is of course our leader. The competition is strong – with Tadej Pogačar and also Remco Evenepoel – but we always focus on ourselves,” says Niermann. “It’s a great opportunity to see where we stand. We’re well prepared. Everything is on track.”

The original line-up saw one last-minute change: Axel Zingle had to withdraw due to injury and will be replaced by young Norwegian Per Strand Hagenes.

For Team Visma | Lease a Bike, the Dauphiné is part of a carefully mapped-out path to the Tour. The race’s timing is ideal for fitting in one final altitude camp in Tignes before the Grand Départ in Lille on Saturday 5 July. “The Dauphiné is ideal because it combines well with a final training block before the Tour,” Niermann explains. “It has worked well for us in recent years – not just in terms of logistics, but also because the Dauphiné is a top-level race that never lies.”

There’s no absolute pressure to win, but the ambition is always there. “If we don’t win the Dauphiné, it’s not the end of the world,” Niermann concludes. “Obviously, the bigger goal is the Tour de France. But we’ll do everything we can to win the Dauphiné as well. Wherever we race, we race to win. That’s the ambition we all share.”