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#CritériumDuDauphiné #ArchieRyan #BenHealy #TadejPogačar #JonasVingegaard #RemcoEvenepoel #MathieuVanDerPoel #CyclingAttacks #EFEducationEasyPost #SoudalQuickStep #AlpecinDeceuninck #StageWins #CyclingSprints #PelotonChase #EpicFinish
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The opening stage of the 2024 Critérium du Dauphiné saw an aggressive and thrilling race unfold, with Archie Ryan and Ben Healy of EF Education-EasyPost playing key roles in the action. The near-200km stage, finishing in Montluçon, set the tone for what promises to be an exciting week of racing, as some of the sport’s biggest names wasted no time in testing their rivals.
The day’s action intensified in the final 37km as the last breakaway rider was caught. It was Ben Healy who initiated the hostilities on the short, steep climb of the Côte de Buffon. The Irishman attacked on the incline, with world champion Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) marking him closely. This move caused gaps to open in the main peloton, signaling the start of a highly aggressive finale. After Healy’s effort, his young teammate Archie Ryan took over with a strong burst of acceleration as the road continued to climb. The pair’s efforts were followed by Lukas Nerurkar, another EF Education-EasyPost rider, who managed to get clear solo for a brief period before being reeled back in.
The stage saw a flurry of attacks in the closing kilometers, including from Fred Wright (Bahrain Victorious), but it wasn’t until 5.5km to go that a decisive move was made. Defending champion Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike) surprisingly launched an attack, testing his rivals. He was joined by Pogačar, Remco Evenepoel (Soudal QuickStep), Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain-Victorious), and Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck). The group worked together to build a small advantage as the peloton frantically chased behind.
Despite the bunch closing in on the breakaway at the finish line, the escapees contested the stage victory among themselves. In a thrilling sprint, Pogačar pipped Vingegaard to take the win, followed by Van der Poel and Evenepoel. Jake Stewart (Groupama FDJ) won the sprint for fifth place from the peloton.
Irish riders Archie Ryan and Eddie Dunbar (Team Jayco AlUla) finished safely in the bunch, placing 49th and 61st respectively, on the same time as the winner. Meanwhile, Ben Healy dropped back in the final kilometers, finishing 132nd at 3:49 behind the winner. This strategy gives him the freedom to focus on stage wins in the coming days, particularly with his eyes set on breakaway opportunities.
The opening stage’s aggressive finale suggests an exciting week ahead, with the general classification contenders already showing their form. Pogačar’s victory confirms his status as one of the favorites, while Vingegaard’s attack indicates he is in strong shape as he builds towards the Tour de France. The presence of Evenepoel and Van der Poel in the final sprint also highlights the depth of talent in this year’s race.
Looking ahead, Stage 2 will take the riders 204.6km from Prémilhat to Issoire, featuring 2,800 meters of climbing. While the stage is marked by relatively modest climbs rather than a major mountain challenge, it presents an opportunity for a breakaway specialist like Ben Healy to shine. The Irishman’s form on the opening stage suggests he could be a threat if he can get clear in a breakaway.
Overall, the 2024 Critérium du Dauphiné has started with a bang, showcasing the attacking intent of the peloton’s top riders. With a mix of general classification contenders and stage hunters in the field, the race promises more thrilling action in the days to come.
