Bahrain Merida getting ready for 69th Dauphiné race

Manama : Bahrain Merida Pro Cycling Team sports director Philippe Mauduit, expressed his thoughts before the start of the 69th Criterium du Dauphine race in France which takes place from June 4 to 11, which is the equivalent of a Mini Tour de France with hard climbs.

Every year Tour de France contenders come here for the last preparation race, to test themselves and define final team strategies and a precise roster for Tour de France. This year, as usually, the first three stages will be suitable for a reduced bunch sprint, due to the difficult terrain, then a Time Trial (TT) for specialists and General Classification (GC) pretendents. The fifth stage will be the last chance for sprinters to jump on the podium before the mountains, where the GC riders will be in the game.

“We have a strong team going to Dauphiné, with riders that are here after a longer break, but with altitude training camp in their legs,” said Philippe Mauduit.