York's Dauphine analysis: Pinot provokes and passes first test

Before the Criterium de Dauphine there were question marks concerning just where Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) was situated in the scheme of Grand Tour contenders. The past few years had seen him concentrate on what appears to be his favourite of the three national races, the Giro d'Italia, but retiring from last year's edition when still in the running for a podium place behind Chris Froome (Tea left a considerable dent.

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Philippa York

Philippa York is a long-standing Cyclingnews contributor who provides expert racing analysis. As a professional rider, she finished on the podium at the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España, as well as winning the mountains classification at the 1984 Tour de France.