Tour Auvergne - Rhône-Alpes 2026 Preview Show (Criterium du Dauphine) - Can Paul Seixas end the French Draught for A Winner?

Can Paul Seixas make history at the 2026 Critérium du Dauphiné? The French sensation arrives in the form of his life and has the chance to become the race's youngest-ever winner while ending France's long wait for a home champion, with the last French victory coming back in 2007. But standing in his way are some of the sport's biggest names, including UAE Team Emirates-XRG leader Isaac del Toro, who has already won the UAE Tour and Tirreno–Adriatico this season, while Juan Ayuso leads a strong Lidl-Trek squad looking to add another major stage race to his palmarès. We break down the route, the key contenders, and who has the best chance of taking overall victory in the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 2026.