Today will be one of the most interesting stages of this Dauphine Tour, with the 14.4-kilometer time trial in Saint-Peray, which will see the three best Grand Tour riders of the moment compete against the clock. The course is almost completely flat, but features a 1.8-kilometer climb in the central part. All eyes will be on Remco Evenepoel: the Olympic and World Champion in this discipline is conducting important tests ahead of the Tour de France.

Remco will start at 4:33 PM, Vingegaard two minutes later, and Pogacar at 4:37 PM.

The Belgian wants to do well today, not only to win the individual time trial, but to deliver the 1000th victory for his Soudal-Quick Step.

"I hadn't thought about it until Merlier reached victory number 999," Evenepoel said. "I have excellent chances of achieving this goal". It's a nice number to write. It would be great to succeed, to make a special gift and honor the past of Patrick Lefevere's team.

Evenepoel will be serious today and on his still painful shoulder from last December's accident, he will wear taping to alleviate the pain caused by the unusual position, as he did at the Tour of Romandie. It was May 4th when the Belgian last competed in a time trial, and in that final stage of Romandie he had beaten Almeida, Bettiol, Vine, and Vlasov. Today will be different because the men to beat are called Vingegaard and Pogacar, but Remco has no fear and will prove it by racing.

"Today could be an important test, but in time trials, I've already beaten everyone. I just need to focus on myself."

Evenepoel loves to win and will try to do so today, not only to see his rivals' level or because he can secure the 1000th victory for his Soudal-Quick Step, but because he could wear the yellow jersey as overall leader.

"It will be a rather tough time trial. With a 2-kilometer climb at 9%. The yellow jersey? We'll see, and why not?"