2026 Critérium du Dauphiné start list: a next generation battle featuring Seixas, Del Toro and Ayuso

There are set to be 22 teams on the start line, each fielding 7 riders, resulting in a total field of 154 riders. All 18 WorldTour teams feature alongside four ProTeams, Cofidis, Tudor, Caja Rural-Seguros RGA and TotalEnergies, who will also ride the Tour de France.

While defending champion Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) has chosen to make his debut at the Tour de Suisse, there are still plenty of stars expected to be in attendance. 

Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) finished eighth on debut twelve months ago, but the French teenager's stellar rise in 2026 means he will be expected to fight for yellow ahead of his debut Tour de France. 

Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) will want to deny Seixas, having won the UAE Tour and Tirreno-Adriatico already this season. The Mexican champion hasn't raced since crashing out of Itzulia Basque Country. 

João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) was ruled out of racing the Giro d'Italia through illness, but returns to action. His performance here may give an indication of whether he will be able to support Pogačar at the Tour this summer. 

Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) will also line up, having not raced since abandoning Itzulia Basque Country with illness, as he prepares to lead the German team's GC ambitions at the Tour.

Paris-Roubaix winner Wout van Aert is also expected to ride, alongside American star Matteo Jorgenson, for Visma | Lease a Bike.