'I think I punched my ticket' - Quinn Simmons targets Tour return after Dauphiné victory

Simmons had been one of the main aggressors from the start, attacking multiple times before finally getting clear on the Côte du Temple after 60km. The eventual 10-rider move never gained much more than a minute, but held just enough of a margin as the peloton chased hard behind.

"You never know when your last chance to win in the national jersey is. You have to earn it back every year," Simmons said after the line. "I'm so proud to race in this jersey and then also race for this team and race with these guys. To be flying this flag in Europe is beautiful for me."

The peloton closed to within seconds in the finale, but ran out of road as Simmons and the remaining escapees fought to stay clear.

"I actually don't know how close we were. I never looked. We obviously didn't have the car behind our group, so I didn't hear too much. But to be honest, when we only had a minute and a half with 70km to go, I didn't believe. I wanted a hard day in front to prepare for what comes next. So you just go and commit full out. I've never won a sprint before, so that's kinda cool," said the American.

The victory was Simmons’ first since stage 3 of the 2025 Tour de Suisse, where he soloed to victory after a 19-kilometre attack in Heiden.

"Swiss was the last time I put my hands in the air. Now I have the two biggest one-week stage races, I have a stage in each, both in the national jersey. That's pretty special for me," he said.

Asked why the Suisse win still ranked above his Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes victory, Simmons gave a brief response.

"I don't know why you have to ask me that," Simmons said.

The American was clear about what comes next, with another appearance at the Tour de France firmly on his mind. Simmons was a regular presence in the breakaway during the 2025 edition and took his best-ever stage result on stage 6, finishing second behind Ben Healy.

"I think I punched my ticket," he said, referring to the Tour de France. "That's the biggest dream. But first I go home for the nationals. I'd really like to bring this jersey back and then we can speak for the Tour."