Joaquim Rodriguez seems to have been the forgotten man as far as Grand Tour contenders go this year, but he has once again shown consistent form through the first half of 2015.

Two stage wins and victory overall at the Tour of the Basque Country were a timely reminder of his capabilities, and Rodriguez followed that with a strong Ardennes Classics campaign, including a podium at Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

Now back focussed on his Tour de France build-up, the 36-year-old, will be supported in the mountains by a squad which includes Giampaolo Caruso at the Dauphiné.

With time running out to add the elusive Grand Tour victory to his palmares, having recorded four podium finishes, victory at the Criterium du Dauphiné would be the perfect build-up to a shot at the Tour.

Joaquim Rodriguez – form guide

Best 2015 results: Tour of the Basque Country (two stage wins, winner overall), La Fleche Wallonne (fourth), Liege-Bastogne-Liege (third)

Best Criterium du Dauphine result: fifth (2011), two stage wins (2011)