After impressive Dauphiné, De Cauwer dares to say it: "What would stop me from saying he'll win the Tour?"

While it was Pogacar who ultimately won the Dauphiné in a seemingly effortless manner, it was Vingegaard who came closest to the Slovenian world champion. "The only thing that sticks with me from the story between those two is the very short period when Vingegaard tries to follow Pogacar," De Cauwer said, looking at the rivals. "It doesn't even seem like an attempt. Somehow, there must have been some kind of hesitation beforehand, causing him to revert to his own pace quickly."

In addition to the fact that the two rivals fought a good battle, the sportsmanship between the two men was also striking in this Dauphiné. The Belgian commentator liked that sportsmanship. "I also like that there is a different relationship between Pogacar and Vingegaard. I'm not going to say they're friends, but they compete against each other in the race, and afterward, there can be a look of appreciation."

"We saw a good Pogacar, who lost 48 seconds to Evenepoel in the time trial and then, somewhat fired up, added the finishing touches," De Cauwer continued. What would the Belgian take away from this? "That Pogacar and Vingegaard are the best two, with Evenepoel right behind them, who did win a phenomenal time trial. Everyone, the first, second, and fourth in the GC, says they still have work to do before the Tour. They're all going to altitude training, so the work starts again."

In addition, the big names are all building up their form for the Tour de France, which starts in just under three weeks. Does De Cauwer dare to say that Pogacar will win the Tour? "Of course. Why wouldn't I say he'll win the Tour? Mind you, the race always has to be ridden. I'm the last person who doesn't respect the Tour. I know what can happen in three weeks."

De Cauwer knows that everything has to go right for the world champion, as plenty of stages could pose a threat. "The first week will be very tricky, with lots of pitfalls. In principle, Pogacar is the most skilled at dealing with that, but it will be a very important first week. Just getting through it safely will be a challenge."

The question that prevails in Belgium is how the Tour will go for Evenepoel. The Belgian from Soudal Quick-Step won the time trial in the Dauphiné but could not keep up with his main rivals on the climbs. Nevertheless, De Cauwer thinks Evenepoel is in a slightly better position than last year. 2Should we assume that he will finish third in the Tour again? Go for it. That would be fantastic. There will undoubtedly be opportunities for Evenepoel. The race has yet to be contested and is not always decided on the climbs and the most challenging conditions. Anything can happen along the way."

It is possible that the Dauphiné scenario could repeat itself in the Tour, with Evenepoel taking the leader's jersey in the time trial to Caen but then losing it in the mountains. "That could happen, and it would be fantastic," said De Cauwer. "We're all looking forward to it. Then you could say, "Yes, but he loses time again on the climbs.’ Yes, guys, imagine you're the best in the mountains and the time trial. Then it's not difficult."

De Cauwer also saw some other riders stand out in the Dauphiné. Mathieu van der Poel, for example, the Dutchman from Alpecin-Deceuninck, was on the attack pretty much all week. "He'll be ready for the Tour. The little problem with his wrist seems to have been forgotten somehow. He'll be focusing on the first week." Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) also did well, but: "I still think he will be the second man on the team after Primoz Roglic. Let's say this is really his last chance to try again for the Tour."

Finally, the Dauphiné was also marked by the retirement of Romain Bardet. The Frenchman from Picnic PostNL had his last day as a professional cyclist on Sunday. De Cauwer has a lot of respect for Bardet's career. "The way he raced in recent weeks, months, and even two years was very attractive and a bit liberated. Without the stress of the Tour, he still showed some great things. I would say hats off to him for the dedication with which he has done his job. He also showed great sportsmanship when Alaphilippe crashed heavily in Liège-Bastogne-Liège."