Tao Geoghegan Hart is currently active in the Criterium du Dauphiné and in a strong position, but unlike many of the riders here, this is not a stepping stone to the Tour de France next month.

At the very least, it is highly unlikely. On Friday, the 2020 Giro d'Italia winner was left out of the potential Ineos Grenadiers squad for the Grand Boucle, but did not say definitively.

"I don't know," was the Englishman's terse answer when I spoke with Cycling News about the issue in Levee before stage 6 of the Criterium du Dauphiné.

As for whether this weekend's mountain stages are a chance for a podium or top five finish in the Dauphiné, he added, "It's not about that."

Geoghegan Hart hinted that he would not be back in the area when the Tour takes place next month, although he suggested he was not entirely sure of his plans.

"I'll probably take some time off after this," he said. I want to make the most of this weekend and see what happens next."

Unlike last year, Ineos' Grand Tour plans were not clearly and publicly laid out at the start of the 2022 season, which has created some mystery around the schedules of the leading riders.

Giohegan Hart was certain to return to the Giro d'Italia, but two illnesses have forced him out of the race. He is now out of contention for the Tour, as well as the Vuelta a España, the last Grand Tour of the season.

"I don't know. I think I'm being asked questions I can't answer," he said, looking ahead to the Spanish race.

For all the uncertainty, Geoghegan Hart is running as good as he probably has since winning the Giro.

The half-season since then has been marked by crashes, injuries, and illnesses, but he finished fifth at last month's Tour of Norway and is now seventh overall and in contention for a podium finish at the Dauphiné.

"I'm happy to be racing again, and I'm looking forward to getting back on the podium.

"I have not prepared specifically for this race. After Norway I had time just to recover. In Annecy I rode for a few days to relax. I tried to recon the final stage, but it was 5 degrees and raining at the top of Colombières, so I was shivering on the bars in my Lycra instead."

"I'm definitely not at my best level here, but at least I'm moving in the right direction. Honestly, I'm happy to have made it to the top with so little training."