Victory for Froome has proved to be ideal preparation for the Tour de France as his three victories at the Grand Tour in 2013, 2015, and 2016 have arrived following success at the Dauphiné.

The week-long stage race, which is part of the International Cycling Union (UCI) World Tour and is 1,155 kilometres in length, is traditionally viewed as one of the key warm-up events for the Tour de france.

If he were to win the Dauphiné again this year Team Sky's Froome would break the record for most overall wins.

The Briton currently sits level with France's Nello Lauredi, Bernard Hinault and Charly Mottet as well as Spain's Luis Ocaña on three victories.

Team Sky are bidding to win the race for the sixth time in seven editions.

Prior to Froome's domination, Sir Bradley Wiggins took the Dauphiné crown in 2011 and 2012.

However, Froome admits his first victory of 2017 could be difficult to achieve due to the quality of the field in this year's race.

"I think the line-up of riders at the Dauphiné is particularly impressive this year in terms of general classification contenders and other Tour rivals, so it should be a big test and a real challenge," Froome said according to Cycling Weekly.

"I'm going there hoping to win, but I'm fully conscious that I'm going up against some very strong competition - probably stronger competition than I've had at previous editions of the Dauphiné - so I'm certainly not taking anything for granted."

Froome will expect to be challenged by Spain's Alberto Contador and Alejandro Valverde as well as Richie Porte of Australia.

Valverde, the leader of the Movistar team, will be hoping to add to the two Dauphiné titles he won in 2008 and 2009.

Contador, who has finished second on four occasions this season in various stage races, claims he will take a more conservative approach as part of his preparations for the Tour de France.

"At the Dauphiné, I want to get the first bit of intensity before the Tour," he said in a video blog.

"I'm sure I'm going to be a bit at the limit.

"That's why I want to come into the race calm, and to take advantage of it only to pick up racing rhythm.

"If I see that I am too tight, I'll slow down, although it's difficult for me, but it's what I have in mind.

"Since November, it is something I have been putting in my head, because I think it will be the smartest way to face the Tour de France."

The race begins tomorrow with a 170.5km stage starting and finishing in Saint Étienne, including no fewer than eight categorised climbs.