Critérium du Dauphiné

Critérium du Dauphiné is a prestigious multi-stage road cycling race held annually in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. Organized by the Amaury Sport Organisation, it is a key event on the UCI World Tour calendar and is widely considered a crucial preparatory race for the Tour de France. Traditionally held in June, the race features a demanding route through the French Alps and other mountainous terrain, testing riders with summit finishes, individual time trials, and challenging climbs. Its list of champions includes many of the greatest names in cycling history, cementing its status as a classic.

History

The race was first organized in 1947 by the regional newspaper Le Dauphiné libéré, from which it took its original name, the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré. Early editions were dominated by French riders, with Nello Lauredi winning the inaugural race. The event grew in stature throughout the post-war era, becoming a favored testing ground for Tour de France contenders. In 2010, ownership and organization transferred to the Amaury Sport Organisation, which also runs the Tour de France and Paris–Nice, and the "Libéré" was dropped from the title. Throughout its history, the race has been a battleground for legendary figures such as Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, and Bernard Hinault.

Race details

The race is held over eight days in early June, comprising a prologue and seven stages. The route is deliberately designed to mimic the arduous conditions of the Tour de France, traversing the mountainous regions of the Alps, including iconic climbs like Mont Ventoux, the Col du Galibier, and the Alpe d'Huez. Stages typically include flat sections for sprinters, rolling terrain, and decisive mountain stages with high-altitude finishes. An individual time trial, often on a mountainous course, is a regular feature, adding a critical test against the clock. The race headquarters and many stage starts and finishes are located in cities like Grenoble, Valence, and Saint-Étienne.

Winners

The winner's list is a who's who of cycling greatness. Three-time winners include Nello Lauredi, Luis Ocaña, Charly Mottet, Bernard Hinault, and Chris Froome. Other multiple winners are Raymond Poulidor and Bernard Thévenet. Legendary champions who have won once include Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, Lance Armstrong (stripped of his 2002 and 2003 titles), Bradley Wiggins, and Jonas Vingegaard. Recent victors have often confirmed their form for the Tour de France, as seen with Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar.

Jerseys and classifications

The overall leader wears the **yellow jersey** (maillot jaune), a tradition shared with the Tour de France. Secondary competitions include the **polka dot jersey** for the mountains classification, awarded to the best climber on categorized ascents like the Col de la Madeleine. The **green jersey** designates the leader of the points classification for consistent stage placings. A **white jersey** is awarded to the best young rider under a certain age. There is also a team classification, based on the cumulative times of the three best riders from each squad, such as Ineos Grenadiers or Team Jumbo–Visma.

Significance and relation to the Tour de France

The race is universally regarded as the most important preparatory event for the Tour de France. Its timing, difficulty, and mountainous profile make it an ideal dress rehearsal for general classification contenders and their teams, including UAE Team Emirates and Team Visma–Lease a Bike. Success here often translates to form in July, with many riders, like Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas, using victory as a springboard to Tour de France yellow. Race director Christian Prudhomme and his team use it to finalize selection and strategy, while broadcasters like France Télévisions treat it as a key prelude.

Notable moments and records

The race has witnessed numerous dramatic chapters. In 1969, Eddy Merckx won a brutal stage over the Col du Granier in a snowstorm. Bernard Hinault's dominant 1977 victory announced his arrival as a grand tour force. A famous rivalry played out in 1971 between Luis Ocaña and Eddy Merckx. More recently, Chris Froome's trio of wins (2013, 2015, 2016) underscored his era of dominance. In 2021, Richie Porte secured a popular victory. The record for most stage wins is held by André Darrigade, while Chris Froome and Bernard Hinault share the record for most days in the yellow jersey. Category:Cycling races in France Category:UCI World Tour races Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1947