🚴‍♂️ Critérium du Dauphiné 2025: The Final Test Before the Tour de France

“A Crucial Warm-Up for the Tour de France Contenders”

The Critérium du Dauphiné 2025 is set to take place from June 8 to June 15, 2025, offering a critical opportunity for riders to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the Tour de France. This renowned French stage race has long been considered one of the most important lead-up events to cycling’s most prestigious Grand Tour, and the Critérium du Dauphiné provides a platform for some of the sport’s biggest names to showcase their form.

The Critérium du Dauphiné is broadcast on several channels and streaming services, including NBC, FloBikes, Peacock, and Eurosport. 

Often referred to as the “Mini-Tour de France”, the Critérium du Dauphiné is a crucial proving ground for riders seeking to fine-tune their tactics, strength, and endurance before tackling the challenges of the Tour de France. The event attracts many of the world’s top GC riders, sprinters, and climbers, who seek to sharpen their legs in anticipation of the Tour de France’s grueling stages.

📚 The History of Critérium du Dauphiné

The Critérium du Dauphiné, first held in 1947, has established itself as one of the key stage races in professional cycling. As a prelude to the Tour de France, the race offers challenging climbs, technical descents, and demanding time trials, making it a must-watch event for cycling fans. Over the years, the race has attracted Grand Tour champions who use the event to gauge their readiness for the Tour de France.

The Dauphiné is well-known for its mountainous terrain, which features both Alpine climbs and rolling hills. The event also includes individual time trials that test riders’ abilities against the clock, providing opportunities for riders to gain precious seconds in the overall classification.

🌍 Notable Past Winners

The Critérium du Dauphiné has seen many of cycling’s finest riders claim victory, including Tour de France champions and Grand Tour legends. Some notable recent winners include:

• 2024: Dylan Teuns (Israel Premier Tech)
• 2023: Daniel Felipe Martinez (Ineos Grenadiers)
• 2022: David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ)
• 2021: Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma)
• 2020: Richie Porte (Trek-Segafredo)

The Dauphiné is often regarded as one of the best indicators of form going into the Tour de France, with many riders using it as the perfect springboard for their Grand Tour campaigns.

🚴‍♀️ Critérium du Dauphiné 2025 Route: A Test of Strength and Endurance

The Critérium du Dauphiné 2025 will feature a route that combines challenging mountain stages, flat terrain for sprinters, and a critical time trial. The event will allow GC riders to show off their climbing prowess, while sprinters will look to take advantage of the flatter stages.

Key Features of the 2025 Route

• Mountain Stages: The Dauphiné is known for its Alpine climbs, including stages that will take riders into the heart of the French Alps. Climbs like Col de la Croix de Fer and Col du Galibier will feature prominently in the race, and riders will need to pace themselves well across these grueling ascents to stay in the hunt for the overall title.
• Time Trials: Riders will face a challenging individual time trial, which will provide key moments for General Classification (GC) contenders to gain crucial seconds. The time trial will test the riders’ ability to maintain speed and power over a variety of terrains, from rolling hills to flat sections.
• The Final Stage: The final stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné will likely feature a high-stakes finish, where the GC contenders will have one last opportunity to make their move. The final day of the race often delivers exciting action as riders battle for the yellow jersey and prepare for the Tour de France just around the corner.

The Key Climbs of Critérium du Dauphiné 2025

Some iconic climbs that riders will tackle in the 2025 edition include:

• Col de la Croix de Fer: One of the most famous climbs in the Alps, this legendary ascent will provide an opportunity for GC riders to make their move and test their endurance.
• Col du Galibier: Often regarded as one of the highest peaks in cycling, the Col du Galibier is a true test of strength for any rider in the Dauphiné.
• Mont Ventoux: A grueling ascent, Mont Ventoux often plays a pivotal role in the race, with its barren summit challenging even the most experienced climbers.

Challenging Weather Conditions

The weather is often unpredictable in the Dauphiné, with riders facing everything from sweltering heat to rain and snow on the highest mountain peaks. Riders will need to remain adaptable and prepared for any conditions that may arise during the race.

🚀 Key Contenders for Critérium du Dauphiné 2025

The Critérium du Dauphiné 2025 will feature a strong field of riders, including some of the top Grand Tour contenders. Riders will use the event as a final test of their form and a stepping stone toward the Tour de France. Key contenders for Critérium du Dauphiné 2025 include:

Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma)

Primoz Roglic, a Grand Tour champion and time trial specialist, has been dominant in previous editions of the Dauphiné, and his strong form will make him a top contender for the 2025 edition. Roglic is known for his aggressive style and ability to win both mountain stages and time trials.

Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates)

The 2023 Tour de France winner, Tadej Pogacar, will be looking to build on his already stellar reputation by performing strongly in the Critérium du Dauphiné 2025. Known for his ability to win both GC and mountain stages, Pogacar will be one to watch in this prestigious race.

David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ)

Having made a breakthrough in recent years, David Gaudu will be hoping to improve his performance in the 2025 Dauphiné. With a strong record in Alpine races, Gaudu is a real threat in the mountain stages and will aim to challenge for the overall win.

Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers)

The 2020 Giro d’Italia winner, Richard Carapaz, will be looking to bounce back in the Critérium du Dauphiné 2025. His climbing strength and tactical nous will make him a key figure in the GC race.

🏆 Critérium du Dauphiné 2025 Schedule and Key Dates

🗓️ June 8 – June 15, 2025

• Stage 1 (June 8): The race begins with a flat stage for sprinters
• Mountain Stages: The Alps will feature challenging climbs, including Col de la Croix de Fer and Mont Ventoux
• Time Trial (Stage 4): Riders will compete in an individual time trial
• Final Stage (June 15): The final stage promises a dramatic finish with riders vying for the overall title.

People Also Ask (PAA) for Critérium du Dauphiné 2025

1. When does Critérium du Dauphiné 2025 start?
The Critérium du Dauphiné 2025 will begin on June 8, 2025, in France.

2. Who are the favorites for Critérium du Dauphiné 2025?
Primoz Roglic, Tadej Pogacar, and David Gaudu are among the top favorites for the 2025 Dauphiné.

3. Where does Critérium du Dauphiné finish?
The Critérium du Dauphiné 2025 will finish in France, with a thrilling final stage that will determine the overall winner.

4. How can I watch Critérium du Dauphiné 2025?
The Critérium du Dauphiné 2025 will be available for live viewing on major sports networks and cycling streaming platforms.