Critérium du Dauphiné

The Critérium du Dauphiné, previously known as the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré until 2010, is an annual cycling road race held in the Dauphiné region in southeastern France. Typically run over eight days in early June, this race is a critical part of the UCI World Tour calendar and serves as an essential preparation for the Tour de France, akin to the Tour de Suisse. Since its inception in 1947 by the local newspaper, the Dauphiné Libéré, the event has become a proving ground for climbers due to its challenging mountain stages that often feature famous climbs like Mont Ventoux and the Col du Galibier. The race has seen legendary cyclists like Bernard Hinault and Chris Froome, both securing three victories each, who went on to win the Tour de France multiple times.

History and course of the Critérium du Dauphiné

The Critérium du Dauphiné, initiated in 1947 by the newspaper Le Dauphiné Libéré, is a historic cycling race deeply rooted in the mountainous terrains of the French Alps, particularly the Rhône-Alpes region. Created to promote the newspaper's circulation after World War II, the race quickly established itself as a significant fixture in the professional cycling calendar, particularly as a preparatory event for the Tour de France. Over the years, the course has evolved, traditionally starting with flatter stages and building up to the high mountain challenges, making it a comprehensive test of a rider's capabilities and form ahead of July's Grand Tour. After a brief discontinuation in the late 1960s, the race resumed under the joint organization of the newspaper and Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), which took over complete organization in 2010. 

Recent winners of the Critérium du Dauphiné

2023: Jonas Vingegaard (Denmark)
2022: Primož Roglič (Slovenia)
2021: Richie Porte (Australia)
2020: Daniel Martínez (Colombia)
2019: Jakob Fuglsang (Denmark)
2018: Geraint Thomas (Great Britain)
2017: Jakob Fuglsang (Denmark)
2016: Chris Froome (Great Britain)
2015: Chris Froome (Great Britain)