The first of three mountain stages, today’s route is all about the final climb and it’s twisty descent with 20 hairpins to the finish.
Dauphiné
Critérium Dauphiné Stage 5 Preview
The last chance for the sprinters as the race heads to the foot of the Alps. Sam Bennett made it look easy last time, can he play it again?
Critérium du Dauphiné Stage 2 Preview
A rugged day across the Auvergne featuring narrow, rural roads and a passage through Brioude where Romain Bardet grew up and a Tour de France host town later this year. The final climb with 20km to go is steep and irregular and should ruin the day for several sprinters again.
Critérium du Dauphiné Stage 1 Preview
A short loop around the Cantal region and its extinct volcanoes. The best bit is the climb of the Puy Mary, too early for TV but a spectacular road before a finishing circuit fearing a climb that will rumble any sprinters short of form. Note the early finish today to avoid a TV schedule clash with the tennis in Roland Garros.
Critérium du Dauphiné Preview
Last year saw Geraint Thomas win en route to his Tour de France success. This time Chris Froome leads a long list of those hunting for a big win this season and looking to test their form ahead of the Tour de France.
2019 Critérium du Dauphiné Route Notes
The route for the Critérium du Dauphiné was unveiled yesterday and it’s a similar mix to usual, a pre-Tour de France build-up. Here’s a closer look at the stages.
The Moment The Critérium du Dauphiné Was Won
A winning moment? The team time trial gave Geraint Thomas a big cushion of a lead, almost a hammock to swing in but he confirmed as soon as the race reached the mountains that he could rival the pure climbers, including at Valmorel where he jumped away once the road flattened out take time on Adam Yates and Romain Bardet, his principal rivals and again at La Rosière, taking time and time bonuses.
Critérium du Dauphiné Stage 7 Preview
The final stage and the hardest finish with the climb to Le Bettex via Les Amerands. Remember the early finish time if you plan to watch on TV.