The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes formerly known as the Critérium du Dauphiné is one of the most prestigious races leading up to the Tour de France. Taking place from June 7th to 14th, 2026, this event has historically been a proving ground for cycling legends. Riders like Jacques AnquetilEddy Merckx and Bradley Wiggins have all triumphed here, setting the stage for this year’s intense competition.
This year’s race is particularly mountainous, with the opening stage already posing a significant challenge to the The final two days will feature some of the most demanding climbs, rivaling those of the Tour de France itself. There are two opportunities for sprinters, though both stages are hilly and difficult to control. Additionally, a hilly team time trial will serve as crucial preparation for the Tour’s opening day.
The Demanding Stage Profiles
The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes features a variety of stages, each with its own unique challenges. The third stage, a team time trial, is particularly noteworthy. Covering 28.4 kilometers with 400 meters of climbing, it includes two significant climbs: one 4.9 kilometers long at 3.5% and another 4.3 kilometers long at around 3%. The final 800 meters average a 6% gradient, ensuring a grueling finish.
Stage 4, from Le Puy-en-Velay to Montrond-les-Bains spans 167.2 kilometers and features a flat finale. However, the first two-thirds of the stage are filled with climbs, making it difficult to control. The hardest climb is 7.8 kilometers at 5.5%, with the uphill terrain ending 50 kilometers from the finish. The final 35 kilometers are flat, providing an opportunity for a bunch sprint.
Stage 5, from Saint-Chamond to Villars-les-Dombes is another potential sprint stage. Covering 196.2 kilometers, it features two categorized climbs within the first 7 kilometers. The stage is challenging but offers a chance for sprinters to shine.
Key Contenders and Predictions
The team time trial on stage 3 is expected to be highly competitive. Team Visma | Lease a Bike with riders like Matteo Jorgenson and Wout Van Aert is considered a strong favorite. Netcompany INEOS featuring Joshua Tarling and Kévin Vauquelin is also a team to watch. Other notable contenders include Lidl-TrekTeam Jayco AlUla and Movistar Team.
Stage 2, from Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux to Le Puy-en-Velay is a long and grueling 234.3 kilometers with almost 3,700 meters of climbing. The stage features five categorized climbs, including the Col de Chatain and the Côte de Saint-Vidal. This stage is likely to favor breakaway riders, with contenders like Wout van Aert and Benoit Cosnefroy expected to perform well.
The weather for stage 2 is expected to be very warm, with temperatures close to 30 degrees Celsius at the start. There is a small chance of thunder but little rain, though the weather could deteriorate as the day progresses.
Strategic Considerations
The team time trial on stage 3 requires precise pacing and strategy. Teams must decide whether to attack the climbs hard and risk losing time on the descents or to take a more conservative approach. The final 800 meters, with a 6% average gradient, will test the riders’ endurance and tactical acumen.
For the hilly stages, breakaway riders will have the advantage. Riders with strong climbing abilities and endurance, such as Marco Frigo and Ben Healy are expected to be among the top contenders. The long and demanding stages will separate the strong from the weak, making for an exciting and unpredictable race.
As the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes unfolds, all eyes will be on the elite cyclists as they navigate the challenging terrain and vie for victory. With its rich history and prestigious reputation, this race is a crucial stepping stone for those aiming to conquer the Tour de France.
