Pogacar, Vingegaard, and Evenepoel to go head-to-head at the Criterium du Dauphiné
The 2025 Critérium du Dauphiné prepares to host an electrifying showdown among the sport's elite and promises to be a thrilling precursor to the Tour de France, featuring the formidable trio of Tadej Pogacar (UAE Emirates-XRG), Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike), and Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) battling for overall supremacy.
The Critérium du Dauphiné is the ultimate warm-up race for the Tour de France and the final chance for the favorites to test their form ahead of Grand Boucle in July.
The Critérium du Dauphiné starts this Sunday, June 8 and finishes on Sunday June 15 after eight stages. This year's route has stages for Sprinters, Rouleurs, Breakaway Specialists, Climbers and of course the GC favorites. Many riders who have won the Criterium du Dauphine have gone on to win the Tour de France.
Stage One on Sunday from Domerat to Montlucon is where the peloton will face two local laps and some punchy climbs along the way. The Cote de Domerat (1.9 km at 4.0%) and Cote de Buffon (0.6 km at 8.6%) might make it more difficult for some fast men to contest a final sprint.
Stage Two on Monday from Prémilhat to Issoire is 205 km long, there is a climb that could once again disrupt the sprinters, the Cote de Nonette (1.8km at 5.7%) 5km before the finish line.
Stage Three on Tuesday from Brioude to Charantonnay is suited for a breakaway, the undulating stage could be a day for those who want to risk it all for a stage win. GC favorites will be very attentive as 204km stage will be the first climbing test.
Stage Four on Wednesday is an 17.4 km individual time trial and contains a chunky climb at almost two kilometers long and more than eight percent gradient, a crucial day for the GC favorites.
Stage Five on Thursday from Saint-Priest to Macon is a hilly stage and could see a breakaway or bunch sprint. GC favorites who will no doubt keep their matches dry for another day.
Stage Six on Friday heads into the mountains from Valserhone and Comboux, it is a short stage of 126.7 kilometers three significant climbs before the mountain top finish. The final climb combines the the Cote de Domancy, which is 2.4 km at 8.6 percent, and then the Col de Cry, 2.7 km at 8.2 percent. Expect some fireworks from the GC favorites to try and make up or take time on the final climb.
As we head into the final weekend, Stage Seven on Saturday will light up the action with a mountainous stage. Featuring the mighty Madeleine (24.6 kilometers at 6.2 percent) and the legendary Croix de Fer (22.4 kilometers at 6.9 percent), and finally, the climb to Valmenier 1,800 (16.5 kilometers at 7.6 percent) Ski Station.
The GC favorites may let a small breakaway go up the road, but we expect a full on GC battle to take place on the final climb. Expect attacks, don't miss this stage!
The final Stage Eight on Sunday, is an uphill battle all the way from Val d'Arc to Mont-Cenis at over 2,000m above sea level. This 5km plateau follows the climb of Mont-Cenis, which is 9.6 kilometers long with an average gradient of 6.9 percent.
The Favorites
The Dauphiné has earned its reputation as a mini Tour de France, and this year's lineup is a testament to its status. With the entire final podium from the 2024 Tour de France participating, fans can expect a fierce competition as these titans of cycling vie for victory.
Tadej Pogacar, fresh off a stellar performance in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, is determined to conquer the Dauphiné, a title that has thus far eluded him. With a robust team backing him, including Tim Wellens, Nils Politt, and Pavel Sivakov, Pogacar is poised to make a statement in his comeback race.
Jonas Vingegaard, returning to action after a three-month hiatus due to a crash during Paris-Nice, is ready to reclaim his spot among the leaders. Accompanied by Matteo Jorgenson, who narrowly missed an overall victory in the Alps last season, Vingegaard aims to lead Visma | Lease a Bike to glory in both the Dauphiné and the Tour.
Remco Evenepoel, who last competed in the Tour de Romandy, is also in the mix, looking to build on his fifth-place finish. The Belgian has been training intensively in the Sierra Nevada and is eager to showcase his improved form after a delayed return from injury.
While Pogacar and Vingegaard are the clear favorites, they won't have an easy path to victory. Challengers such as Matteo Jorgenson, Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe), and Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious) are all set to make their mark. The Dauphiné has a history of unexpected winners, and the explosive duo of Santiago Buitrago and Lenny Martinez, along with Lidl-Trek's Mattias Skjelmose, could be the dark horses to watch.
The competition will also feature a host of other GC contenders, including Harold Tejada (XDS-Astana), Guillaume Martin (Groupama-FDJ), Felix Gall (Decathlon AG2R), Carlos Rodriguez (INEOS Grenadiers), Enric Mas (Movistar), Eddie Dunbar (Jayco AlUla), and the retiring Romain Bardet of Picnic PostNL, all eager to disrupt the favorites' plans.
As anticipation builds for the 2025 Dauphiné, fans are reminded that this race not only serves as a critical stepping stone to the Tour de France but also as a showcase for the world's top cycling talent.
Cycling enthusiasts can follow the daily stage highlights throughout the week on Gran Fondo Guide, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of this thrilling contest.
