Let’s go on the road to the Tour de France. The Critérium du Dauphiné is the first major preparatory stage race for the Grande Boucle, with stages in the Alps serving as a dress rehearsal for some July favorites. In the absence of Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates), winner of the Giro on Sunday May 26, and Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a bike), still in the recovery phase, Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) and Primoz Roglic (Bora -Hansgrohe) will be followed. Course, favorites, TV broadcast… Here is everything you need to know before the 76th edition of the Critérium du Dauphiné.
Who are the favorites for Dauphiné 2024?
Among the contenders for final victory, two candidates stand out: Remco Evenepoel and Primoz Roglic. The first will discover the event and resume competition after his fall in the Tour of the Basque Country last April, where he suffered a broken shoulder blade and collarbone. The Belgian will be one of the attractions of this 76th edition, even if questions remain about his state of form.
For his part, Primoz Roglic arrives on familiar ground, having won the event in 2022. Winner of the Giro last year, he has made the Tour de France his goal for the season. Victim of a fall, too, during the stage of the Tour of the Basque Country which brought down many of the favorites, he was less affected and wishes to gain strength between now and the Grande Boucle.
Finally, we must not forget other outsiders, such as Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a bike). In the absence of his leader Jonas Vingegaard, the American rider, winner of Paris-Nice last March, will be a good card for the team in the yellow jersey, which won the event last year with the Dane. If Primoz Roglic will be the leader of Bora-Hansgrohe, Jai Hindley will also be a rider to follow, as will Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates), or even Carlos Rodriguez (Ineos-Grenadiers).
On the French side, David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) will be one of the main cards for the general. The Breton rider, now based in Menton, returned to victory in April, and now wants to win again in the World Tour. His last success at this level dates back to 2022 with a stage on… the Critérium du Dauphiné. For his part, Guillaume Martin (Cofidis) will also be a candidate for the general classification, and will be a rider who will have to be reckoned with among the Tricolores.
Which French teams are present?
There will be four French teams at the start of this 76th edition. As the race belongs to the World Tour category, they are automatically invited to participate. These are Groupama-FDJ, Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, Cofidis and Arkéa-B & B Hotels. Last year, a fifth French team was involved: TotalEnergies. But this season, the Vendée team was not invited to participate by ASO.
At Groupama-FDJ, David Gaudu will therefore be the leader, in the same way as Guillaume Martin at Cofidis. From Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, Victor Lafay will be present. Winner of 2e stage of the Tour de France last year, he should have a role as teammate for Felix Gall.
Other French runners will be at the start. This is the case of Axel Laurance (Alpecin-Deceuninck), winner of the Tour of Norway last week. The Morbihannais could aim for a stage victory over profiles that could suit him well. For his part, Rémi Cavagna (Movistar) will have in mind the time trial planned for the 4th stage of this edition.
At what time and on which channel to watch the Critérium du Dauphiné?
The race will be followed every day on France 3 as well as on Eurosport. The broadcast on France 3 will begin at 3:30 p.m., except Sunday June 2 (3:10 p.m.), Thursday June 6 (1:10 p.m.), Saturday June 8 and Sunday June 9 (1:35 p.m.). For its part, Eurosport will go on air at 3:10 p.m. except on Sunday June 2 (3 p.m.), Thursday June 6 (12:45 p.m.), Saturday June 8 and Sunday June 9 (1 p.m.).
What are the stages of this Dauphiné 2024?
1D stage. Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule – Saint-Pouçain-sur-Sioule: 172.5 km
It is a hilly profile that awaits the runners, even if a sprint could well take place to determine the first leader of this 76th edition. Unless the punchers seek to compete for victory, with a bump located not far from the finish, in the final loop repeated twice.
2e stage. Gannat – Col de la Loge: 142 km
The favorites have their say this Monday. After a first stage where the fastest can have their chance, they will have to give way to the climbers for this second day. It will be necessary to chain three difficulties in the last thirty kilometers, with the Col de la Loge to finish the stage. The yellow jersey could change shoulders and the first gaps could be made in the general.
3e stage. Celles-sur-Durolle – Les Estables, 182 km
The adventurers and punchers will have their say on this stage. Once again, the finale will be complicated, with an arrival at the top of a difficulty. The Estables coast (3.8 km at 5.2% average) should serve as a justice of the peace. The decision should not be made before determining the winner, but a small group could emerge before the foot of the climb.
4e stage. Saint-Germain-Laval – Neulise, 34.4 km (individual time trial)
This is a decisive time for the general classification. It has a good distance, more than 30 kilometers, and should delight the specialists, but above all you will have to be strong to shine. The final, bumpy, will require resources to manage the last kilometers.
5e stage. Amplepuis – Saint-Priest, 167 km
This fifth day will be for the sprinters. An almost flat stage which will delight the fastest runners in the peloton for this 76th edition. Some difficulties are on the program, but the finale in Isère then the Rhône will delight the sprinters who have resisted until now.
6e stage. Hauterives – Le Collet d’Allevard, 174.5 km
This is one of the big meetings for the favorites of this edition. A mountain stage, with an arrival at the top of a climb classified as non-category. The first half of the stage will be a warm-up before the second part, with the Col du Granier then the Collet d’Allevard and its 11.2 km at an average of 8.1%. A climb where it will be impossible to hide. The favorites of this Dauphiné will have a beautiful field to compete against each other.
7e stage. Albertville – Samoëns 1600, 156 km
An alpine day that could remind you of the Tour de France. Four climbs are on the program for this penultimate stage: the Col des Saisies, the Côte d’Arâches, the Col de la Ramaz and the climb to Samoëns, classified out of category. Once again, the favorites should compete for victory, at the end of a 10 km climb at an average of 9.3%.
8e stage. Thônes – Plateau des Glières, 161 km
For once, the Critérium du Dauphiné ends with a difficult stage. After three climbs, two of which are first category, the peloton will finish with this 76th edition at the top of the Plateau des Glières (9.4 km at 7.1%). A climb known to runners since it has appeared several times on the Tour de France program. Enough to give rise to a final fight for the general classification, if the positions are not fixed.
