Critérium du Dauphiné

In some regards the Criterium is a mini Tour de France, a practise run for teams and individuals. Many big names have won both or at least made the podium in both, his includes the likes of Eddy Merckx, Chris Froome and Jonas Vingegaard.

The graph shows the number of different riders on the podium of the Criterium de Dauphine and the Tour de France. It also shows the number of riders podiuming in both in the same decade. The Criterium was first held in 1947.

While many riders may do both races in the same year the chance of them being on the podium is low, this is because both races can be subject to bad weather and crashes. They are still different races though.

The Criterium is only a week long while the Tour is held over three weeks. The types of stages are the same there are just less of them meaning less opportunities to grab wins for teams and fewer chances for those fighting for the General Classification to gain time on rivals. The high mountains are present in both races meaning upcoming riders can show themselves.

Teams may also use the smaller race to see which riders work together and to sort out tactics for the Tour de France. It is also a good opportunity to see how well other teams are doing and who the main competition is for the Tour whether it is for GC or just stages.

Crashes which are bound to happen as is the norm in pro cycling will change the fitness level and mental game of riders and if the physical injuries are too serious the rider may be forced to skip the Tour and focus on other goals later on in the year. A big injury means that training will be missed which may be vital for the Tour de France and so the team could make the decision to change who starts the race. So while the Criterium is a good training opportunity for the Tour there are also risks to it which each team has to account for.

Those who do not go on to race the Tour de France may be using it as training for other smaller stage races or simply as a chance to show how strong they are as a team. A stage win will always be recognised and for some teams such as TotalEnergies a stage win may help them make their presence known in the pro peloton.

This year it is likely to be a GC competition between Jonas Vingegaard who won it in 2023, Tadej Pogacar who has raced it once in 2020 and finished 4th and Remco Eveneopel who finished 7th in 2024. Primoz Roglic who has already raced in the Giro this year will not be taking part but is currently set to start the Tour de France.