The 77th edition of
Criterium du Dauphiné was also the last one in the race's history. Don't worry, the traditional Tour de France test is not going anywhere though. From 2026, all the cycling stars will be circling the
Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in their calendars.
Thus, Tadej Pogacar's first victory at Dauphiné last Sunday was also the last one anyone will ever add (at least in the foreseeable future). The legacy of Le Dauphiné Libéré, a local newspaper that funded the race ends here. "The new name fully reflects the regional roots of the race," said
Christian Prudhomme, the boss of the Tour de France and director of cycling at organiser ASO.
Don't forget just how important newspapers have been - pretty much every race has been started by a newspaper. Which means that cyclinguptodate could launch it's own races. I propose a mountain classic in Wales [Cymru] - a 257km long route in Abergavenny [Y Fenni], with a repeated loop of Blorenge [Blorens], thus climbing the Foxhunter [5.2km at 8.7% average, max gradient 19%] 18 times, totalling to 8380m of climbing [that's twice a grand tour queen stage].
I also propose a seven day Tour of the Lake District. The lake district is packed with climbs, all very close together, and can be made into loops, which can be repeated. You can use a repeated loop of any of Whinlatter Pass, Newlands Pass and Honister Pass. You could also use a loop of the Struggle and Kirkstone Pass. You could also use a loop featuring any of Corney Fell, Birker Fell, Hardknott Pass, Wrynose Pass and Walna Scar Pass. If you want flat land go to Keswick