Profiles Critérium du Dauphiné 2022

Regarded as one of the most crucial races leading up to the Tour de France, the Critérium du Dauphiné holds a prominent position among the main World Tour stage races. Often serving as the final preparation step before the Grand Boucle, it commences on June 5th. Over the course of eight stages, riders will traverse the challenging terrain of the Massif Central, the Rhône Valley, and the Alps.

Although some view the race as preparation, there is a lot of reputation and World Tour points available which will create an interesting battle over the course of over a week.

The first two stages are very open. Although they may favour the sprinters, there are plenty opportunities where breakaways, late attacks or even some GC riders may try to take advantage of the complicated set of days. Stage 1 into Beauchastel sees a 10.1-kilometer long climb at 4% twice, the final time only 31 kilometers away from the finish. Whilst the second has a very hilly route, with a couple of pinch points inside the final 15 kilometers which may be very well suited for late attacks.

The third stage into Sancy will be the race's first summit finish. Not a brutal day, but one where the climbers will certainly come to the front, and where some puncheurs may also stand a chance. The summit finish in the Sancy ski resort is 6.1 kilometers long at 5.5% average gradient - however it mellows in the final kilometer.

Stage 4 is the race's sole individual time-trial, however of sizeable dimensions for a one-week race. The route from Montbrison to La Bâtie d'Urfé is 32 kilometers long and features long and non-technical flat sections. It's a day where the specialists will have their way, whilst the overall classification will be changed quite a lot.

Stages 5 and 6 provide further opportunities for the sprinters however, as the opening two days, it also features some traps. Stage 5 has a hilly start where a strong breakaway may be formed in the ascents, whilst the last third of the stage also features small climbs with 24.5 and 13.5 kilometers to go that may disrupt the forecasted scenario.

The sixth day of racing will take the riders into the Alps for a finale in Gap. There are some longer ascents on the day which may make the difference. Late on in the day the peloton will descent into Gap, but then ride a small rolling ascent that summits with only 4.5 kilometers to the finish before a very fast run-in to the line.

Stage 7 is almost an exact replica of the Tour de France's stage 12. It features early on the ascent of the Col du Galibier via Lautaret well into 2600 meters of altitude, rough terrain for every rider. Later on, the race will also tackle the Col de la Croix de Fer, 28.4 kilometers at 5.2% average gradient however it's a climb split into three, where the gradients generally go much higher - including the final seven kilometers where it averages 8%.

After a descent that includes a couple of steep pitches, the riders will climb into Vaujany for the stage finale. An explosive climb, however at the end of such a hard day it will be a small ascent. 5.9 kilometers at 7.1%, the gradients bite quite more however the final kilometer is relatively flat.

The final day of racing will see the riders head further north into the Alps, for what is sure to be the queen stage of the race. 3700 meters packed in less than 140 kilometers, with several climbs throughout the day. The day starts with a difficult ascent, however they get harder throughout the day.

The final ascent of the day - and the race - will be the Plateau de Solaison. 11.4 kilometers at 8.9% average gradient, it's a very constant ascent which features nasty gradients where big gaps can be created and the race can be turnt on it's head.