With barely any rest after the hectic 2025 Giro—authoritatively won by Englishman Simon Yates—one of the most anticipated races on the cycling calendar arrives: the Critérium du Dauphiné. This race serves as a testing ground for the big names in the peloton ahead of the year’s main event, the Tour de France.
The trio of stars in this race consists of Tadej Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Remco Evenepoel, who topped the podium in last year’s Tour and will all be present in this edition of the Dauphiné, taking place from June 8 to 15. Other notable riders who are likely to make an impact include Skjelmose, Buitrago, and the Spanish duo of Rodríguez and Mas.
As is typical for this race, it features a mix of flat stages, time trials, and major Alpine mountain stages, culminating in a dramatic seventh stage with three hors catégorie climbs. This is why it’s often considered a “mini Tour de France.”
Primož Roglič, winner of the 2024 Dauphiné. Image: © A.S.O./Billy Ceusters
Pogačar comes in as the heavy favorite after a stellar spring classics campaign (9 victories, including Liège–Bastogne–Liège, the Tour of Flanders, and a commendable second place in his first-ever Paris-Roubaix).
Vingegaard, who was injured in March during Paris–Nice, has only won the Volta ao Algarve this season. Since then, his team has been carefully managing his recovery to ensure he arrives in peak form for the Tour de France. The Dauphiné will be a crucial test to gauge his condition.
As for Remco Evenepoel, he has raced more frequently this season, although with modest results. The two-time Olympic champion suffered an injury that disrupted the start of his season. For that reason, he has already ruled himself out of contention for the general classification.
No matter what happens, don’t miss the Dauphiné, the Tour de Suisse, and the upcoming Tour de France on Cyclingoo—the best cycling app!