Critérium du Dauphiné 2025 - Stage 1 - Stage profile

Stage 1 of the Critérium du Dauphiné begins in Domérat and opens with a flat first half, before ramping up with seven fourth-category climbs in the second. It’s a day for breakaways to fight for mountain points and a chance to wear the polka dot jersey early. With the final climb — Côte de Buffon (0.7km at 8%) — just over 5km from the line, it's a tough stage to control. Sprinters may struggle, while puncheurs and attackers could thrive. A breakaway win isn’t out of the question, and even early GC moves can’t be ruled out.