Critérium du Dauphiné - Winners
The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (officially rebranded from the Critérium du Dauphiné starting in 2026) is an eight-day UCI WorldTour stage race held each June in southeastern France. Known as the premier "warm-up" for the Tour de France, the event is strategically positioned just weeks before the Grand Boucle, allowing top contenders to test their form on similar Alpine terrain.
When was the first edition of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes?
The first edition of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (long known as the Critérium du Dauphiné) was held in 1947. The inaugural edition was won by Polish rider Edward Klabiński
How did the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes come into existence?
The race was established in 1947 by the regional newspaper Le Dauphiné Libéré as a way to boost circulation and revitalise cycling in the Alps following World War II.
Founded by Georges Cazeneuve and former resistance fighters, the event was strategically positioned in June to serve as the premier mountainous preparation for the Tour de France.
Its modern identity was solidified through a 1969 merger with the Circuit des Six-Provinces, and it eventually transitioned from newspaper ownership to ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation) in 2010, ensuring its status as the definitive summer warm-up for the world's elite climbers.
Who has won the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes the most times?
The record for the most overall victories in the race is shared by five riders: Nello Lauredi, Luis Ocaña, Charly Mottet, Bernard Hinault, and Chris Froome, who have each won the general classification three times.
What makes the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes unique?
The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (formerly the Critérium du Dauphiné) is unique as the only race won by all five quintuple winners of the Tour de France.
Where is the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes held?
The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is held in southeastern and central France, primarily within the administrative region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Traditionally, the race centred on the historical Dauphiné region in the French Alps, but it has expanded westward to include the rugged Massif Central
What category race is the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes?
The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is part of the UCI WorldTour, the highest level of professional road cycling.
Which colour is the leader jersey in the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes?
The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes leader's jersey for the general classification is yellow, sponsored by LCL
