Critérium du Dauphiné 2025 - Prediction

Critérium du Dauphiné 2025: The ultimate test for Tour contenders

With the Tour de France approaching, the Critérium du Dauphiné traditionally serves as a crucial benchmark for general classification riders. This year promises an even fiercer battle, as Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Remco Evenepoel will all be at the start. Cycling fans can brace themselves for a week of thrilling spectacle, where the top favorites will test their form and assess their rivals.

The route: a mix of punchy finales and tough mountain stage

The Dauphiné kicks off with a hilly opening stage to Montluçon, where sprinters and classics specialists will have their chance. The second and third stages follow a similar pattern, featuring short climbs that could thin out the peloton. From day four, things get serious: a 17.4 km individual time trial will create the first shake-up in the general classification.
The real battle ignites in the final three stages. Friday sees the riders heading into the mountains, with a summit finish on Col de Cry, a 2.7 km climb at 8.2%. Saturday will be a grueling test, tackling Madeleine, Croix de Fer, and Valmeinier 1800, a stage designed for pure climbers. The final stage on Sunday takes the peloton to Col de Mont-Cenis, where the ultimate winner must prove themselves once and for all. 

The favorites: Who will show their Tour form?

With Pogacar, Vingegaard, and Evenepoel at the start, the Dauphiné is shaping up to be a mini-Tour de France. Pogacar has never won this race, but his aggressive racing style always makes him a threat. Vingegaard, the 2023 winner, will want to prove he is ready to defend his Tour title. Evenepoel, who finished seventh last year, has stated that he has improved and aims to get closer to the absolute top.

Beyond these three stars, there are outsiders who could surprise. Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) is a strong contender for the sprint stages, while Magnus Cort (Uno-X) is a dangerous rider for breakaways. However, the battle for overall victory will likely be fought among the GC contenders.

Conclusion: A week of cycling spectacle

The Critérium du Dauphiné 2025 promises an intense showdown, where Tour favorites will test their form and measure up against their rivals. With a challenging route and a top-tier field, cycling fans can look forward to a week of excitement and drama. Who will take the first step toward Tour glory? We’ll soon find out!