Date: Sunday June 4, 2023 – Sunday June 11, 2023
Start: Chambon-sur-Lac
Finish: Bastille
Total distance: 1,214.1km
Stages: Eight
Teams: 22
Defending champion: Primož Roglič (Jumbo-Visma)
Taking place in the southeast of France, the Critérium du Dauphiné is considered to be one of the most important races leading up to the Tour de France. Like many other big cycling races, the Critérium du Dauphiné was created by a newspaper to increase circulation, in this instance Le Dauphiné Libéré. After organising the race for many years, the French newspaper handed over its management to the Tour de France organisers ASO in 2010. The Critérium du Dauphiné now holds a prominent place in the ASO calendar of prestigious races. This year sees the race’s 75th edition after having first taken place in 1947.
Attracting some of the best riders, the Critérium du Dauphiné is a week-long showdown for those who will be racing in the Tour in July to fine tune their form. Primož Roglič will not be returning this year to defend his title, but his teammate and 2022 Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard, will be on the startline for the black and yellow clad team. The Jumbo-Visma rider also finished second in last year’s Critérium du Dauphiné and will be rider to beat this year. However, he’ll face strong competition from the likes of Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal – Quick-Step), Ben O’Connor (AG2R Citroën Team), Jai Hindley (Bora-Hansgrohe), David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ), and strong Ineon Grenadiers team containing 2020 winner Dani Martínez, Carlos Rodríguez, and the 2019 Tour winner Egan Bernal.
Only a handful of riders have won the eight-stage race three times, including Nello Lauredi, Luis Ocaña, Bernard Hinault, Charly Mottet, and Chris Froome. Eleven riders have defended their titles throughout the race’s history, and in recent years, Alejandro Valverde, Bradley Wiggins, and Chris Froome have won the race in back-to-back years. Richie Porte, Geraint Thomas, and Jakob Fuglsang (twice) are all riders who have added their names to the list of victors in this prestigious stage race.
(Photo: SWPix)
Critérium du Dauphiné 2023 teams:
- AG2R Citroën Team
- Alpecin-Deceuninck
- Astana Qazaqstan
- Bahrain-Victorious
- Bora-Hansgrohe
- Cofidis
- EF Education-EasyPost
- Groupama-FDJ
- Ineos Grenadiers
- Intermarché-Circus-Wanty
- Israel-Premier Tech
- Jumbo-Visma
- Movistar
- Soudal – Quick-Step
- Team Arkea-Samsic
- Team DSM
- Jayco Alula
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