The Critérium du Dauphiné, one of the most traditional and important stage races on the cycling calendar, is about to undergo a significant change. From 2026, the tour will be organised under the new name Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes will be held in the future. This renaming marks the end of an era that began in 1947 with the founding of the race by the regional newspaper Dauphiné Libéré. The winner of the 2025 edition, Tadej Pogačar, will therefore go down in the history books as the last winner of the Critérium du Dauphiné.
Critérium du Dauphiné: New identity for traditional race
The decision to change the name was announced by A.S.O., the organiser of the race. It reflects the close connection to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, which has supported the race for years and through which it passes. The region, created from the merger of Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes in 2016, stretches from the Massif Central in the centre of France to the High Alps in the east. With a population of eight million people and Lyon as its capital, the region offers a diverse landscape for challenging stages. Christian Prudhomme, Head of Cycling at the A.S.O., emphasises the importance of this change: "Born in 1947 from a regional newspaper's passion for cycling, the Critérium du Dauphiné has grown with the roads and terrain that have shaped it. With the loyal support of the region, it has now become the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, a new name that fully reflects the race's territorial roots."
Results: Final standings Critérium du Dauphiné 2025
Stage 8: Val-d'Arc - Plateau du Mont-Cenis
Critérium du Dauphiné 2025: Stage 8, Val-d'Arc - Plateau du Mont-Cenis
| Rnk. | Riders | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bahrain - Victorious | 03:34:18 |
| 2 | Team Visma | Lease a Bike | +00:00:34 |
| 3 | UAE Team Emirates - XRG | +00:00:34 |
| 4 | Team Visma | Lease a Bike | +00:00:40 |
| 5 | Soudal Quick-Step | +00:00:40 |
| 6 | Movistar Team | +00:00:45 |
Continuity despite change
Despite the new name, the importance of the race as an important preparation for the Tour de France remains unchanged. The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes will continue to take place at the beginning of June, from 7 to 14 June 2026, thus retaining its traditional position in the race calendar. This placement will allow the top riders to test their form for the Tour de France and make final adjustments. The renaming will be accompanied by a new logo for the race, modernising the event's visual identity. This move underlines the organisers' desire to develop the race while preserving its roots.
