Stage 1 Domerat - Montlucon (195.8km)
The upcoming edition of the Critérium du Dauphiné will begin with a stage of 189.2 kilometers. After the start in Domerat, the terrain is initially quite flat, but in the second part, riders will encounter several climbs. In the final 85 kilometers, there are seven categorized climbs, all of fourth category. After the last leg-breaker, the Côte de Buffon (0.6 km at 8.6%), there are still 4.5 kilometers to the finish in Montluçon.
Montluçon is making its debut in the Critérium du Dauphiné, but it has a considerable cycling history. Notably because it is the birthplace of Roger Walkowiak, the surprising winner of the Tour de France in 1956. The shrinking town was also the finish location six times in that same Tour. In 1953, none other than Wout Wagtmans won here. But even recently, a major race passed through Montluçon: Wout van Aert sprinted to a time trial victory in Paris-Nice in 2022. As you can see, only the greats win here.
Stage 1 Domerat - Montlucon (195.8km)
The upcoming edition of the Critérium du Dauphiné will begin with a stage of 189.2 kilometers. After the start in Domerat, the terrain is initially quite flat, but in the second part, riders will encounter several climbs. In the final 85 kilometers, there are seven categorized climbs, all of fourth category. After the last leg-breaker, the Côte de Buffon (0.6 km at 8.6%), there are still 4.5 kilometers to the finish in Montluçon.
Montluçon is making its debut in the Critérium du Dauphiné, but it has a considerable cycling history. Notably because it is the birthplace of Roger Walkowiak, the surprising winner of the Tour de France in 1956. The shrinking town was also the finish location six times in that same Tour. In 1953, none other than Wout Wagtmans won here. But even recently, a major race passed through Montluçon: Wout van Aert sprinted to a time trial victory in Paris-Nice in 2022. As you can see, only the greats win here.