The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, a prestigious French race and a crucial warm-up for the Tour de France, is set to take place from June 7th to 14th, 2026. This year's edition promises to be particularly challenging, with a focus on mountainous terrain and a queen stage that will test the mettle of even the most seasoned cyclists. The race, formerly known as the Criterium du Dauphiné, has a rich history, having been won by cycling legends such as Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, and Lance Armstrong. In recent years, it has maintained its prestige, attracting top riders like Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome, and Tadej Pogacar.
One of the standout features of this year's race is the queen stage, which will cover a staggering 120 kilometers with a whopping 4000 meters of climbing. This stage, starting in Le Bridoire and finishing at the summit of Grand Colombier, is a true test of endurance and strength. The climb to Grand Colombier, in particular, is a brutal 8.5-kilometer ascent averaging 10%, with the first half being even steeper, reaching 20% in some sections. This climb could potentially decide the race, as the GC (General Classification) riders will be pushed to their limits.
The race organizers have designed a challenging course that will keep the riders on their toes throughout. The opening stage, for instance, is a short but explosive 146-kilometer ride with 3200 meters of climbing, including a steep 2.4-kilometer ascent with an average gradient of over 10%. This stage could set the tone for the rest of the race, with the action truly beginning with 52 kilometers to go. The final two days will be equally demanding, with the final stage rivaling some of the most iconic mountain stages of the Tour de France.
The race also features two opportunities for sprinters, although both stages are hilly and hard to control. The team time trial, a traditional feature of the race, will serve as a specific preparation for the opening day of the Tour. This year's TTT is particularly challenging, with 28 kilometers and 400 meters of climbing, including two climbs that are 4.9 and 4.3 kilometers long, respectively.
In my opinion, the queen stage is the highlight of the race, and it will be fascinating to see how the riders handle the brutal climbs. The race organizers have done a great job of designing a course that will test the riders' endurance, strength, and tactical prowess. I predict that the stage will be won by a rider who can maintain a strong pace throughout the climb, with the GC battle heating up as the stage progresses. The race will be a true test of character, and I can't wait to see how the riders handle the challenges that lie ahead.
