Starting from 2026, the Critérium du Dauphiné will take on a new name and become the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, reflecting the ever-growing support of the host Region. The vibrant palette of landscapes in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has brought the race to a completely new level in recent years. The new name encapsulates its geographical identity, which has been intertwined with the event for over a decade.

NEW NAME, NEW COLORS

Tadej Pogacar emerged victorious from the 2025 edition of the Critérium du Dauphiné, the last before its transformation into the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. This change is the result of a long-standing collaboration between the Region and the event organizer and a logical next step in their enduring partnership. It is also a tribute to a territory that has now brought stages to each of its 12 departments. By adding the Central Massif and other areas to the mix, organizers are spoiled for choice when it comes to designing challenging routes for champions and ensuring that all types of riders have the opportunity to shine.

A HISTORIC RACE IN A REGION IN LOVE WITH CYCLING

The event has been attracting top cyclists since 1947. Originally, it was limited to the distribution area of Dauphiné Libéré, the regional newspaper that created the race, with legendary mountain passes and alpine ski resorts as the competition's highlight, but it has since expanded to the entire Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. A litmus test ahead of the Tour de France, it has crowned the greatest cyclists of all time, including five-time Tour de France winners: Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain.

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has also been the cradle of riders of the caliber of Romain Bardet, who just recently hung up his bike, as well as Rémi Cavagna from Clermont-Ferrand and Julian Alaphilippe, who cut his teeth in the Montluçon club.

The region's incomparable territory is also a paradise for amateur riders of all ages, who can best live out their passion and improve their well-being.

Fabrice Pannekoucke, President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region: "An important cycling region, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes hosts legendary races every year that are crucial for improving the visibility of our territory, such as the Critérium du Dauphiné, which today becomes the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. This is a great source of pride for us. Being one of the most anticipated events in the international calendar, this race is above all a gathering of the best champions and the elite of the world group, just weeks before the Tour de France. The Region is proud to be the main partner of such a competition, a true flagship of our commitment to supporting cycling".

Christian Prudhomme, Cycling Director, ASO: "The Critérium du Dauphiné was created in 1947 by a regional newspaper in love with cycling and has since grown in parallel with the roads and tracks that have made its history. Strengthened by the constant support of the Region, it will now become the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, taking on a new name that leaves no doubt about the race's regional roots. As we have seen in this edition, the region boasts a vibrant palette of landscapes and attracts the world's best cyclists with a breathtaking challenge in every sense".