What is the Dauphiné?

Dauphin (pronounced "dough-fan") is the French word for dolphin. An early ruler of the area around Grenoble had a dolphin on his coat of arms, so his nickname, Dauphin, became a title for the regional ruler. During one period the region was sold to the king of France who gave it to his son, the heir apparent to the throne, and the title Dauphin came to mean the heir to the king. This diverse and beautiful region around Grenoble–from the Rhône River into the central Alps became known as the Dauphiné (pronounced "dough-fee-nay"). Years ago, a local newspaper organized a bike race in the region which is now called the "Criterium du Dauphiné," or sometimes just the "Dauphiné." It is an important race each spring setting the stage for the Tour de France.

So, what did this year’s Dauphiné tell us about the upcoming TDF?

First of all, the Dauphiné is only 8 stages, compared to 21 for the Tour de France. Many of the teams for the Tour participate in the Dauphiné, but not with all of their top stars. The teams use this race as a place to let some of their younger riders develop by mixing with some of the super-stars. But some of the sport’s top riders do contest the Dauphiné as a warm-up and to build their brand for the Tour.

Team Sky entered several of their top riders and authoritatively put their stamp on this year’s Dauphiné. In doing so, they put the cycling world on notice that Bradley Wiggins claims the rank of favorite for the Tour de France. His most fierce challenger in the Dauphiné was Cadel Evans (BMC), the defending GC champion from last year’s TDF. Evans finished a respectable 3^rd place overall, but Wiggins took 1^st, with two teammates at 2^nd and 4^th. The other teams in the Tour got a dramatic lesson on the value of support riders in carrying the star to victory.

Cadel Evans remains among my favorites for the Tour’s yellow jersey, but he will need stronger support from his team. Less impressive among GC contenders coming out of the Dauphiné were Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) and Tony Martin (Omega Pharma-Quickstep). Andy Schleck (RadionShack-Nissan) had high hopes in this race, and for the TDF, but crashed and injured his back. He eventually withdrew from the Dauphiné, and will be unable to ride the Grand Tour in July.

One rider who will not appear in the Tour de France this year, but who made a great first impression in the Dauphiné was Australia’s Luke Durbridge (Orica-GreenEdge). He won the prologue time trial, beating both Wiggins and Evans. Earlier in the year, he won the GC prize and the best young rider prize in the Circuit de Sarthe (a stage race in the Loire Valley of France), including a stage win in the time trial. At just age 21, he is also the reigning national time trial champion for Australia. He is a rider to watch for in future editions of the Tour de France. Remember, you heard it first right here!

The Dauphiné did not shed much light on the sprinting for the Tour. Bradley Wiggins’ star teammate for the sprints is Mark Cavendish who skipped this race. Instead, Cavendish threw down his gauntlet in the Giro d’Italia. With Cavendish in the sprints and Wiggins going for the GC, Team Sky looks primed to dominate this year’s Tour de France.

But don’t crown them just yet. Remember, lots of big names were absent from the Dauphiné, it was only an 8-stage race (not 21), and the more one team tries to dominate, the more the other teams work together to neutralize the bully. Which other teams or riders do you think will answer the challenge from Team Sky?

Some of the switchbacks in the middle section of the Alpe d'Huez.  This beautiful, challenging, classic Tour de France climb is in the heart of the Dauphiné region of France.  (But don't expect to see any dolphins.)