Critérium du Dauphiné

Criterium du Dauphine stars of cycling without the crowds

Spectacular Race Action In The French Alps

Watch the world’s very best professional bike racers in a beautiful part of France at the Critérium du Dauphiné, whilst you also experience for yourself premium quality fully guided bike rides with the local French Alps bike race tour specialists. For all avid fans and discerning cyclists who may have seen the Tour de France in July, enjoy the biggest stars in cycling without the crowds, classic cycling and the majestic beauty of the French Alps at their best!

The Criterium bike race is a highlight of the season for the Practice Bicycle team, who have a special passion for cycling and International racing ready to share with you.

The Critérium du Dauphiné is the final lead up race to the Tour de France each year, which means you can expect a spectacle of racing delights with the worlds very best climbers and general classification professionals testing their physical limits. This year the race route is designed for the climbers with the final 4 stages full of new roads and new climbs a greater challenge for all the expected TDF riders.
This spectacular action packed viewing added to the best cycling of your life gives our guests an amazing cycling holiday experience brought to you with the knowledge and expertise of the professionals based in Annecy, France.

Critérium du Dauphiné

This premium bike tour brings you up close and personal with live viewing of the final Alpine stages of the 73rd edition of the Critérium du Dauphiné bike race at our “unique viewing spots” only achievable from the experienced local Annecy bike tour team. Enjoy the action of Geraint Thomas, Adam Yates, Romain Bardet, Warren Barguil and Dan Martin all targeting the Dauphine bike race.  Each day will also include the very best bike rides in the world, fully guided and tailored amongst breathtaking scenery in the French Alps and the Rhone Alps Region of France. This proven Practice Bicycle formula of the ideal balance between quality rides, race viewing and relaxing is enjoyed by all our discerning bike riders and non-cycling guests.

Can’t get enough of cycling in the French Alps?

Training CampsWe also offer our French Alps Bike Tours before and after the Critérium du Dauphiné. Come and ride the spectacular French Alps with a week of unbelievable cycling including classic Cols.

View French Alps Bike Tour
Tour Type question mark-01

Bike Race Tour

Activity Level question mark-01

Flexible – from 40 km/day to 100 km/day
We offer a choice of 2-3 ride distances each day as per our itineraries i.e 50km.75km or 100km (Unique in the Industry for a Bike Race Tour)

Available Packages question mark-01

Premium Tour:
3* Hotel Accommodation, $3202 per person
2* Hotel Accommodation, $2740 per person

Rides Only:
Flexible Stay, $1892 per person

Weekend:
3* Hotel Accommodation, $1439 per person
2* Hotel Accommodation, $1321 per person

One Hotel Cycling

Annecy, France

Proposed Dates

2 – 7 June 2021

Duration

6 Days / 5 Nights

Small Group Size

4 to 8 people

Optional Extras question mark 01

Single room – $467
Bike hire – $500
Non-cycling partner – $2905

Non-cycling partner?

That’s ok, we cater to non-cyclists too!

For avid fans of international cycle races who don’t wish to ride, or for non-cyclists who want to accompany their bike riding husband/wife/partner at the extraordinary French Alps experience in June this year. In fact, enjoy all the same benefits as the Critérium du Dauphiné Bike Race Tour guests! Only your choice is to join in the race action and experience all the uniqueness of the marvellous French Alps in June at a more leisurely pace from the comfort of the support vehicle all with your local team in Annecy!

A brilliant week on our 2019 Criterium du Dauphine Bike Tour. Thank you so much for making our first tour experience outstanding.
Annecy and the surrounding region was everything we hoped it would be for a cycling experience and a breath of fresh air for a road cyclist. The cycling routes, countryside and roadways where outstanding but what really stands out is the cycling ethos in Annecy. Cyclists everywhere, quiet country roads with beautiful road surfaces and courteous car traffic. A week of feeling part of the local cycling community and a welcoming place to be a road cyclist!
Our hosts Paul and Bridget were delightful. We might all be there for the cycling but really it is the feeling of camaraderie that you take home with you. Laughing, cycling and stories are all wrapped together and for those of us with busy lives and responsibilities it is a blessing to just be on the bike and feel the joy.
Practice Bicycle really took care of navigating the language, the routes, transport, schedules and details so we could relax and really enjoy the ride. It is no easy feat to blend race viewing and five great rides during the Dauphine. Paul and Bridget are pros and work together extremely well to put it all together.
We were up for a challenge and Practice Bicycle delivered. A couple of warm up days to adjust to the roads and terrain and then three challenging days of climbing. Paul is a master at tailoring pace to ability and ensured our biggest goals were met as we summited major Col’s and built lasting memories. With a lifetime of cycling and racing knowledge Paul and Bridget not only created a great cycling experience, but we learned more about cycling in five days than our prior years combined.
If cycling brings you balance, if cycling brings you life, than Practice Bicycle gives you an immersion into the cycling experience that can reconnect you with your passion and fuel it for years to come.
Testimonial by D. Torgerson – USA
D. Torgerson – USA
We’re recommending to all our guests to investigate and follow the latest travel restrictions prior to booking.

Dates

Premium Tour
2021
  • 02 June — 07 June Enquire
Rides Only
2021
  • 03 June — 06 June Enquire
Weekend
2021
  • 04 June — 06 June Enquire

Itinerary

New roads and new climbs at the Criterium du Dauphine. Don’t miss out in 2021 and enquire above.

Day 1

Wednesday 2 June - Arrival Day in Annecy - Criterium du Dauphine 2021
ARRIVAL TIME: 2:00pm
*Ride Option:
Distance 40km (25mi) Ascent 200m (650ft) Route Lac Annecy

Inclusions: Airport Transfer, Welcome Drinks & Dinner in one of Annecy’s Finest Restaurants

Today is arrival day with your private transfer from Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) to your hotel in the wonderful town of Annecy nestled at the base of the French Alps and on the shores of spectacular Lake Annecy.
Once checked-in, relax and take the time to enjoy one of the most stunning towns in the world, explore the medieval streets and the canals of the ‘Venice of the Alps’. Un-wind from your travels, take a leisurely drink and become a part of France for just a few days. Should time permit enjoy a welcome ride around spectacular Lake Annecy the ideal preparation for the following 4 fantastic action-packed stages at the Criterium du Dauphine 2021.
This evening we invite you to join us for a Welcome Aperitif and Gourmet Dinner at one of Annecy’s finest Restaurants to experience local Haute Savoie cuisine!

Day 2

Thursday 3rd June - View the Criterium du Dauphine Stage 5 Saint-Chamond > Saint-Vallier (Alps)
*Ride Options:
Distance 42km/26mi Ascent 400m/1300ft route Rhone
Distance 73km/45mi Ascent 550m/1800ft route Châteauneuf-de-Galaure
Distance 105km/65mi Ascent 920m/3000ft route Vercors
Inclusions: Breakfast, Dauphine Rhone Restaurant Lunch

When the organisation was planning the 2021 Criterium Dauphine route it was certainly all about the climbers. We pick up the action on stage 5 as the peloton reaches halfway across the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region in this year’s stage race.
Transferring by vehicle this morning we start our cycling adventures on the roads of the Drome. It’s time for the action to really hot up with four consecutive superb mountain stages, its amazing cycling terrain and you will experience the very best riding and race viewing with this unique event, with new routes and climbs on offer in a format that will surprise the best professionals in the world on the roads of the Rhone-Alps this June.
Every day the action promises to get more exciting as we head to the live race action along this challenging route with 5 short but intense climbs towards the finish line on the banks of the Rhone river.
We’ll have time to relax and reward ourselves with superb lunch flavours of the Rhone Valley together before the world stars of cycling arrive at their maximum limits at this year’s Dauphine.

Day 3

Friday 4th June - View the Criterium du Dauphine Stage 6 Loriol-sur-Drôme > Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse (Alps)
*Ride Option:
Distance 40km/25mi Ascent 800m/2600ft route Chartreuse
Distance 63km/39mi Ascent 1300m/4300ft route Voiron
Distance 110km/68mi Ascent 1800m/5900ft route Chambery
Inclusions: Breakfast, Grenoble Restaurant Lunch

This could be considered the Alpine warm-up stage although like yesterday full of difficult terrain for the race peloton as they head into the Chartreuse Regional Nature Park.
Great roads for our cycling adventures to catch up with all the action of stage 6 in this wilderness park in the Chartreuse Mountains between the two key towns of Chambery and Grenoble. We will ease our legs into this year’s Dauphine with these fantastic roads and if you are as fired up as the professional cyclists then hit the slopes of the categorised col to test your own legs during your fantastic cycling holiday. This will be the first real test for the stars of cycling looking to win this year’s yellow jersey!
With all our specialty bike race tours, we cannot wait to share great cycling with you and great local flavours each day on route with a classic restaurant lunch, try the local ‘Ravioles du Royans’ you’ll love it! Superb cycling, wonderful French food and first-class world tour race viewing this has to be the perfect cycling day in the Alps. We will return to Annecy by support vehicle for you to enjoy your evening in one of France’s finest towns.

Day 4

Saturday 5th June - View the Criterium du Dauphine Stage 7 Saint-Martin-Le-Vinoux > La Plagne (Alps)
*Ride Option:
Distance 45km/28mi Ascent 100m/330ft route Albertville
Distance 63km/39mi Ascent 700m/2300ft route Beaufortain Valley
Distance 90km/56mi Ascent 1750m/5700ft route Grand Alps
Inclusions: Breakfast, Beaufortain Restaurant Lunch

Riding from your Hotel we have unbelievable views all way as we head out of ‘Cycling Paradise’ with the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy this breathtaking backdrop has to be the most idyllic way to start the best bike ride of your life!
The race organisation has made this a challenging weekend in the French Alps for this year’s Criterium Dauphine route with 2 HC category climbs on stage 7, it will certainly test every muscle fibre to the limit for the winner of the 2021 Criterium du Dauphine.
Today takes the professionals over 2000m elevation on two occasions, full of classic alpine cols throughout the route in the Aravis Mountain Range. This is Practice Bicycle Tours backyard since 1998 and we cannot wait to share these spectacular cycling roads with you. Riding the race route, enjoy this amazing scenery at the perfect pace, your pace! Heading into the Grand Alps with your own magnificent ride and supported all the way by the local professional guides with a choice of ride options, tailored to your cycling ability.
With our own cycling done for the day and at your ‘unique live viewing spot’ in the Alps your team has thought of everything for you, get your breath back and enjoy your Alpine lunch at one of our favourite restaurants and all the action of the Criterium Dauphine. Should you have not pedalled enough, the options are endless…ride some more or return to Annecy by support vehicle with plenty of time for you to relax ready for more Criterium race action tomorrow.

Day 5

Sunday 6th June - View the Criterium du Dauphine Stage 8 La Léchère-Les-Bains > Les Gets (Alps)
*Ride Options:
Distance 48km/30mi Ascent 1300m/4300ft route Le Grand Bornand
Distance 70km/43mi Ascent 1800m/5900ft route Col de la Croix-Fry
Distance 105km/65mi Ascent 2210m/7200ft route Gorges de l’Arly
Inclusions: Breakfast, Dauphine French Alps Lunch

Today is our last superb ride opportunity together during your Dauphine week straight from your Hotel door. The value of the one location really comes into its own with one final adventure as we again head deep into the Grand Alps…it must be experienced to be believed, if you still have your uphill pedalling legs!
Will the Criterium winner be already decided or can the best climbers in the world challenge each other just one more time over this final classic French Alps tour stage?
Take advantage of your team’s planning and all their local knowledge to give you the best of both worlds with your ‘unique live viewing spot’ on the slopes of the mountain and a superb day at the Criterium Dauphine in 2021. Flexibility with our premium small group allows for the absolute best ride options; why not test your legs with a classic cycling col…before descending in time for an Alpine recovery lunch simply perfect!
Once refreshed we are at the ideal spot to end a great week of memorable riding together, it’s time to relax and enjoy the rest of this special day and one last moment to absorb the professional peloton in the Alps!
Return to Annecy by support vehicle or take advantage of the euphoria of ‘Cycling Paradise’ with breathtaking views cycling all the way back to Annecy!

Day 6

Monday 7th June – Departure Day from Annecy and the Criterium du Dauphine
DEPARTURE TIME: 12:00pm
Inclusions: Breakfast, Geneva International Airport Transfer

Today is the departure day from your Criterium Dauphine adventure. Your team will say goodbye this morning and transfer you to Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) for your midday departure. Practice Bicycle Tours wish you a “Bon Voyage”, safe cycling until we Practice Bicycle together again.

*As with all the Practice Bicycle Tours planned rides you always have the option of taking it easy and enjoying the comfort of the support vehicle and all the spectacle of the day at a more leisurely pace.

Am I fit enough for this trip?

Whether you have years of cycling experience or are just new to the bike the Criterium du Dauphine bike race tour is for anyone who is a fan of the best bike racing in the world!

With our local knowledge from over 20 years riding this amazing cycling destination, expect only the very best rides.  Each cycling route during your Dauphine Bike Tour will be tailored specifically to your bike riding ability and experience, including the opportunity of riding on parts of the stage route.

So you can have a challenging ride or a comfortable ride – the choice is yours with the professionals!

Will I have enough to do off the bike?

Our Bike Race Tours are packed full of race action and the very best cycling of your life.
Should you still have energy to spare then Annecy is one of the best places in the world to explore! the stunning location of Lake Annecy is the absolute perfect base for your Criterium du Dauphine cycling holiday.

You may choose to wander the enchanting streets, do some shopping or just sit by the lake and admire the spectacular views and watch French life pass you by. The team can assist you in choosing from the many superb restaurants, bars and salon du teas in the home of Practice Bicycle, Annecy. Spend your evening enjoying a lovely meal just like a local, ready for your next day full of new sights, adventures and opportunities in the French Alps. Bon soiree!

Where will I be staying?

Practice Bicycle offer a choice of proven 2* or  3* quality, air-conditioned hotel accommodation located in the heart of undoubtedly the most beautiful town in France, Annecy. The Perfect location to enjoy the best of the Criterium du Dauphine bike race in 2020.

Hotel des Alpes 2 Star Annecy France          Hotel Campanile Annecy Centre 3 Star France          Novotel Annecy Center 4 Star France

Is this trip challenging enough for me?

We enjoy a challenge as much as we love cycling.
The team at Practice Bicycle has a history in professional bike racing and coaching, with your host Bridget Evans racing professionally on the roads of France (1998 -2008)  so if it’s a challenge you are looking for, we can definitely find just the right rides for you.  After all, the area around Lake Annecy is home to over 20 classic Tour de France cols!

If you are looking for a specific challenge or to improve your cycling, then consider one of our French Alps tours and Portugal training camps.

I would like to arrange my own accommodation is the Rides Only package for me?

For complete flexibility with your cycling holiday we have the ideal solution. Look for our ‘Rides Only’ (3 – 6 June) package to get on this tour without any add-ons or accommodation for your perfect flexible stay bike tour.
Each day you will join the Practice Bicycle Team at a convenient central Annecy meeting point. Fully escorted and supported on superb rides to the best viewing locations to catch 4 stages of the Criterium du Dauphine live.
Whats included:
4 guided rides to unique ‘live viewing spots’ of the decisive Alpine stages that only a local would know!
4 French restaurant lunches on the stages of the Criterium du Dauphine.
Ride support vehicle & ‘on the go’ mechanical assistance from the professional team living in Annecy, French Alps.
Sports drinks & bike food for each day’s riding.

Whats included in the Weekend Package?

If your short on time escape for the weekend with our Friday & Saturday Night Package (4 – 6 June).

The Criterium Dauphine Weekend includes; Airport Pick-up & Drop-off,  2 Nights Hotel accommodation + Breakfast, 2 Stages of the Criterium Dauphine & Restaurant Lunches (5th & 6th June).

Alternatively enjoy a Criterium Dauphine Day Tour
Let the professionals take care of all the details. Fully escorted and supported to the best live viewing spots to catch the Dauphine stage race action including a superb restaurant lunch each day.

Ride some of the most mythical cycling routes around Lake Annecy and the French Alps all at the Criterium Dauphine!

What rides will I do?

On each of our tours we tailor the daily rides to the riders experience offering a choice of distance each day, including riding parts of the Criterium du Dauphine race route. Take a look at the exciting itinerary above!

In addition Practice Bicycle has developed 100+ routes from Annecy for riders of all levels, only possible with over 20 years cycling in the Rhone-Alps of France. To get an idea of what sort of rides you will be doing in ‘Cycling Paradise’, have a look at a sample of our rides in Annecy.

Is bike hire available with your tours?

For your added convenience we have quality carbon road bikes as an optional extra available to you with your Criterium Dauphine cycling vacation.
Many of our guests prefer their own bikes for maximum cycling pleasure. Should logistics and travel arrangements make this too difficult then our bike hire is the perfect solution.
Depending on availability and size we have several brands available including Cannondale, Fuji, Lapierre, Haibike carbon bikes are recent models with Shimano Ultegra or 105 componentry.

Cannondale Synapse Carbon Road Bike Shimano compact 50/34 x 12-32          Fuji Quality Carbon Road Bike Hire Shimano compact 50,34 x 12-34          Haibike Quality Carbon Road Bike Hire Shimano compact 50,34 x 12-32          Lapierre disc brake Quality Carbon Road Bike Hire Shimano compact 50,34 x 12-32

What activities, tours will the Non Cycling Partner do whilst I am on my bike?

As our Criterium Dauphine Non Cycling guest and bike race fan you experience all the spectacle, excitement and action up close and personal of the very best bike racing in the world!
In addition our local support team will share with you culture and villages on route whilst catching up with the cycling group at our ‘Unique live viewing spots’ and handpicked restaurant lunch together.
An amazing June vacation at the Criterium Dauphine in the Rhone Alps of France.

Why do you choose to watch 4 stages at the Criterium du Dauphine bike race tour?

Our specialty bike race tours are focused on showing you the very best race action with your own great riding experience, including viewing the Criterium du Dauphine professional race on a selection of intriguing and spectacular stages.
Maximizing your cycling vacation time and enjoyment with viewing the race action live, contrasting with your own variety of personally tailored guided rides and the opportunity of enough time to relax and experience your idyllic Lake Annecy in the French Alps location.

Why do you stay in one location, is there enough to see?

‘Unpack Once, Cycle Everyday’
The one location bike tour experience is the brain child of Bridget Evans (Owner/Operator).  On retiring from professional cycling it was the pure pleasure of cycling that evolved the proven Practice Bicycle philosophy of one location.  Including everything enjoyable and removing the less pleasurable is our goal of your perfect cycling holiday experience.

Packing and Unpacking each day was tiring, stressful and time consuming. With insufficient time to relax, enjoy and experience the place before it was time to move on again.
With a life spent discovering the very best locations to Practice Bicycle, including the discovery of endless ride options exploring in every direction  from the one perfect location.
Experience the very best cycling of your life when you Unpack Once, Cycle Everyday!

Your Criterium du Dauphne 2021 bike tour package includes:

  • 5 nights 3* or 2* hotel accommodation in Annecy
  • 5 French continental buffet breakfasts
  • 4 unique ‘live viewing spots’ of the decisive Alpine stages of the Criterium Dauphine that only a local would know!
  • 5 guided rides in the French Alps designed and tailored to the individual
  • Welcome Aperitif followed by a superb gourmet experience of a traditional French dinner upon arrival
  • 4 French Restaurant Lunches on the stages of the Criterium du Dauphine
  • The ultimate support of the professional team living in Annecy, French Alps
  • Ride support vehicle & ‘on the go’ mechanical assistance
  • Sports drinks & bike food for each day’s riding
  • Arrival & Departure Tour Day Transfer: Geneva International Airport Switzerland to Hotel Annecy France (arrival 2:00pm & departure 12:00pm)
  • A Gift Pack including Practice Bicycle Cycling Jersey

Criterium du Dauphine 2021 Tour Highlights:

  • Magnificent Lake Annecy the most enchanting town in France, this ‘baby Paris’ perfect location the ‘Venice of the Alps’
  • Biggest stars of world cycling live from the roadside at the Criterium du Dauphine bike race
  • Breathtaking ambiance of the high pastures of the Massif des Aravis Mountain Range, the tranquil roads of Chartreuse Regional Nature Park & peaks of the Beaufort Valley.
  • Out of this world cycling deserves the very best variety of flavours of gourmet French restaurants in the Rhone-Alps.
  • Ride amazing Valleys, Lakes & Cols all on offer, Col de la Colombiere (1618m), Col de la Croix-Fry (1477m), Col de l’Epine (947m), Col du Pre (1748m), Col des Aravis (1486m), Cote du Montrebut (318m) & Col de Porte (1331m).
  • Great cafe stops during the tour at unique French Alps towns and villages; Chambery, Albertville, Aix les Bains, Beaufort & Thones.
  • 1st class service, small group camaraderie a unique experience & lots of fun
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