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 75th 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 Tao Geoghegan, Ben O’Connor, Primoz Roglic, Brandon McNulty, David Gaudu and Warren Barguil stars of cycling 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 CampsExperience the best of the French Alps with unique cycling all from the one spectacular location of Lake Annecy, take the challenge in ‘Cycling Paradise’ the majestic French Alps.

French Alps Bike Tour
Tour Type question mark-01

Bike Race Tour

Fully Guided question mark-01

Experienced Cycling Guides & Support Vehicle

Cycling Level question mark-01

Flexible – 40km/25mi – 100km/62mi
We offer a choice of 2-3 ride distances each day as per our itineraries i.e 40km,75km or 100km

Packages question mark-01

Rides Only:
Without Accommodation $1966 per person
Premium Tour:
2* Hotel Accommodation $2602 per person
3* Hotel Accommodation $2858 per person
4* Hotel Accommodation $3126 per person

One Hotel Cycling

Annecy, France

Dates

7 – 12 June 2023

Duration

6 Days / 5 Nights

Small Group Size

4 to 8 people

Optional Extras question mark 01

Single room – $445
Bike hire – $500
Non-cycling partner – $2438

Unpack Once, Ride Everyday

The Perfect June Cycling Destination Annecy in the French Alps

Since our very first visit to Annecy in 1998 the PB Team have been cycling, living and experiencing all that this remarkable cycling area of the world has to offer. Sharing this wealth of local knowledge with you today with your Criterium du Dauphine bike tours.
Lake Annecy at the centre of the French Alps offers the best of cycling and relaxing with your visit to the Auvergne-Rhone-Alps region of France.
Our bike race tours offer spectacular days spent cycling in the French Alps with fully supported tailored rides, and the convenience of returning to your own perfect cycling base in the town of Annecy. This is your bike race tour with a difference.

A brilliant week on our Criterium 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

Dates

Dauphine spots filling fast! Book your ride for 2023
Premium Tour
2023
Rides Only
2023

Criterium Dauphine Itinerary

Classic roads and mountains at the 2023 Criterium du Dauphine in the French Alps.

Day 1

Wednesday 8th June - Arrival Day in Annecy - Criterium du Dauphine
ARRIVAL TIME: 2:00pm
*Ride Option:
Distance 40km (25mi) Ascent 200m (650ft) Route Lac Annecy
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 2022 Criterium du Dauphine

Day 2

Thursday 9th June - View the Criterium du Dauphine Stage 5 Thizy-les-Bourgs > Chaintré (Hills/Finish)
*Ride Options:
Distance 44km/27mi Ascent 420m/1300ft route Dompierre-les-Ormes
Distance 74km/45mi Ascent 760m/2500ft route Charolles
Distance 82km/50mi Ascent 1250m/4000ft route Chaintre
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 Saône-et-Loire department named after the two rivers. After the previous stage Time Trial the race for the yellow jersey will start to take shape and the leaders will try and conserve some energy on the intermediate climbs throughout todays stage.
Every day the action promises to get more exciting as we head to the live race action along this challenging route with 4 short but intense climbs towards the finish line in Chaintre.
We’ll have time to relax and reward ourselves after our own superb ride on the race route including the last two climbs of Col du Bois Clair (394m) and Cote de Mont-Brison (356m). Enjoy flavours of France with your restaurant lunch and taste the regions Bourgogne wine of Mâcon-Chaintre. It won’t be long before the professional stars of cycling arrive at their maximum limits on the streets of Chaintre and all the spectacle of the Criterium Dauphine live

Day 3

Friday 10th June - View the Criterium du Dauphine Stage 6 Rives > Gap (Start/Alps)
*Ride Option:
Distance 40km/25mi Ascent 285m/1000ft route Rives
Distance 84km/52mi Ascent 1370m/4500ft route Col de Rousset
Distance 110km/68mi Ascent 950m/3000ft route Lac du Bourget
Stage 6 is the Alpine warm-up stage although like yesterday full of difficult terrain and 196.4 km in duration for the race peloton as they head south ahead of the final challenging weekend in the Alps.
Each year we show case this great June lead up race to the Tour de France with a variety of unique live race viewing options, after yesterday’s stage finish, today enjoy the stage start. The life of a professional cyclist can often seem glamourous, it’s at the stage depart that the show begins, enjoy wandering among the teams as they prepare for a long day spent in the saddle.
We also have great roads for our own cycling adventures, with options to ride to the stage start and along the race route. Catch up with all the action of stage 6 as it passes between the Chartreuse and Vercors Regional Nature Parks.
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 one of the categorised cols to test your own legs during your fantastic cycling holiday.
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 must be the perfect cycling day. We will return to Annecy by support vehicle for you to enjoy your evening in one of France’s finest towns.

Day 4

Saturday 11th June - View the Criterium du Dauphine Stage 7 Saint-Chaffrey > Vaujany (Alps)
*Ride Option:
Distance 34km/21mi Ascent 1170m/3800ft route Saint Jean de Maurienne
Distance 40km/25mi Ascent 1700m/5700ft route Col de la Croix der Fer
Distance 53km/33mi Ascent 2000m/6500ft route Grand Alps
The race organisation always makes the final weekend of the Dauphine very challenging another reason why every Grand Tour winner wants to win this prestigious Criterium Dauphine stage race. Stage 7 will follow the actual route of this year’s Tour de France stage in the French Alps with 2 HC category climbs before the summit finish at Vaujany.
Today takes the professionals over 2000m elevation on two occasions, full of classic alpine cols throughout the route in the massif Grand Alps. This is Practice Bicycle Tours favourite cycling region, 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 live race action of the 2022 Criterium Dauphine.

Day 5

Sunday 12th June - View the Criterium du Dauphine Stage 8 Saint-Alban-Leysse > Plateau de Solaison (Alps)
*Ride Options:
Distance 22km/14mi Ascent 260m/850ft route Le Grand Bornand
Distance 48km/30mi Ascent 1300m/4300ft route Col de la Colombiere
Distance 75km/47mi Ascent 1500m/4900ft route Aravis Mountains
Today is our last ride opportunity together during your Dauphine week straight and we start from your hotel door. The comfort of the one location cycling holiday can be appreciated with your final ride opportunity as we again head deep into the French Alps…it must be experienced to be believed!
Will the Criterium winner be already decided or can the best climbers in the world challenge each other just one more time on these final classic French Alps bike riding roads. It was on these same amazing roads at the 2017 Dauphine that the final climbing action changed the yellow jersey winner.
Take advantage of your team’s planning and all their local knowledge to give you the perfect final bike ride, with unique live viewing on the slopes of the mountain and a superb day at the Criterium Dauphine in 2022. 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 memorable moment to absorb the professional peloton in the French Alps!

Day 6

Monday 13th June – Departure Day from Annecy and the Criterium du Dauphine
DEPARTURE TIME: 12:00pm
Today is your departure day from the Criterium Dauphine cycling tour. 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.

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’ (8 – 11 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.
What’s 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.

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!

Where will I be staying?

Depending on availability, Practice Bicycle offer a choice of proven 2*, 3* & 4* 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 2022.

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 challenge with your next cycling vacation take a look at our Challenging Bike Tours category, with fantastic cycling opportunities in superb destinations including, Australia, Portugal, Italy and the the French Alps.

What rides will I do?

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 one location, Lake Annecy the perfect French Alps cycling holiday destination.

Take a look at the exciting itinerary above!

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

Do you have a Non Cycling package to your Dauphine bike tour?

We have the ideal package for any fan of world class cycling who does not wish to ride and prefers to spectate during our Criterium du Dauphine cycling tour.
The perfect solution for a non cycling wife/husband/partner to accompany the bike tour rider on their spectacular Dauphine bike tour whilst in Annecy, the French Alps.

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.

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!

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 joy of discovering 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!

What is the closest Airport to get to the Criterium du Dauphine tour?

Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) is the closest and most convenient airport to your Criterium Dauphine cycling vacation. For your convenience the premium bike race tour packages include a Geneva Airport pick-up and drop-off service to your hotel in the charming town of Annecy.

Should you already be travelling in Europe you can join us in the town of Annecy, France by the following methods:
Air Travel: Geneva Airport (Switzerland) and Lyon Airport (France) are the closest airports, serviced by many International and low cost European airlines.
Train Travel: The super-fast TGV train network operates between many cities including Paris directly to Annecy.
Car Travel: Many worldwide Car Rental companies are also available and the A41 French Autoroute network will bring you directly to Annecy.

Your Premium Criterium du Dauphine bike tour package includes:

  • 5 nights 2* 3* or 4* 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
  • 4 French Restaurant Lunches on the stages of the Criterium du Dauphine
  • The ultimate support of the professional French Alps team
  • 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)

Criterium du Dauphine Tour Highlights:

  • Magnificent Lake Annecy the most enchanting town in France, perfect cycling holiday destination
  • 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 the Vercors regional nature park & Alpine peaks of the Galibier
  • 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, Cote de Mont-Brison (356m), Col du Bois Clair (394m), Cote des Grands Goulets (593m), Col de Rousset (1233m), Col de la Croix der Fer (2067m), Col de la Colombiere (1618m), & Col de Marais (843m).
  • Great cafe stops during the tour at unique French Alps towns and villages; Chaintré, Rives, Aix les Bains, Saint-Sorlin-d’Arves & Thones
  • 1st class service, small group camaraderie a unique experience & lots of fun
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