How well do you know… Critérium du Dauphiné
The race has long been viewed as the perfect set-up for the Tour de France, so what better way to get ready for racing's return?
1 Until 2010, the Critérium du Dauphiné had another word at the end of its name. What was it?
2 The race was started by a local newspaper in what year?
3 Which region of France is the race focused on?
4 Only one active rider is among the group of five that share the record for most wins (three). Who is he?
5 The race has been run every year since its inception bar two. Which years were these?
6 In the late 1960s, the race merged with which other local race?
7 The race is well established as good preparation for the Tour de France, but how many riders have won both in the same year?
8 Longstanding French races were usually dominated by the host nation in their early years, but the first Dauphiné wasn’t won by a Frenchman. What nation was that winner from?
9 How many Brits have won the race?
10 Who was the first British winner of the race?
11And in what year did they win?
12 Which town has hosted the race more than any other?
13 Who is this taking a stage win in 1998?
14 French riders have more wins than any other nation, Britain is third. Which nation is second?
15 Who did Levi Leipheimer edge out for the win in 2006 before he was stripped of it six years later?
16 Despite being one of the most prolific winners of all time, Eddy Merckx only won the Dauphiné once. In which year did he win?
17 Which Brit is just behind Bernard Hinault in the list of all-time stage winners with eight stage victories?
18 In 2001, Christophe Moreau edged out which Russian for the closest victory in the race’s history?
19 How big was his winning margin?
20 In 1975, which Belgian waltzed home with the points jersey after winning six of the 10 stages?
21 2018 was the first time two British riders appeared on the podium together. Who were they?
22 The race is usually eight stages long, but how many will there be this year?
23 The 2011 race was won by Bradley Wiggins, but that edition has arguably become more famous as the setting of which doping investigation?
24 Chris Boardman got his first pro road win at the race. But in which year?
25 The Dauphiné used a novel back route to the top of the famous Alpe d’huez in 2017. Who won the stage?
26 Which famous face has taken a tumble in 2003 (above)?
27 The Dauphiné has long been a race where bike and kit manufacturers debut new goods. But which team got itself into a sticky situation with the UCI over some gel in 2018?
28 It’s long been said that victory at the Dauphiné sets you up for victory at the Tour de France, but who was the last rider to do that double?
29 Why was the 2020 edition already set to be historymaking before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic?
30 Who is the race’s reigning champion?
Answers in next week’s magazine