What Is 1965 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1965 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was a multi-stage cycling race held from June 6 to June 13, 1965, covering approximately 1,300 kilometers across southeastern France. It was won by French cyclist Raymond Poulidor, who claimed victory ahead of Felice Gimondi and Jacques Anquetil.

Key Facts

The 1965 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré started on June 6 and ended on June 13, 1965
Raymond Poulidor won the general classification, marking his second Dauphiné victory
The race spanned approximately 1,300 kilometers over 8 stages
Felice Gimondi finished second, while Jacques Anquetil placed third
The event served as a key preparatory race for the 1965 Tour de France

Overview

The 1965 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was an elite road cycling stage race held in the Dauphiné region of southeastern France. As the 19th edition of the event, it served as a crucial tune-up for riders preparing for the Tour de France later that summer.

Featuring a mix of flat stages, mountain climbs, and individual time trials, the race tested the all-around abilities of its competitors. Its challenging route and high-level field made it one of the most prestigious stage races on the calendar.

Raymond Poulidor claimed the overall victory, finishing with the lowest cumulative time across all stages, solidifying his reputation as a top Grand Tour contender.
The race began on June 6, 1965, in Grenoble and concluded eight days later in Lyon, covering approximately 1,300 kilometers of varied terrain.
Felice Gimondi of Italy finished second, just under two minutes behind Poulidor, showcasing his rising status in the peloton ahead of the Tour de France.
Three-time Tour de France winner Jacques Anquetil placed third, marking a rare instance where Poulidor bested his longtime rival in a major stage race.
One stage featured a grueling ascent of the Col du Tourmalet, a legendary Pyrenean pass that tested the climbers’ endurance and pacing strategy.

How It Works

The Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré followed the traditional format of European stage racing, with daily stages contributing to a general classification. Riders competed for stage wins, time bonuses, and the overall yellow jersey.

General Classification (GC): The rider with the lowest cumulative time across all stages wins the GC; Raymond Poulidor secured this title in 1965.
Stage Wins: Each day’s finish awarded points and prestige; winning a stage boosted morale and team strategy, especially in mountainous terrain.
Time Bonuses: Riders earned 10, 6, and 4 seconds for top-three finishes in stages, influencing tight GC battles like the one between Poulidor and Gimondi.
Team Strategy: Teams protected leaders, set pace in mountains, and chased breakaways, with Poulidor’s Mercier team playing a key support role.
Individual Time Trials: The 1965 edition included a 32-kilometer time trial near Lyon, where Anquetil’s strength typically shined, though Poulidor held firm.
Mountains Classification: Though not officially awarded in 1965, climbers were recognized informally; ascents like the Alpe d’Huez tested endurance and form.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1965 Dauphiné results highlight the competitive balance among cycling’s elite at the time:

Rider	Nationality	Final Time	Team	Notable Achievement
Raymond Poulidor	France	36h 12' 45"	Mercier	Won his second Dauphiné title
Felice Gimondi	Italy	+1' 58"	Salvarani	First major stage race podium
Jacques Anquetil	France	+2' 42"	Privat	Three-time Tour winner, third place
Raymond Mastrotto	France	+4' 10"	Pelforth	Consistent mountain performances
Jan Janssen	Netherlands	+5' 03"	Pelforth	Strong time trial but lost time in mountains

This table illustrates how narrow margins separated top contenders. Poulidor’s victory by less than two minutes over Gimondi underscored the race’s competitiveness and served as a predictor for the upcoming Tour de France, where Gimondi would ultimately triumph.

Why It Matters

The 1965 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré had lasting significance in cycling history, both for individual legacies and the evolution of stage racing. It marked a pivotal moment in the rivalry between Poulidor and Anquetil, and foreshadowed new talent like Gimondi.

Poulidor’s victory was a morale boost after years of finishing behind Anquetil in the Tour, proving he could win major stage races outright.
Felice Gimondi’s second place signaled his emergence as a Grand Tour force, confirmed when he won the 1965 Tour de France.
The race served as a key preparatory event for the Tour, allowing teams to test pacing, form, and team dynamics under race conditions.
Media attention in France and Italy grew due to the Poulidor-Anquetil rivalry, increasing the sport’s popularity in both nations.
Organizers used the Dauphiné to scout challenging routes, some of which were later incorporated into the Tour de France.
The 1965 edition helped standardize time bonuses and stage formats that would become common in future editions.

Ultimately, the 1965 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was more than a race—it was a dramatic chapter in cycling’s golden era, blending sport, rivalry, and national pride in a week-long test of endurance and strategy.