What Is 1970 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré

Overview

The 1970 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was the 24th edition of this prestigious stage race in France, serving as a crucial preparatory event for the Tour de France. Held annually since 1947, the race traditionally takes place in late May and attracts top professional cyclists aiming to test form ahead of the summer Grand Tours.

That year’s edition spanned 13 stages over nine days, starting on May 25 and concluding on June 1, with routes winding through the mountainous terrain of the Dauphiné region. The race covered approximately 1,800 kilometers, blending flat stages for sprinters with challenging climbs that tested climbers and all-rounders alike.

• Start date: The race began on May 25, 1970, with a prologue time trial in Grenoble, setting the early pace for contenders.
• Stage count: A total of 13 stages were contested, including individual time trials and summit finishes in the Alps.
• Distance: Riders covered roughly 1,800 kilometers, with significant elevation gain due to mountainous routes in stages 7 through 10.
• Winner:Eddy Merckx, representing the Faema team, won the general classification, showcasing his dominance across disciplines.
• Significance: The 1970 edition was particularly notable as it helped Merckx fine-tune his conditioning just weeks before the Tour de France.

Stage-by-Stage Breakdown

The race unfolded with a mix of flat, hilly, and mountainous stages, offering opportunities for sprinters, climbers, and time trial specialists. Each stage contributed to the evolving dynamics of the general classification and secondary jerseys.

• Prologue: A short 7.5-kilometer time trial in Grenoble allowed riders to establish early time gaps, won by Louis Père.
• Stage 3: A flat route to Romans-sur-Isère favored sprinters; Gerben Karstens took the stage win.
• Stage 6: A mountain stage to Mont Ventoux saw fierce climbing battles, with Luis Ocaña gaining time on rivals.
• Stage 9: A long individual time trial of 48 kilometers near Gap allowed Merckx to extend his lead significantly.
• Stage 12: A summit finish at Alpe d’Huez tested climbers, though Merckx held firm despite attacks from competitors.
• Final stage: A flat time trial into Lyon concluded the race on June 1, 1970, with no major GC changes.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key metrics from the 1970 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré versus other major stage races of the era:

The 1970 Dauphiné was shorter than Grand Tours but packed intense competition into fewer days. Its mountain stages and time trials made it a reliable indicator of Tour de France form, especially for all-rounders like Merckx. The race’s structure influenced later stage race designs, emphasizing balanced routes to test multiple rider specialties.

Why It Matters

The 1970 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré played a pivotal role in shaping the season’s cycling narrative, particularly through Eddy Merckx’s commanding performance. His victory across classifications highlighted his versatility and set the tone for his Tour de France success later that summer.

• Pre-Tour form: The Dauphiné has long served as a key indicator of readiness for the Tour de France, especially for GC contenders.
• Merckx’s dominance: By winning the general, mountains, and points classifications, Merckx demonstrated unmatched all-around strength in 1970.
• Team strategy: Teams used the race to test pacing, support roles, and climbing coordination under race conditions.
• Media attention: French and international press closely followed the event, boosting its prestige and visibility in the cycling world.
• Route influence: The inclusion of Alpe d’Huez and Mont Ventoux helped cement these climbs as iconic Tour de France landmarks.
• Legacy: The 1970 edition reinforced the Dauphiné’s status as a must-win for any rider aiming for Grand Tour glory.

Today, the Critérium du Dauphiné remains a cornerstone of the UCI World Tour, continuing to shape cycling seasons much as it did in 1970. Its blend of tradition, difficulty, and timing ensures its enduring relevance in professional cycling.