What Is 1979 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré

Overview

The 1979 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was a pivotal stage race in the lead-up to the Tour de France, serving as a key preparation event for top professionals. Held annually in the Dauphiné region of southeastern France, the 1979 edition attracted many of cycling’s elite riders testing form ahead of the summer Grand Tour.

This 31st edition of the race was particularly significant due to the dominant performance by Frenchman Bernard Hinault, who was emerging as a major force in world cycling. The race offered a mix of flat stages, mountain climbs, and a decisive time trial, making it a true test of versatility.

• Start date: The race began on May 28, 1979, with a prologue in Grenoble, setting the stage for nearly two weeks of competition.
• Total distance: Riders covered approximately 1,840 kilometers across 13 stages, including time trials and high-altitude mountain routes.
• Winner:Bernard Hinault claimed the overall victory, finishing in 53 hours, 52 minutes, and 46 seconds, nearly two minutes ahead of runner-up Joop Zoetemelk.
• Mountains jersey: Hinault also won the mountains classification, demonstrating his climbing prowess on ascents like the Col du Lautaret.
• Final stage: The race concluded with an individual time trial in Lyon on June 7, won by Dutch rider Gerrie Knetemann.

How It Works

The Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré is structured as a multi-stage road cycling race, similar in format to the Tour de France, with daily stages contributing to overall and secondary classifications.

• General Classification (GC):Time across all stages determines the leader; lowest cumulative time wins. In 1979, Hinault led after Stage 10 and held on.
• Stage Wins: Each day’s winner earns prestige and momentum; seven different riders won stages in 1979, including Hinault and Knetemann.
• Time Bonuses: In 1979, 10, 6, and 4 seconds were awarded to the top three finishers each stage, influencing GC standings.
• Team Strategy: Teams like Renault-Elf-Gitane (Hinault’s team) coordinated pacing, breakaways, and protection on climbs to support GC ambitions.
• Mountain Classification: Points awarded for reaching summits first; Hinault earned maximum points on key climbs like the Col de la Croix de Fer.
• Individual Time Trial: The final stage was a 32-kilometer race against the clock, where Knetemann beat Hinault by 17 seconds, though not enough to change the GC lead.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1979 Dauphiné to other editions highlights its competitive depth and role as a Tour de France predictor.

The 1979 race was slightly shorter than previous years but featured more concentrated climbing and time-trialing. Hinault’s victory here foreshadowed his successful 1979 Tour de France campaign, where he also claimed the yellow jersey. The Dauphiné has long served as a proving ground, and the 1979 edition reinforced its reputation for identifying genuine Grand Tour contenders.

Why It Matters

The 1979 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré holds historical significance in professional cycling, both for its competitive field and its influence on the upcoming Tour de France.

• Launchpad for Hinault: His win solidified his status as France’s top cyclist and boosted national morale ahead of the Tour.
• Team dynamics: The Renault team’s dominance showcased modern team-based tactics now standard in Grand Tours.
• Pre-Tour indicator: Since 1979, many Dauphiné winners have gone on to win the same-year Tour de France, underscoring its predictive value.
• Route design: The inclusion of high mountain passes and a long time trial set a template for future stage races.
• Media attention: French press coverage surged, increasing the race’s commercial and cultural profile domestically.
• Legacy: The 1979 edition is remembered as one of the most strategically intense in the race’s history, influencing future course planning.

Today, the Critérium du Dauphiné remains a cornerstone of the UCI World Tour, with the 1979 race standing out as a benchmark for excellence and drama in professional cycling.