What Is 1998 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1998 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was a professional cycling stage race held from June 7 to June 14, 1998, consisting of 8 stages across southeastern France. It was won by Abraham Olano of Spain, riding for the Banesto team, marking his second consecutive victory in the race.

Key Facts

The 1998 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré took place from June 7 to June 14, 1998.
Abraham Olano of Spain won the general classification.
The race consisted of 8 stages covering approximately 1,270 kilometers.
Olano defended his 1997 title, becoming the first rider to win back-to-back since 1983.
The final stage was an individual time trial in Villard-de-Lans.

Overview

The 1998 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was the 50th edition of one of cycling’s most prestigious stage races, serving as a key preparatory event for the Tour de France. Held in the Rhône-Alpes region of France, it attracted top riders aiming to test form ahead of July’s Grand Tour.

This year’s race featured challenging mountain stages and a decisive time trial, offering a mix of terrain that tested climbers, time trialists, and all-rounders. The event played a crucial role in shaping team strategies and individual ambitions for the upcoming Tour de France.

Stage 1: A flat 192 km route from Saint-Étienne to Lyon allowed sprinters to compete, won by Frenchman Christophe Moreau.
Stage 2: A hilly 178 km course from Vienne to Valence saw aggressive breakaways, with Laurent Jalabert gaining early time on rivals.
Stage 3: A 45 km individual time trial in Romans-sur-Isère was won by Abraham Olano, who posted an average speed of 47.8 km/h.
Stage 5: The mountain stage to Mont Ventoux covered 215 km and was won by Santiago Blanco, with Olano limiting losses to rivals.
Final Stage: A 32 km time trial in Villard-de-Lans allowed Olano to solidify his lead, finishing third on the stage to secure overall victory.

Stage-by-Stage Breakdown

The 1998 edition followed a traditional format with a mix of flat, mountainous, and time trial stages designed to challenge versatility. Each stage contributed to the general classification, with time bonuses awarded at intermediate sprints and stage finishes.

Stage 1 (June 7): A flat 192 km route from Saint-Étienne to Lyon ended in a sprint; won by Christophe Moreau in 4h 28' 12".
Stage 2 (June 8): The 178 km leg from Vienne to Valence featured rolling terrain; won by Laurent Jalabert after a late solo attack.
Stage 3 (June 9): A 45 km individual time trial in Romans-sur-Isère; Olano won by 1 minute 12 seconds over Jan Ullrich.
Stage 4 (June 10): A 198 km route from Gap to Briançon included two high mountain passes; won by Santiago Blanco in a breakaway.
Stage 5 (June 11): The 215 km stage to Mont Ventoux tested climbers; Olano finished 4th, limiting time loss to rivals.
Stage 6 (June 12): A 152 km loop around Grenoble; won by Erik Zabel in a bunch sprint after a controlled peloton ride.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top finishers in the 1998 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré general classification:

Rank	Rider	Nationality	Team	Time
1	Abraham Olano	Spain	Banesto	33h 42' 08"
2	Laurent Jalabert	France	CSC-Tiscali	+1' 18"
3	Jan Ullrich	Germany	Team Telekom	+1' 42"
4	Christophe Moreau	France	Festina	+2' 03"
5	Santiago Blanco	Spain	ONCE	+2' 28"

The tight margins among the top five riders highlight the competitive nature of the race. Olano’s consistency across time trials and mountain stages proved decisive, especially his performance on Stage 3 and the final time trial. The results foreshadowed strong Tour de France contenders, with Ullrich and Jalabert both seen as potential Grand Tour threats.

Why It Matters

The 1998 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was more than just a mid-season race—it was a strategic battleground for Tour de France preparation and team hierarchy establishment. Riders used it to gauge fitness, test pacing, and build confidence before the biggest race of the year.

Proving Ground: The race served as a key form indicator, with Olano confirming his post-1997 World Champion status.
Team Strategy: Banesto used the race to position Olano as leader, shielding him from attacks in mountain stages.
Time Trial Dominance: Olano’s win in the Stage 3 time trial showcased his superior power-to-weight ratio.
Pre-Tour Benchmark: Jan Ullrich’s second-place finish signaled he was a favorite for the upcoming Tour de France.
French Interest: Laurent Jalabert’s podium finish energized French cycling fans ahead of the Tour.
Historical Context: Olano became the first rider since Lucien Van Impe in 1982–1983 to win back-to-back Dauphiné titles.

The 1998 edition remains notable for its high-level competition and role in shaping the narrative of the 1998 Tour de France season, reinforcing the Dauphiné’s status as cycling’s premier warm-up race.