What Is 2004 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2004 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was a professional cycling stage race held from June 6 to June 13, 2004, consisting of 8 stages covering 1,202 kilometers. American cyclist Lance Armstrong won the general classification.

Key Facts

The 2004 race ran from June 6–13, covering 1,202 km across 8 stages
Lance Armstrong won the general classification, marking his only Dauphiné victory
Stage 7 was a decisive mountain stage finishing atop Alpe d'Huez
Ivan Basso finished second, 1 minute 27 seconds behind Armstrong
The race served as key preparation for the 2004 Tour de France

Overview

The 2004 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was the 56th edition of this prestigious French stage race, held annually as a key tune-up event for the Tour de France. Taking place from June 6 to June 13, 2004, it featured a challenging route across the French Alps and pre-Alpine regions, totaling 1,202 kilometers over eight stages.

Known for attracting top-tier riders aiming for Tour de France form, the 2004 edition saw Lance Armstrong claim his first and only overall victory in the race. The event included time trials, mountain finishes, and selective terrain, making it a comprehensive test of endurance, climbing ability, and tactical awareness.

Stage 1 was a 167-kilometer flat route from Saint-Dié-des-Vosges to Nancy, won by Baden Cooke in a sprint finish.
Stage 2 featured a hilly 184-kilometer route to Dijon, where Paolo Lanfranchi took the win ahead of a reduced peloton.
Stage 4 included a 37.5-kilometer individual time trial around Chambéry, won by Alexander Vinokourov with a time of 48 minutes 12 seconds.
Stage 7 was the decisive mountain stage, a 161-kilometer route ending with a summit finish at Alpe d'Huez, where Armstrong attacked to take the yellow jersey.
Stage 8 was a flat 155-kilometer route to Saint-Étienne, won by Robbie McEwen, allowing Armstrong to safely secure the overall title.

How It Works

The Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré is structured as a multi-stage road cycling race, with rankings determined by cumulative time across all stages. It functions as a proving ground for Tour de France contenders, combining time trials, flat stages, and high-mountain finishes.

General Classification (GC): Calculated by adding each rider’s stage times; the lowest total time wins. Lance Armstrong finished in 30 hours 54 minutes 48 seconds.
Time Bonuses: Awarded to stage winners and top finishers, with 10, 6, and 4 seconds given to the first three in mass-start stages, influencing GC standings.
King of the Mountains: Points awarded for reaching mountain summits first; Richard Virenque won this classification in 2004.
Points Classification: Based on stage finishes and intermediate sprints; Robbie McEwen claimed this title with consistent sprint wins.
Team Classification: Determined by summing the times of the top three riders from each team per stage; US Postal Service won in 2004.
Stage Wins: Individual stages are won through sprints, breakaways, or mountain attacks; eight different riders won stages in 2004.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five finishers in the 2004 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré general classification:

Rider	Nationality	Team	Time Behind Winner	Key Stage Performance
Lance Armstrong	USA	US Postal Service	—	Won GC after dominating Stage 7 on Alpe d'Huez
Ivan Basso	Italy	Team CSC	+1:27	Strong in time trial but cracked on final climb
Andrei Kashechkin	Kazakhstan	Fassa Bortolo	+2:05	Consistent climber, podiumed on two mountain stages
Christophe Moreau	France	Festina	+2:18	Former Dauphiné winner, strong early but faded
Alberto Contador	Spain	ONCE	+3:12	Emerging talent, later became Tour de France winner

The 2004 edition highlighted a transition in cycling, with Armstrong asserting dominance just months before his final Tour de France. The close times among contenders like Basso and Moreau underscored the race’s competitive depth, while emerging riders like Contador signaled future shifts in the sport’s hierarchy.

Why It Matters

The 2004 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was significant both as a sporting event and as a strategic milestone in professional cycling. It offered crucial preparation for the Tour de France and demonstrated form among elite riders, particularly Armstrong, who used it to confirm fitness after early-season setbacks.

Pre-Tour Form Indicator: The race is often called a “mini Tour de France” due to its varied terrain and high-level competition.
Armstrong’s Only Win: Despite multiple attempts, this was Armstrong’s sole Dauphiné victory, making it historically unique.
Mountain Focus: The inclusion of Alpe d'Huez tested climbers and shaped GC strategy around high-altitude performance.
Team Strategy: US Postal Service executed disciplined pacing, protecting Armstrong in key stages and controlling breakaways.
Emerging Talent: Riders like Contador and Basso used the race to establish reputations ahead of future Grand Tour campaigns.
Media Attention: The race drew extensive coverage, reinforcing its status as a marquee event in the UCI ProSeries.

The 2004 edition remains notable for its role in Armstrong’s final Tour season and for showcasing the evolving dynamics of professional cycling in the mid-2000s.