What Is 2008 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2008 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was a professional cycling stage race held from June 8 to June 15, 2008, consisting of 8 stages covering 1,297 kilometers. It was won by Alejandro Valverde of the Caisse d'Epargne team.

Key Facts

The 2008 race ran from June 8 to June 15.
It covered a total distance of 1,297 kilometers across 8 stages.
Alejandro Valverde won the general classification with a time of 33h 17' 28".
The race featured 21 UCI ProTour teams, including Astana and Team CSC.
Stage 7 included a summit finish at Mont Ventoux.

Overview

The 2008 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was a key preparatory race for the Tour de France, held annually in the French Alps. As a UCI ProTour event, it attracted top-tier teams and riders aiming to test form ahead of July’s grand tour.

This edition marked the 60th running of the race, historically serving as a proving ground for climbers and all-rounders. The 2008 route emphasized mountainous terrain, including a decisive stage on Mont Ventoux.

Stage 1 began in Saint-Priest, a flat 194.5 km route won by Oscar Freire, setting early pace for sprinters.
Alejandro Valverde took the yellow jersey after a strong performance on Stage 4, a mountainous route to La Toussuire.
Stage 5 was a 47.2 km individual time trial in Grenoble, won by David Zabriskie in 57'12".
Alberto Contador finished second overall, just 37 seconds behind Valverde, signaling strong Tour de France potential.
Stage 7 concluded atop Mont Ventoux, where Cadel Evans gained time but Valverde held firm to maintain his lead.

Stage Breakdown & Key Moments

The race unfolded over eight grueling stages, blending time trials, flat routes, and high-mountain challenges. Each stage contributed to shifting dynamics in the general classification.

Prologue: Not held in 2008; the race began directly with a road stage on June 8.
Team Composition: Each of the 21 ProTour teams fielded 9 riders, totaling 189 starters.
Stage 3: A hilly 187 km stage from Saint-Martin-de-Crau to Aubenas was won by Kim Kirchen.
Mountains Classification: Won by Moisés Dueñas of the Barloworld team, showcasing consistency in climbs.
Sprints Competition: Thor Hushovd led the points classification after multiple top-3 stage finishes.
Final Stage: Stage 8 was a flat 143 km route from Gap to Saint-Vulbas, won by Marco Pinotti in a breakaway.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of top finishers in the 2008 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré general classification:

Rider	Nationality	Team	Time	Time Gap
Alejandro Valverde	Spanish	Caisse d'Epargne	33h 17' 28"	0"
Alberto Contador	Spanish	Danacolor	33h 18' 05"	+37"
Cadel Evans	Australian	Barloworld	33h 19' 12"	+1'44"
Denis Menchov	Russian	Rabobank	33h 20' 01"	+2'33"
Carlos Sastre	Spanish	Team CSC	33h 20' 15"	+2'47"

The tight time gaps among the top five reflect the competitive nature of the race, with less than three minutes separating first and fifth place. This density underscored the Dauphiné’s role as a true indicator of Tour de France readiness, especially given the presence of multiple previous and future Tour winners.

Why It Matters

The 2008 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré served as a critical benchmark for riders targeting Tour de France success. Its mountainous profile and elite participation made it a reliable predictor of summer performance.

Form Indicator: Valverde’s win confirmed his status as a top contender for the 2008 Tour, though he later withdrew before the grand tour.
Team Strategy: Teams used the race to test pacing, domestique roles, and climbing endurance in high-altitude conditions.
Media Exposure: Broadcast across Europe, the race offered teams significant visibility ahead of the Tour’s global spotlight.
UCI Points: As a ProTour event, it awarded valuable ranking points influencing team standings and rider evaluations.
Course Design: The inclusion of Mont Ventoux mimicked Tour de France stages, offering tactical and physical rehearsal.
Historical Legacy: The 60th edition reinforced the Dauphiné’s prestige as one of cycling’s most respected stage races.

Ultimately, the 2008 edition demonstrated the race’s enduring significance in professional cycling, blending athletic challenge with strategic depth for teams and riders alike.