THE HARDEST DAUPHINÉ EVER
The 2020 Critérium du Dauphiné mantra? ‘It’s like riding consecutive one-day races.’
It began as early as day two at the summit of the Col de Porte, was picked up by increasing numbers at the next day’s finish at Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, gathered more force after the first finish at Megève Altiport, and was a full chorus in the wake of the second on the final afternoon. It was, confessed Julian Alaphilippe, “the hardest Dauphiné that I’ve ever done.”
Organisers ASO trimmed the event from eight to five days as a result of the covid-enforced revamp of the race calendar, removing the two stages that traditionally favour the sprinters, and the time trial that provides a first reckoning among the GC contenders. That left a handful of stages collectively featuring 27 categorised cols on a route essentially designed to provide a form test a fortnight ahead of the Tour de France. No fewer than 18 of the top 20 finishers from last year’s Tour signed up for the pleasure, adding to the sense that there was going to be an epic contest.
Behind the scenes, too, the race was a test event. After consultation with the French government and health agencies, ASO introduced a series of measures intended to
