Editorial

Kings of the Alps

Among the wide variety of types of cycling that exist, each has its particular appeal. Even so, mountain cycling has an exceptional aesthetic quality. The Alps are part of the most splendid landscapes in this field, and the Critérium du Dauphiné has made a speciality of exploring them for more than 60 years. To add to the excitement, the saga in stages is held every year a few weeks before the Tour de France and due to the closeness of their dates, it attracts the greatest champions. It nurtures dreams and fuels speculations which are also the essence of cycling. For these reasons and many others, over the decades the Dauphiné has become a monument: a kind of cathedral where every year the King of the Alps will be crowned.

This year, the pretenders to the crown will have to display the most stylish demonstration of their strength. There will be opportunities spread out during the week, but decisive blows are expected to determine the outcome: two highest level climbs will rise up before the peloton in the last two stages, on the way to Le Collet d’Allevard and then La Toussuire.

Christian PRUDHOMME