The Critérium du Dauphiné has been renamed to Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes starting in 2026, following ASO's decision to reflect the race's regional significance. Tadej Pogačar is recognized as the last champion of the iconic race, first established in 1947. The new name aligns with the support from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, which will help sustain the event's future. The race will still take place as a pre-Tour de France event, and will feature a varied and scenic route through the Massif Central and the Alps.
"Born in 1947 from a regional newspaper's passion for cycling, the Critérium du Dauphiné has grown in step with the roads and terrain that have shaped it. With the loyal support of the region, it has now become the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, a new name that fully reflects the race's territorial roots," ASO Cycling Director Christian Prudhomme suggested at a press conference on Monday.
"ASO recognized that support from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region will help secure the future of the race, while claiming that the ability to explore the Massif Central helps create a more interesting race."
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