Critérium du Dauphiné

2025 Itinerary 

• Day 1 - 2:00pm Tour Officially Starts : Throughout the day, riders arrive and collected from Lyon Airport (LYS) or Lyon Hotels and transfer to our first hotel (TWO NIGHTS) ~0:50 drive. Afternoon ride ~30km with +500m ascent

• Day 2 - Ride ~110km with +2,000m ascent : Rhône and Beaujolais Wine Region and watch / chase the ITT of Stage 4 of Critérium du Dauphiné

• Day 3 - Check out - Ride ~120km with +2,000m ascent : Ride to VIP start and then continue following the course through the Rhône and Loire Region : VIP access to Stage 5 START of Critérium du Dauphiné - Check in Hotel in Ardèche (ONE NIGHT)

• Day 4 - Check out - Drive to VIP access to Stage 6 START of Critérium du Dauphiné. Once Pros leave - Ride : ~100km with +1,500m ascent : Ride through the beautify and Parc Naturel Régional de Chartreuse - Check in Hotel in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (ONE NIGHT)

• Day 5 - Check out - Ride ~70km with +2,000m ascent : Ride through Parc Naturel régional du Massif des Bauges. Day on CdD Course and experience VIP access to Stage 7 FINSIH of Critérium du Dauphiné - Check in Hotel in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (THREE NIGHTS)

• Day 6 - Ride ~100km with +2,000m ascent : Day on CdD Course and experience VIP access to Stage 8 FINISH Critérium du Dauphiné

• Day 7 - Ride ~85km with +2,500m ascent : Ride French Alps loop. Farewell dinner

• Day 8 - 11:00am Tour Officially Concludes : Transfers from Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes to GVA ~1:00 drive

• NOTE : Breakfast, lunch and dinners are included each day

• For the Full Itinerary - please email us

• NOTE : Itinerary subject to change once CdD 2025 route is released

Price

€4,800 single accommodation

€4,100 twin share : per person

€2,000 to confirm your place

Final payment due 4 March 

*twowheeltours covers all your land based expenses including transfers, accommodation and all meals. We have our own dedicated mechanic to ensure you have the best possible experience during the event.

If you have any more questions, please email info@twowheeltours.com.au

Riders will still stay in top level hotels during the tour.

You will have:

Two nights in the Rhône Region

One night in the Ardèche Region

Four nights in two hotels in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region

• NOTE : Itinerary subject to change once CdD 2025 route is released

What staffing does twowheeltours provide?

We take pride in making sure all our riders need to do is focus on riding. We have our own mechanic, drive and tour manager who rides each day with our riders. 

Why attend the Critérium du Dauphiné?

The Critérium du Dauphiné has a great history and is the pre-eminent tour in the lead up to the ONE and ONLY Tour de France. They ride some tough days in the French Alps and it is always a well contested eight day event. We are giving our riders the chance to pedal through some of the same mountains which the pros will pass.

What does the VIP Critérium du Dauphiné access get me?

Over the final four stages : Stages 5 > 8 : twowheeltours will have access to two start and two finishes.

While in the VIP enclosure at the Start of Stages 5 and 6, feel the excitement of the start while enjoying a breakfast close to the cyclists.

While in the VIP enclosure at the Finish of Stages 7 and 8, experience the intensity of a stage finish as close to the line as possible. The Guest Finish Area will give you a front row seat the outcome of the race.

What will your day will look like?

• Wake up between 0600 and 0700 

• Breakfast between 0630 and 0800. All breakfasts are included

• On non-transfer days, drop your musette(s) at reception, you will see those bags again on course as they will be with the twowheeltours ON COURSE vehicle. In those bags you can put nutrition, extra clothing and/or leave clothing while on course : On transfer days, drop luggage to reception

• Depart ride ~0800

• Lunch en-route. All lunches are included

• Return to hotel 200 and 1730 : On transfer days, Check-in

• Mechanic to look after your bike

• Massages are available*

• Dinner with twowheeltours and briefing about the following days agenda

Is there a minimum speed average?

Yes, this is not a race for our riders but it is expected that you ride to a ~22kph each day and have experience of riding back to back days. The itinerary of this tour is NOT flat and experience of riding +10% sections for 10km is expected.

What is there to do at the end of the days rides?

Relax, put your feet up, talk to other riders, take a nap, rehydrate, grab a massage* then eat and drink some more. We mention eat twice, you may not feel like eating but this is one of the most important things you can do at the end of each ride.

*at extra cost

What is the weather like:

Avg Temps : 9 > 22C / 48 > 72F - you will be riding over a lot of mountains so be prepared for all conditions.

Why twowheeltours?

We have been running tours since 2009. We love what we do. We will give you a great cycling holiday and offer you a Fully Catered tour. We provide you with all land based transfers from Lyon / Lyon airport / train station or hotel to our first hotel.

We provide all accommodation during the tour, all meals and drinks are including. We have staff to look after your bike, bags, staff on course and one riding the course taking photos*, laundry, cooler and baskets stocked with extra food and beverages and personalised attention. 

How hard will the tour be?

Come prepared. This is a mountain multi-day riding tour. There will be lots of climbing and descending over the seven days of riding. As with all of these types of tour, you MUST do some training before coming.

The fitter you are, the more fun you will have. 

Can I have a rest day?

Yes, no worries. Any day which you wish to take off the bike is possible. We want you to have a holiday and there is no pressure from us.

I think I need a training program?

Each rider is different. A training program certainly helps, especially when talking to a coach who has a wealth of experience and who has completed many cyclo-sportives.

We like to encourage riders that the fitter they are, the more fun they will have. 

We have a range of coaches who we highly recommend. For further details on training programs, costs etc can be found here. 

You're an Australian tour company, do you have riders on your tours who are not from Australia?

We have clients on our tours from all over the world, Australia, NZ, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, South Africa, Brazil, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Czech Republic and Spain. Each year many of our riders return to do tours with twowheeltours, which is a great honour. 

Rooming

All prices listed are single supplement. For dual occupancy, other than your husband, wife, partner, please email us on info@twowheeltours.com.au

Wifi - Internet Access

Our hotels all have internet, the majority have it in rooms but once in a while you may need to access it from the lobby. We have never had problems getting on line with multiple devices for the one person - so using your mobile, laptop etc is okay.

What about transporting my bike to the event?

Packing your bike with care and in a specific case. This is the safest way to get your bike to the start of the event in one piece. LINK

I have never boxed my bike before, how do I pack my bike? 

Drop into your favourite Local Bike Store (LBS) and ask them to assist you. You could ask them to do it first then build it up, then you have a go - all for a price. Or you can become a profession via youtube - LINK.

Which bike box should I use?

How long is a piece of string, there are SO many out on the market it is amazing, each year there seems to be something new and improved. We have used the EVOC Bike Travel Bag for the last 4 years - they have now updated to the PRO. We have used the EVOC Travel Bag countless of times for our MTB and road tours. It has NEVER had any issues, NEVER had my bike damaged and we really like it. I also have two ‘bits’ to make life a bit easier - CHAIN COVER & ROAD BIKE ADAPTOR. It may take a little longer to use this bike but once you have done with travel the bag compacts down. When boxing the bike, we would highly recommend removing the derailleur from the derailleur-tip but that takes a few extra seconds - youtube clip - this is a clip is by 'Computer' a Sydney mechanic, excuse his hair and finger nails, he really is a good guy! Other options are : Polaris do some very good models or Scicon Bags or there is the Helium one which gets great reviews OR go to your LBS and get a cardboard box.

Where can I build my bike?

We will have a designated area at the start and finish of the tour which can be used to build your bike. Our mechanic will be there to assist. 

Help will be there if necessary

To assist you in building your bike there will be a tool-case which includes all the major tools. There is also a bike stand, track pumps, torque wrench, grease, chain lube, rags and hand wipes.

Have you ever had troubles transporting your bike on airlines?

In many years of traveling with a bike, there has never been any issues with boxing and flying with our bikes. Note, some airlines do charge for excess baggage while others do not. We do not know the policy on each carrier but we know that United, American Airlines and Lufthansa charge for bike boxes whereas Virgin Atlantic does not so long as it is under 23kg / 50 lbs & 62” / 158cm total linear cm. Qatar / Qantas allow you to bring your bike as long as it is within your 30kg limit. Please make sure you weigh your bike before you get to the airport and it is also highly recommended that you check prices and the fine print for excess luggage (ie bike bags / sporting equipment) with whoever you are flying with. Please do this before you get to the airport.

Tools and other equipment

twowheeltours will have a full tool kit for your use on the tour as per listed above including track pumps - also our mechanic is there is assist with any other needs.

What should I bring?

It is highly recommended that riders bring tubes, mini tool, brake pads (especially for those using disc brakes!) tire levers etc which you would normally take on a long ride - recommended packing list.

During rides, riders will need to be somewhat self sufficient. The support vehicle will be roaming and they will be able to assist but not always immediately on the scene. 

It is also recommend that riders bring specific spokes and derailleur tip/hanger - you will be reminded of this during the booking phase.

What wheels should I bring?

Bring wheels, fitted with clincher tires. Please leave tubular tires at home. 

For those bringing disc brakes, please make sure that you bring at least 2 sets, 4 pads in total, of brand new brake pads. 

Bike servicing and washing

All riders, pre tour, should have their bikes FULLY serviced including, bottom bracket wear/tear, rims checked, new tires, inner tubes, brakes and cables. After each ride our mechanic is there to help. If you so wish, you will be able to use our tools for any of your needs. There is NO charge for our mechanical work.

Bike washing

Bikes do not need to be washed each day - they will be wiped down. 

Gearing

It is highly recommended to have a compact crank. Some riders prefer standard cranks, it is up to the rider. About what to run in the rear, ask yourself this question, do you spend much of your time riding in the granny around home? The earlier stages are the toughest, so if you like 'spinning' bring a compact. The majority of our clients have a compact at the front and 11-30 on the rear with some preferring a 32. 

Insurance 

You MUST organise your own travel insurance. You MUST make sure all aspects, medical, flights etc. are covered.

Do I need a Cycling Licence?

No.

Diet - Food on Trip

Travelling away from home is always an adventure. The food in Europe is not the same as 'home'. The food in Sicily is amazing and it is one of the highlights of the tour. 

As this is a Fully Catered tour we supply you with all meals. The race organisers supply you daily with lunch and dinner during the event. 

If you have eating requirements/needs please let us know when you book in the comments section and we will endeavour to meet your needs. 

If you are a vegetarian please note that being in Europe it is very difficult to get enough protein and we highly recommend that you bring your own supplements. We have had some clients who have mentioned that getting enough protein was much harder than they had imagined.

Sports Nutrition

Everyone has their favourites nutrition companies. Please bring along what you are happy with. Below we list what you will find at rest stops. If you are hoping to purchase supplements along the way please remember that most host villages are VERY remote and most likely will not have what you want.

Want more information about Specific Sports Nutrition for the tour - Chloe McLeod is a Sports Dietitian who we used to help guide our clients to smarter eating for such events - more information click here. 

Bringing my own nutrition, any issues with quarantine?

In regards to bringing your own powders and large tubs of powders, we have had clients bring their own from home and they have never had an issue. Most put powder into a zip lock bag, leaving the big tub at home. We would not recommend for you to bring copious amounts of gels/powders etc as there may be an issue. If travel/transit/arrival forms require, please declare what you have in your bag. Lastly, please pack it in your checked luggage. 

Clothing and washing

It is recommended that riders bring at least 4 sets of cycling clothing. twowheeltours gives you a wash/laundry bag [WB] at the start of the tour. We will wash your kit during the tour. We will not put the WB in the dryer. On the wash day there is a collection bag left near reception. Riders get their WB back before dinner.

Other info on what to bring can be found here. Unfortunately we cannot wash all your day to day clothes. 

Is there gear that I HAVE to wear?

You can cycle in whatever gear you would like.

Clothing

For our dinners - there is no dress code. Even at our welcome dinner and farewell dinner there is no specific dress code, jeans, t-shirt and sneakers are more than suitable. There is only so much you can pack.

I've booked my ticket via twowheeltours, what next?

Your main focus once you have booked with us is training and booking your flights. You will be required to complete some twowheeltours paper work which you will be emailed closer to the start of the event.

Paper work

We require you to sign a waiver from twowheeltours.

Payment

Upon booking a deposit is required, all details of payments will be outlined on your invoice.

How do I make the remaining payments?

Via direct deposit, all details of payments will be outlined on your invoice.  

Payment can be made by Stripe Up - Amex, MasterCard or Visa* - there are transfer fees associated with Credit Card payments. Please contact us so that we can send you an invoice from Square Up. 

twowheeltours has been hosting tours and experiences to events such as the Haute Route (since 2011), Ride Across Portugal (since 2017), Giro della Sicilia (2023) and Critérium du Dauphiné (2024). Since then, we have had hundreds of riders from +20 countries join us on cyclo-sportive tours.  

Some of the most important factors to remember:

If this is your first multi-day tour with twowheeltours, welcome to the family.  

The days are not ALL about climbs, remember, what goes up must come down and then there are all those rolling hills plus flat sections where teamwork is an advantage! 

Make sure you have done some bunch riding.

Also, make sure you have done some riding in the rain. Nobody likes getting wet but there is always the chance that a stage may be a damp one.   

At the end of each tour, we ask our clients for advice for those who are attempting a multi-day cycling event:

Enjoy the cycling and the experience...the twowheeltours team has the rest covered.

Andy - Canada

If you're into the technology, Garmin climbpro, plus a power meter and knowing your numbers makes the climbing a lot less stressful and much easier to manage. If you're not into the technology you should reconsider. GPS routing and climbpro really lets you relax and enjoy the ride, wherever you are. Also, bring all your gear. Southern Australia is not like Northern Australia. The weather can actually change a lot from day to day. If you are planning on extending your stay, I would do that after the riding, not before.

Tim - Australia

Use a Tour Operator, twowheeltours.

Paolo - Italy  

For newcomers, what lies ahead can be intimidating and all the more so with a group of super strong riders. Do not be afraid to ask an experienced/repeat rider (who is on tour) to talk about their experiences and what they found helpful. 

Pete - Canada

As much as possible, try to train on climbs equivalent to those on the Haute Route. For Aussies, that might need to be the Snowies… or near Bright.

James - Australia

Start easy, that one day at a time, 1 climb at a time. Don't overwhelm yourself.

Greg - USA

Cannot over stress the rushed nature of everything. The mornings come fast and furious.

Mike - USA

Get the training in beforehand as you will enjoy the experience more AND eat before the ride and during the ride at a minimum 50 grams of carbs per hour and after the ride. You do these things and will have energy during the ride and for everything else you want to do (outside of riding) on the trip to make the most of the place you are visiting.

Simon - Australia

Relax and enjoy the ride! twowheeltours takes care of everything else!

Charles - USA

Your enjoyment of the trip will be directly proportional to the training you put in. With the training. I would also emphasise the importance of including plenty of low cadence/high force training to replicate what happens on the road in the long and steep climbs. I would also advise people renting a bike to consider a 34 if they are at all concerned about being over-powered/worn out by steep gradients. 

Andrew - Australia

If travelling with twowheeltours, you don't need to think of, or stress over, any details. Everything is taken care of.

Steve - Wales 

Be Tassie weather prepared.

Matt - Australia

You will meet some great characters and you don’t have to be a competitive rider to enjoy these tours [Gravel Tasmania]. 

Dave - Australia

Have a ride plan each day. Pacing is crucial from the first climb to the last each day and each stage. Keep the efforts to a minimum. You will be passing people on the last climb every day doing it this way versus being the person being passed. Ride to power and HR ceilings. Any higher and you will burn out. Perhaps not today, but one day. 

Richard - Australia

Train beforehand! Seriously train.

Terry - USA

Always pack cold and wet weather gear for destinations that may have '4 seasons in one day', and take up the offer of the van carrying extra gear in your musette.

Roslyn - Australia

Train, train and train.

Eimear - Ireland

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip (in Tasmania) but there were moments when I was on my limit on some of the short climbs. So check your riding level and capability.

Keith - Australia

On the bike > breathe ... eat ... drink ... enjoy!

Owen - Australia

Train and know it will not be enough.

David - USA

Embrace the experience! Rain, punctures, cramp, bone-chilling cold, transfers - they are all part of what makes the Haute Route such a challenge. And talk to your fellow riders - everyone has a story to tell.

Adrian - Australia

Have the utmost confidence in the professionalism of twowheeltours and Will's staff.

Sergio - Italy

Preparation. Most important is consistent training and lots of it. Work on strength and endurance. Focus on getting the body to recover from a long day and be ready for the next. Lots of riding required, never underestimate back to back riding in Europe.

Grant - Australia

Preparation and attention to detail. Put in the kms of training. This is not something that can be finished without true training preparation in the legs. Also, invest in a really good "butt butter" type product that works for you and figure out how to minimize saddle sore discomfort.

Paul - USA

Buy a Castelli Gabba!! [Prepare for all weather conditions]

Mark - Australia

Train - simulate actual event. Make sure you have the right clothes - bring what is on the Packing List and prepare for cold weather riding.

Stan - USA

Train a lot. Prepare for all weather conditions. Eat a lot on the bike. Take in the scenery.

Dave - Australia

Train, train and train to be able to enjoy the HR and not suffer every day.

Mike - Netherlands 

Install a climbing cassette before you leave.

Stephen - Australia

This is an open door: the Haute Route is harder than you think it is - try to keep your body weight as low as possible before the event. You will not regret it.

Paul - Netherlands

For first time riders (in Tasmania) be warned that it is not for the faint hearted.

Tom - Australia 

Haute Route is a long event - bad days could be followed by good days...so take it easy the first two days and always pay attention to good nutrition. Put up serious training before any Haute Route event. You will appreciate much more the event with trained legs

Stefan - Brazil

Train for a solid three months including a significant amount of hill climbing. You must have a high dgree of fitness otherwise you are wasting your time. Also put on a 32 cassette. 

Noel - Australia

Don't allow the physical and psychological challenge of the HR to get in the way of enjoying the wonders associated with riding a bike through some of the most beautiful natural scenery one can find anywhere.

Paul - Switzerland 

Arrive fit with experience of 10km climbs.

Geoff - Australia

Manage your efforts on the first few days, particularly on any long drags up a valley when it is easy to burn matches.

Keith - UK

Make sure you have appropriate fitness.

Dave - Australia 

Train, train and then train more. If your goal is too complete a seven day event, make sure you pace yourself on the first few days and then if you feel good you can increase your effort on the later stages. If your goal is to position as high as possible I now know that you need to push yourself hard from day 1! But no matter what your goal is just try and take it all in and enjoy the moment. 

Will - UK

Trust Will’s advice and descend within your abilities.

Bruce - Australia 

Train in a peloton/group to understand the group dynamics on the road - also helps to have plenty of miles in the legs before you turn up. Finally, train for hills and the flat roads will take care of themselves.

Paul - Australia

Relax and let the team handle all the logistics! I was swamped with everything prior to get to Bormio, but then I realised the team had everything under control and I could rely on them completely. Doing that really helped me enjoy the week.

Adria - Spain

First time rider, work on some bike handing skills and in your training do some simple single track (for those doing a Gravel Tour)

John - Australia

As far as racing, race your own race. Don't get too caught up in others excitement. As far as the twowheeltours part, stop and smell the roses. Enjoy yourself and your teammates and just relax. 

Ned - USA 

Pack well, have the right gears on the bike and plenty of riding in your legs. if you do not have a coach then find one. Their guidance on endurance riding, interval training and recovery is well worth the cost.

Ian - Australia

You can relax knowing that Will and his team will have designed a tour to suit your aspirations, budget and needs. You can also relax knowing that if your circumstances change that Will knows how to adapt the tour.

Kymbal - Australia

Don't worry about going hard to stay in a group as the twowheeltours guys will be there to support the first and last rider.  

Richard - Australia

Do the necessary hill training and endurance work. Use hill repeats if no long hills available.

Aidan - Ireland

Train, Prepare mentally, get use to eating a lot of food with heavy training. Learn the in’s and out’s of your bike, you will pick up early if something isn’t right.

Mitch - Australia

Don't pack too much cycling gear, there are wash days.

Graham - Australia

Train well, get a a couple of back to back days in ideally in mountain terrain.

Kieran - Ireland 

Talk to as many of the group as you can - all great people with different experiences as riders and otherwise. Don't stress about the weather- you cannot change it. 

JR - Australia

Train to do the length of rides that are planned so you can enjoy them.

Mark - Australia 

Train hard. Seek advice from others. Understand you will be grinding / spinning up a slope for what main be two or more hours. Hopefully you are confident with that.

David - Australia

Keep riding, let Will tell you stories, use his energy, if everyone else is doing it you can too (in terms of fitness), relax and have fun. For Ride Across Portugal, it’s not a race it’s a ride, you literally have nothing else to do all day other than ride your bike.

Kristin - USA

Go steady at the start, but not too steady. Be ok to push yourself, and trust in your training. The sooner you get to the end, the more recovery time you’ll have.

Stuart - Australia

Have enough training hours in your legs.

Michael - Australia

Good gearing, avoid deep dish wheels up high in the wind, and do not chase on day one. 

Stephen - Australia

It's worth getting fit for the trip rather than hoping you'll ride into it. If you're fitter and therefore don't struggle as much on the climbs you can enjoy the scenery.

Adrian - Australia

It's a 7 day race. Pace the 7 stages, save something for the end of each day and the last couple of days. For a HR 3 day event, it is lot different from HR 7 day. 3 day with add-on tourism package means you can really enjoy it. I guess only advice would be to train right ahead of time. Make sure you are ready for climbing.

Brent - USA

Relax, enjoy every day. Put as much time into road miles as you can based on the time you have available pre trip. Don’t feel intimidated as in my experience there will always be a broad cross section of riders and you will be looked after by twowheeltours.

Greg - Australia

I want to say do it with an organised group like twowheeltours but in hindsight, I appreciate that my first HR was done with friends only, doing all the extra bits myself. It made me really appreciate the luxury of Will & crew and how much easier it made the stages. So my real advice to a first timer is to ask advice, from people that you know that have done it before. Even regarding travel and best routes etc. Understand all the logistically elements before you arrive, so that you can have fun in the race and don't have to sweat the small stuff either side of the stages. It makes the whole event more relaxed and enjoyable.

Jocelyn - Australia

Go easy on day one! Don't burn all your matches on that first day.

Simon - Australia

Do it with twowheeltours. Find an experienced coach and ask him to make a training plan for Haute Route. If the coach has done a Haute Route or done stage racing that would be better. Spend time on training as much as you can so that you will not regret. You need to do some 6+ hour days as part of your training.
Don't care about other riders who pass you. 
Keep your pace - the Haute Route is long.
Never work too hard especially on the first day.
Don't think about the upcoming passes and stages which remain, just concentrate on the climb or descend you are facing.

Kenji - Japan

If you want to challenge yourself and have an amazing time with like minded people, then just do it.  You get heaps of support during the ride from twowheeltours. Plus if you find you are struggling on a particular day, you will have a great network of riders, both other participants and support crew to provide encouragement and help. If it's all still to much, then there is a support van to jump into and then have another go the next day. Although there is some challenging riding for a newbie (in Tasmania for the gravel tour), with the right attitude and guidance from those you are riding with you can achieve new skills and take your riding to a new level.
For non riders, come along to support your loved ones, or friends, eat at some fantastic restaurants, enjoy first class accommodation and get to see some new sights and meet new people. Plus it beats going to work.

Bryce - Australia

Mix with all the people on the tour to get the most out of the experience.

Garren - Australia

Pace yourself - don't go full gas on day 1 or at the start of any stage unless you are an experienced stage racer.

David - Australia

Get a good training program that focuses on hill climbing and endurance - do the prep, ride to your ability, pace your efforts to enjoy each day. 

Michelle - Australia