Stage four of the 2026 Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes concluded with a high-speed sprint finish in Montrond-les-Bains, France.
The race serves as a critical eight-day preparation event for professional cyclists ahead of the Tour de France [4]. Because the event tests endurance and timing, it allows riders to refine their form before the most prestigious race in cycling.
The stage began in Le Puy-en-Velay and wound through the French countryside toward the finish line in Montrond-les-Bains [2, 3]. The route required riders to manage their energy over a distance that varied slightly by report, ranging from 165.8 km [2] to 167.4 km [1]. This distance ensures that the peloton remains competitive while leaving enough strength for the final push.
This year's event is known as the Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, having previously been called the Criterium du Dauphiné [1]. The overall race schedule is set for June 7-14, 2026 [1].
As the riders entered the final kilometers, the pace intensified. The sprint finish highlighted the tactical battle between teams attempting to protect their leaders and those pushing for individual stage victories. The event was broadcast globally, with NBC Sports providing coverage of the final moments in Montrond-les-Bains [3].
“The race serves as an eight-day tune-up ahead of the Tour de France.”
The transition of the Criterium du Dauphiné into the Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes marks a continuation of the event's role as the primary barometer for the Tour de France. By featuring a mix of distance and sprint finishes, the race identifies which riders have the recovery speed and tactical positioning necessary to compete for the yellow jersey in July.
