From June 8th to 15th, the peloton takes on the prestigious Criterium du Dauphiné, a race long revered as the most accurate dress rehearsal for the Tour de France. And this year, it brings fireworks early—featuring headline stars Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, and Mathieu van der Poel. Today, we dive into what to expect from Stage 3.
Stage Profile: A Test of Power, Patience, and Punch
The third stage covers a grueling 206 kilometers and features nearly 3000 meters of elevation gain. On paper, it may resemble earlier stages, but don’t be deceived—its tougher opening and challenging finale could spark major shifts in strategy and outcome.
The key feature is a short but brutal ascent: 1.2 km at 9.5%, peaking with 18.5 km remaining. While this isn’t a summit finish, it’s a launchpad for late-stage attacks. Expect the GC contenders to muscle their way to the front, even if the day isn’t designed for a full-blown classification battle.
Following the climb, riders face a deceptive mix of plateau, descent, and a long false-flat drag into Charantonnay. With no clear sprint trains or outright favourites, this finish is primed for a reduced group showdown—or even a successful breakaway.
Stage 3 Odds
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| Rider | Odds |
|---|---|
| van der Poel, Mathieu | 4.50 |
| Pogacar, Tadej | 9.00 |
| Milan, Jonathan | 12.00 |
| Healy, Ben | 13.00 |
| Wright, Fred | 19.00 |
| Laurance, Axel | 21.00 |
| Tronchon, Bastien | 23.00 |
| van Gils, Maxim | 26.00 |
| Bardet, Romain | 26.00 |
| Vingegaard, Jonas | 26.00 |
| Evenepoel, Remco | 29.00 |
| Velasco, Simone | 35.00 |
| Nielsen, Magnus Cort | 35.00 |
| Nerurkar, Lukas | 35.00 |
| Fredheim, Stian | 40.00 |
| Stewart, Jake | 40.00 |
| Pithie, Laurence | 40.00 |
Tactical Variables: GC Threat or Breakaway Bonanza?
If Stage 1 is any indication, we’re in for another day of unpredictability. The final terrain invites tactical roulette: a small group of opportunists could outfox the elite, especially if major teams hesitate to commit early.
For GC names like Pogacar, Vingegaard, and Evenepoel, Stage 3 is a terrain to stay alert, test legs, and gain psychological edges without full exposure. Meanwhile, aggressive puncheurs and all-rounders will eye this stage as their golden ticket.
Our Prediction for Stage 3
Pick: Ben Healy
How: Breakaway victory after surviving the final ascent and timing his attack perfectly into the false-flat finale.
Stage 3 is a masterclass in subtle racing. With a finale that could reward brain over brawn, we may witness a new twist in the GC narrative—or the rise of an unsung hero. Don’t miss our live updates and betting analysis throughout the race, exclusively on TipsGG.