That is, there are more ascents between the start and finish, but only two intermediate climbs are classified. As is the finish climb. The 3rd stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné takes in an elevation gain of 2,700 metres.
The route climbs from the start, although at shallow gradients, until kilometre 17. A rolling phase and a downhill then leads to the foot of the first KOM climb. The Côte de Saint-Vert is 3.5 kilometres long and climbs at 6.5%.
After the lumpy first hour the middle section is predominantly flat.
The roads go up again after roughly 100 kilometres in the saddle. A false flat of more than 30 kilometres ushers in the next KOM. Far from the hardest climb, the Côte de Besse-en-Chandesse is 1.2 kilometres long and averages 6%. The sprint for mountain points is not the summit though, as the ascent continues for 6 kilometres at more moderate gradients.
The route goes down again with 25 kilometres remaining before an undulating section makes way for the finish climb to Chastreix-Sancy. Which is a 6.2 kilometres test at 5.6%. The penultimate kilometre is as good as flat before the last 200 metres rise at 8.1% to the line.
The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while the intermediate sprint comes with 3, 2 and 1 seconds.
Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 3.
Another interesting read: results 3rd stage 2022 Critérium du Dauphiné.
Critérium du Dauphiné 2022 stage 3: route, profile, more
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