The riders tackle a modest climb from the start, and 20 kilometres later, the Côte d’Augerolles offers the first chance to gain KOM points. It’s a 2.6 kilometres climb at 5.2%, after which the race continues on flat roads.
The hilly second part of the race begins with the Côte de Saint-Victor-sur-Arlanc, a steep ascent of 3.1 kilometres at 9.4%. Following a rolling section and a descent, the Côte de Retournac rises over 3.2 kilometres at 5.4%. There is no downhill afterward; instead, the road continues to climb at gentle gradients for tens of kilometres, reaching an elevation of 1,198 metres. The final 2 kilometres of this section are the Côte de Valogeon, a climb with an average gradient of 5%.
The Valogeon is crested with 35 kilometres remaining. Following 17 kilometres of rolling terrain, the riders descend to the base of the final climb to ski station Les Estables. The first 3 kilometres go up at roughly 3%, while the last 3.8 kilometres rise at 5.2% 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 3rd stage 2024 Critérium du Dauphiné.
Another interesting read: results 3rd stage 2024 Critérium du Dauphiné.
Critérium du Dauphiné 2024 stage 3: route, profiles, more
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