What Is 1987 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré

Overview

The 1987 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was a pivotal stage race in the lead-up to the Tour de France, attracting many of the era's top riders. Held annually in the Rhône-Alpes region of France, the 1987 edition marked a historic moment with an American victory in the general classification.

This race, traditionally used as a final tune-up for the Tour, featured challenging mountain stages and time trials designed to test climbers and all-rounders. The 1987 route covered 1,347 kilometers across 10 stages, starting on May 25 and concluding on June 3 in Grenoble.

• Andy Hampsten of the 7-Eleven Cycling Team won the overall title, becoming the first American to claim victory in the race’s history.
• The race began in Chambéry and included stages through the Alps, testing endurance and climbing ability in high-altitude terrain.
• Hampsten took the leader’s jersey after a strong performance in Stage 7, a mountain stage to Alpe d’Huez, and defended it to the finish.
• Luis Herrera of Colombia won the mountains classification, showcasing his climbing prowess on Alpine ascents.
• The final stage was a 40-kilometer individual time trial near Grenoble, where Hampsten solidified his lead over second-place finisher Charly Mottet.

How It Works

The Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré is structured as a multi-stage race with daily classifications and a cumulative general classification based on time. Each stage contributes to overall standings, with time bonuses and mountain points adding strategic depth.

• General Classification: Calculated by summing each rider’s stage times; the lowest total time wins. Hampsten’s consistency across mountain stages secured his victory.
• Stage Types: The 1987 edition included flat stages, mountain stages, and a final time trial, testing versatility in pacing and tactics.
• Team Strategy: Teams like 7-Eleven and RMO coordinated efforts to support leaders, especially in breakaways and mountain support roles.
• Time Bonuses: Riders earned 10, 6, and 4 seconds for top three finishes in stages, influencing tight time gaps in the overall standings.
• Jerseys: The yellow jersey was awarded to the GC leader; polka-dot for mountains; green for points; white for best young rider.
• Preparation Role: Many riders used the Dauphiné as a final test before the Tour de France, simulating race conditions and pacing strategies.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of the 1987 Dauphiné with other major stage races of the era.

While shorter than the Tour de France, the 1987 Dauphiné offered a concentrated test of climbing and time-trialing skills. Its timing in late May made it ideal for riders fine-tuning form ahead of July’s Grand Tour.

Why It Matters

The 1987 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was a landmark event in cycling history, not only for Hampsten’s breakthrough but also for signaling the growing internationalization of the sport. American success in European stage racing was rare at the time, making this victory symbolic.

• Hampsten’s win demonstrated that U.S. riders could compete at the highest level of European road racing.
• The race helped validate the 7-Eleven team’s presence in Europe, paving the way for future American participation.
• It highlighted the importance of altitude training, as Hampsten had prepared in Colorado before the race.
• The Dauphiné’s role as a Tour de France predictor was reinforced, with Hampsten later finishing third in the 1987 Tour.
• Colombian riders like Herrera continued to dominate mountain classifications, drawing attention to Latin American talent.
• The 1987 edition set a precedent for future international winners and diversified the sport’s competitive landscape.

Today, the 1987 Dauphiné is remembered as a turning point in cycling’s globalization, with lasting implications for team strategies and rider development worldwide.