What Is 1989 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1989 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was a professional cycling stage race held from May 29 to June 7, 1989, consisting of 10 stages totaling 1,569 kilometers. American rider Greg LeMond won the general classification, marking a key victory in his comeback season after winning the Tour de France in 1986 and 1989.

Key Facts

The 1989 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré began on May 29 and ended on June 7, spanning 10 stages.
Total race distance was 1,569 kilometers, covering the French Alps region.
Greg LeMond of the ADR team won the general classification.
LeMond also won the final time trial stage, securing his overall victory.
The race served as key preparation for the 1989 Tour de France.

Overview

The 1989 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was the 43rd edition of this prestigious French stage race, serving as a crucial preparatory event for the Tour de France. Held annually in the Rhône-Alpes region, the race traditionally features mountainous terrain ideal for testing climbers and all-rounders.

This edition attracted top-tier riders aiming to fine-tune form ahead of July’s Grand Tour. With ten stages and challenging climbs, it offered a mix of time trials, flat stages, and high-altitude finishes.

Stage 1 began in Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule on May 29, covering 155 km with a flat profile suited to sprinters.
The race included one individual time trial on Stage 10, a 49.5 km route from Aix-les-Bains to Grenoble, decisive for GC contenders.
Mountains classification was won by Luc Leblanc, who consistently placed high on climbs like Col du Galibier.
Greg LeMond wore the yellow jersey after Stage 9 and solidified his lead in the final time trial.
The race saw participation from 12 teams, including top squads like ADR, Système U, and PDM–Concorde.

Stage Details and Classification Leaders

Each stage presented unique challenges, from sprint finishes to alpine ascents, shaping the overall standings. The race’s structure allowed for diverse talent to shine across classifications.

Stage 2: A 192 km route to Lyon was won by sprinter Jean-François Bernard in a bunch finish.
Stage 4: A mountain stage to Le Mont-Dore featured the Col de la Croix Morand and was won by Charly Mottet.
Stage 6: A 45 km individual time trial near Gap was dominated by LeMond, who gained over a minute on rivals.
Stage 8: A summit finish at Alpe d’Huez was won by Erik Breukink, showcasing climbing prowess.
Stage 9: A 172 km route from Bourg-d’Ollier to Aix-les-Bains saw aggressive breakaways and GC reshuffling.
Stage 10: The final time trial was won by LeMond, who completed it in 1 hour, 32 minutes, securing his overall win.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1989 edition to other years highlights its significance in terms of competition and preparation for the Tour de France.

Year	Winner	Distance (km)	Number of Stages	Key Climbs
1989	Greg LeMond	1,569	10	Alpe d’Huez, Col du Galibier
1988	Charly Mottet	1,602	11	Col de la Loze, Col du Tourmalet
1987	Stephen Roche	1,588	10	Col d’Izoard, Alpe d’Huez
1986	Robert Millar	1,610	12	Col du Galibier, Col du Lautaret
1985	Thierry Marie	1,575	10	Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Télégraphe

The 1989 edition was slightly shorter than previous years but retained the core alpine challenges. It continued the tradition of being a key indicator for Tour de France performance, with LeMond’s win foreshadowing his second Tour victory later that summer.

Why It Matters

The 1989 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of that year’s cycling season. It confirmed Greg LeMond’s return to elite form after his 1986 Tour win and life-threatening injury.

LeMond’s victory demonstrated his time-trialing dominance, a key factor in his 1989 Tour de France win by just 8 seconds.
The race served as a proving ground for emerging riders like Luc Leblanc and Laurent Fignon.
Team strategies were tested, especially in mountain stages where PDM and ADR clashed.
It highlighted the growing importance of time trials in stage racing outcomes.
Media coverage increased, boosting the race’s profile ahead of the Tour.
The 1989 edition reinforced the Dauphiné’s status as the most important pre-Tour stage race in the calendar.

Ultimately, the 1989 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was more than a warm-up race—it was a decisive battleground that shaped the trajectory of professional cycling that year.