How to watch Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 2026: Everything you need to live stream the race formerly known as Critérium du Dauphiné

The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, formerly known as the Critérium du Dauphiné, is set to commence this Saturday with an eight-stage race through France’s south-eastern Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The event, which has a rich history dating back to 1947, was renamed following last year’s edition won by Tadej Pogačar. Known for its challenging mountainous terrain and iconic climbs, the race remains a key fixture on the WorldTour calendar and is widely regarded as a crucial preparation for the Tour de France, with seven winners since 2012 going on to claim victory at the Grand Boucle. This year’s race will miss some of its biggest stars, including defending champion Pogačar, who is absent due to his participation in the Tour de Suisse. Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel will also be missing as they focus on their respective season goals. Nevertheless, the field still boasts strong contenders such as Wout van Aert, who arrives in excellent form following his recent triumph at Paris-Roubaix. Attention will also be on French teenager Paul Seixas as he makes his highly anticipated, albeit somewhat controversial, debut ahead of the Tour de France, alongside other young talents like Juan Ayuso and Isaac del Toro. For fans keen to follow the race live, comprehensive broadcast options are available across multiple regions. In the UK, the race will be streamed on TNT Sports via HBO Max, both subscription services requiring a monthly fee. Viewers in the United States can watch on Peacock, while Canadian audiences have access through Flobikes. Australian fans benefit from free coverage on SBS and SBS On Demand. Several European countries, including France, Belgium, Spain, and Italy, also offer free live streams via their national broadcasters, although geo-restrictions apply. Those travelling or living abroad who wish to access their usual streaming platforms may need to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass regional restrictions. VPNs allow users to alter their device’s location, enabling uninterrupted access to broadcasts from their home countries. NordVPN is highlighted as a reliable option for this purpose, offering fast connections and compatibility with multiple devices, ensuring fans worldwide can stay connected to the race. The race’s start times vary depending on the region, with UK coverage beginning between midday and early afternoon, while North American broadcasts start in the early morning hours. Australian viewers can expect evening coverage. With the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes serving as a pivotal lead-up to the Tour de France, the event promises exciting racing and an early glimpse at the form of potential Grand Tour contenders.