2024 French Cycling Championships: a not-to-be-missed event
In this Article
Published on 20 June 2024
One week before the start of the Tour de France and one month before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the French Cycling Championships will take place in Sud de la Manche for four days of exceptional competition from 20 to 23 June 2024. Since its inception in 1907, this is the first time that this historic event will be held in Manche around Saint-Martin-de-Landelles. These French road cycling championships will bring together the best French cyclists, both men and women, amateurs and professionals, all vying for the title of French champion. Who do you think will succeed Valentin Madouas and Victoire Berteau, winners of the Men's and Women's Road Races in 2023? A must-watch event...
The French Road Cycling Championships, in a nutshell
The French road cycling championships have been held annually since 1907 to determine the French male and female champions. The title is awarded in a single race, and the French champion wears a tricolor jersey until the next championship edition. Since 1995, a French time trial champion title has also been awarded.
This year, a total of 650 professional and amateur cyclists, along with more than 500 cyclosportive riders, will start from departure points located at Mont Saint-Michel, Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët, and Avranches. For the first time this year, the French Cycling Federation (FFC) has decided to introduce separate titles for Amateur Women's French Time Trial Champion and Amateur Women's French Road Race Champion. This decision aims to promote and recognize amateur women's cycling in France.
French Cycling Championships: Several races to watch closely
Individual Time Trial from Mont-Saint-Michel to Saint-Martin-de-Landelles
Women's Elite ITT
The Elite women will start at 1:00 PM on 20 June over a distance of 35.200 km with an elevation gain of 420 m. This individual time trial will start from Pontorson, near Mont Saint-Michel, and finish at Saint-Martin-de-Landelles.
The first 43 competitors will start at intervals of 1 minute, followed by the next 27 competitors at intervals of 1 minute 30 seconds. The last competitor is expected to arrive around 3:15 PM, based on an estimated average speed of 40 km/h for these 70 cyclists.
Men's Elite ITT
Next up is the Men's Elite with the first departure scheduled for 2:50 PM. There will be a 1-minute interval start for the first 41 competitors, followed by a 1 minute 30 second interval for the next 40. The men will cover the same distance as the women. The last competitor is expected to arrive around 5:17 PM, based on an estimated average speed of 45 km/h for these 80 competitors. A crucial event for the French selection for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The route is straight with no major technical difficulties and will crown a strong time trialist. The first part of the route is fairly flat until Pontaubault, then it becomes more hilly towards Saint-James.
👉 Discover our selection of best road bikes 2024
Men's Amateur Road Race - Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët to Saint-Martin-de-Landelles
On Friday, 21 June at 11:00 AM, amateur male cyclists will start from Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët for an arrival expected at Saint-Martin-de-Landelles. They will cover 166.200 km on a hilly terrain with a distance of 18.600 km to the first pass on the finish line and then 9 laps of 16.400 km. Arrival is estimated at 3:12 PM (with an estimated average speed of 40 km/h).
Women's Elite Road Race (Amateur and Professional) - Avranches - Saint-Martin-de-Landelles
On Saturday, 22 June at 11:00 AM, female cyclists, both amateurs and professionals, will start from Avranches to compete for the title of French champions, promising an exciting and suspenseful moment. By combining both categories, organizers can ensure a dynamic and interesting race.
The distance to cover is 125.8 km with 1,700 m of elevation gain. (27.400 km from the actual start to the first pass on the finish line, plus 6 laps of 16.400 km). Arrival is estimated around 2:43 PM (estimated average speed of 35 km/h).
La Tricolore Cyclosportive
Parallel to this, starting from Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët at 4:00 PM, the Tricolore, cyclosportive open to all of 107.500 km with 1,300 m of elevation gain will allow cyclists of all levels to ride on the same course as the pros. It's a unique opportunity to experience an enriching event together in a beautiful environment.
Men's Elite Road Race - Avranches - Saint-Martin-de-Landelles
The men's elite race will start on Sunday, 23 June at 10:30 AM from Avranches and finish at Saint-Martin-de-Landelles after 13 laps of the circuit.
The peloton will pass multiple times through:
- la côte de la Vallée (800 m at 8 %);
- the ascent of la Pigeonnière (500 m at 6%);
- the climb of les Biards (700 m at 5%).
This 240.6 km route with 3,600 m elevation gain is similar to that of the classic, the Polynormande, with its numerous relaunches.
It’s a hilly terrain typical of the Bocage du Sud-Manche. The breakaway during the first lap of the final circuit promises to be strategic. If the wind comes into play, even the strongest riders won’t manage to create gaps in the toughest sections.
Top Contenders for the 2024 French Cycling Championships
On the men's side, where the terrain suits him well, the lineup is exciting with seasoned riders such as Alaphilippe, Madouas, and Bardet. As for the women, cyclists like Cédrine Kerbaol and Juliette Labous promise to deliver an exceptional and unprecedented spectacle to spectators.
Favorites for the 2024 French Cycling Championships
Benoît Cosnefroy
At home, Benoît Cosnefroy, winner of the Brabantse Pijl, will be able to exploit his qualities on the climbs of the 2024 French Championships course. A puncher and classics specialist, this route suits him well.
Valentin Madouas
Strong in the Ardennes classics (6th in Amstel Gold, 7th in Liège), and reigning French champion (27 years old, Groupama-FDJ), he will undoubtedly be highly anticipated on roads that suit his strengths, where he often trains and has already triumphed (Polynormande 2021).
Axel Zingle
Recent winner of the Boucles de l’Aulne and with 11 Top 5 finishes this season, the speedy Axel Zingle (25 years old, Cofidis) will have assets to assert himself in the South of La Manche.
Aurélien Paret-Peintre
At 28 years old and a member of the Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale team, he could be one of the backup plans for the Savoyard team behind Benoît Cosnefroy. He will be supported by his brother Valentin and Dorian Godon.
Romain Bardet
A talented climber at 33 years old with Team DSM, he has already shown his ability to shine among punchers, notably finishing 2nd at Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Ninth in the general classification of the 2024 Giro, he arrives in the South of La Manche in great shape and ready to perform.
Julian Alaphilippe
31 years old, from the Soudal-Quick Step team, he impressively won a stage at the Giro on May 16, proving he's back at a very high level. On a "punchy" circuit, the former double world champion will have a golden opportunity to win the tricolour jersey for the first time in his career. However, he will face strong teams while being relatively isolated.
Paul Lapeira
The revelation of the French season, a 23-year-old from Sud-Manche and member of the Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale team. He possesses all the qualities needed to shine on his home turf, already showing his potential last year with a 4th place finish in the Polynormande.
Kévin Vauquelin
Impressive 2nd place in the Flèche Wallonne, Vauquelin is a versatile cyclist at 23 years old, part of the Arkéa-B&B Hôtels team. He will be a major asset for his team.
Lenny Martinez
The great promise of French cycling at 20 years old (Groupama-FDJ), he could benefit from his team's impressive firepower, composed of Madouas, Gaudu, Grégoire, Pacher, and Molard, to make his mark.
Top Contenders for the 2024 French Cycling Championships (Women)
Audrey Cordon-Ragot
French road race champion in 2020 and 2022, Audrey Cordon-Ragot is a key figure in French women's cycling. Renowned for her time trial abilities and skills in race against the clock, she has already won several national titles. She excels on demanding courses and has extensive experience in international races.
Juliette Labous
A versatile rider who has made a name for herself on the international scene by becoming the European Champion in mixed relay time trial in 2023. If she competes in the time trial, she will be a serious contender as this type of course is her specialty.
Victoire Berteau
Already French road race champion in 2023, part-road racer, part-track racer, she is a formidable competitor on varied courses.
Cédrine Kerbaol
French time trial champion in 2023, she is a young hope in French women's cycling. She could surprise and reveal herself at the national championships.
Evita Muzic
Evita Muzic is a strong climber with notable performances in mountain races and stage races. She could be a threat on a hilly course with significant climbs.
Morgane Coston
Morgane Coston, also known for her mountain climbing talents, has shown signs of steady progress. She could leverage difficult sections to create gaps and aim for the title.
The 2024 French Cycling Championships, which you can follow live on your screen, promise to be an unforgettable event marked by high-level competition and unique moments of camaraderie. Each day will bring its share of emotions and performances. This great moment is also an opportunity to remember that in a few weeks the Tour de France will take place. Feel like riding in their tracks and experiencing unforgettable emotions? Take on the Etape du Tour, the largest amateur cycling event.
