The 2025 Boucles Drôme-Ardèche cycling race kicked off with the Faun Ardèche Classic, marking its 25th anniversary on March 1, 2025. This first leg of the prestigious event promises to showcase elite cycling talent with participants from multiple teams, including renowned World Tour squads.
The race commenced at 11:55 AM from avenue Clémenceau, Guilherand-Granges, with the expected finish occurring between 4:17 PM and 4:45 PM at the same location. A total of 23 teams are participating, 13 of which belong to the World Tour category, along with 6 ProTour and 4 Continental teams, accounting for 161 cyclists from diverse backgrounds.
Key competitors include last year’s champion Juan Ayuso from UAE Team Emirates, along with formidable cyclists such as Marc Hirschi (SUI/Tudor), Mattias Skjelmose (DAN/Lidl-Trek), and local riders like Aurélien Paret-Peintre and Romain Grégoire. The competition is fierce this year as athletes vie for glory on France’s challenging terrain.
The route for the Faun Ardèche Classic mirrors the one from 2024, where riders will encounter multiple tough climbs. This includes ascents like the Côte du Pin, Col de la Justice, and the strenuous Côte du Val d’Enfer, with the last lap featuring the grueling climb up the Wall of Cornas before facing the final Côte du Val d’Enfer. Altogether, participants will tackle 169.5 kilometers with 3,000 meters of elevation gain.
The race is expected to take place as follows: after the neutral start from Guilherand-Granges, the contestants will hit the route at around 12:09 PM after exiting Saint-Péray. They will cross the finish line twice before the final count-down, with the first passage expected around 1:34 PM, making dramatic viewing for fans tracking the race.
Viewers can enjoy the excitement from home as La Chaîne L’Équipe broadcasts the races live. Coverage for the Faun Ardèche Classic starts at 2:00 PM, followed by the Faun Drôme Classic on March 2. Commentary from cycling experts Claire Bricogne and Patrick Chassé will accompany the action, ensuring viewers don’t miss any of the heart-stopping moments.
“The overall route remains the same as last year, with significant climbs such as the Val d’Enfer,” noted cycling analyst from Total Velo, emphasizing the challenges awaiting competitors.
Riders will be up against each other and the relentless course, pushing their limits as they navigate the ups and downs of the challenging French countryside. Larger crowds are expected to cheer on the competitors, making these two days not merely sporting events but festivals celebrating cycling.
Besides the thrilling competition expected on the road, viewers are encouraged to follow Total Velo for real-time summaries, results, and unique behind-the-scenes footage during the events.
The Boucles Drôme-Ardèche cycling races are more than just showcases for athletic prowess; they serve as platforms for camaraderie among competitors and fans alike, reinforcing the heart of competitive cycling.
With anticipation building for each race and each rider's efforts, cycling fans are ready for an exhilarating weekend of action. Who will emerge victorious at the end of this challenging course? Only time will tell as the events of the 2025 Boucles Drôme-Ardèche unwind over these exciting two days.