From February 5 to February 9, 2025, the peloton will race the prestigious Etoile de Bessèges, marking the opening stage-race on the French cycling calendar. This highly anticipated event traditionally sets the tone for the season, showcasing talented riders as they vie for victory.
The race will feature numerous notable participants including Mads Pedersen, Arnaud De Lie, Sam Bennett, and Filippo Ganna, who are all set to challenge for podium spots. Kévin Vauquelin and other skilled cyclists also make the start list, indicating the race's competitive nature.
Stage 1 kicks off with what is considered one of the most unusual profiles of the year. The race starts and ends in Bellegarde, known for its pan-flat terrain. Cyclists will need to be mindful, as the winds can play a significant role on this course, which is advantageous for sprinters. Yet, climbers can't be ruled out entirely. The race concludes with 600 meters of climbing, averaging 9% gradient—a challenging finish sure to create tension among riders.
According to The Cycling News, "It's a day for the sprinters, but those who can climb, because the final 600 meters average 9% and will make for a super explosive finale." This quote captures the essence of how tactics might shift dramatically near the end of this opening stage.
Stage 2 is expected to favor the fast riders once again. While the terrain isn't completely flat, the finale, taking the competitors to Marguerittes, will provide a familiar setting for sprinters. If they possess both speed and climbing stamina, they could secure advantageous positions for future stages.
Stage 3 is where the race really begins to test riders, with both starts and finishes occurring at Bessèges. This hilly course won’t yield many easy options, and strategic breakaways or late attacks might well be successful. Although the climbs may not be excessively steep, they can provide perfect opportunities for adventurous riders to make their move.
The queen stage focuses on the iconic Mont Bouquet. While most of the stage will see riders managing flat terrain, the final climb, stretching 4.6 kilometers with 9% gradients, truly demands the best from each climber. This setting allows those specialized riders to flaunt their skills, particularly as the climbers and some puncheurs go head-to-head, showcasing their strengths toward the race's climax.
Closing out this five-day event is the time-trial, one of the race's distinctive features. During this challenge, riders will face the first 8 kilometers of flat terrain before launching themselves toward L'Ermitage, where steep gradients soar as high as 16%. It's easy to foresee how seconds will be diligently fought over as cyclists battle for both stage and overall classification titles.
The Etoile de Bessèges not only promises thrilling racing but also opens the door for discussions about rider form and team strategies as they focus on individual skills. Anticipation builds as cycling enthusiasts look forward to the remarkable stories this event will likely produce.
Returning it’s worth noting the strategic diversity among contenders with bulky teams, making it likely for the competition to be fierce right from the outset. All eyes will be on these athletes as they battle challenges both physical and tactical, providing incredible viewing for fans worldwide.
The 2025 Etoile de Bessèges sets the stage for what could be one of the most riveting seasons yet, with odds beginning to shift even as the riders leave the starting line. Briefly, fan-favorite Mads Pedersen is among those to watch, alongside several climbing specialists.
Fans around the globe gear up for this event poised to combine drama, competition, and remarkable displays of athletic talent, providing insight on which riders may shine as the 2025 cycling season reaches its full potential.