This Saturday, April 19, 2025, the Tour du Jura cycliste brings together 120 riders from twenty teams representing seven nations for a thrilling race from the esplanade des Forges de Fraisans to the summit of Mont Poupet in Salins-les-Bains. This Easter weekend in Franche-Comté is set to be a remarkable event for cycling fans, highlighted by a triptych of cycling races. Kicking off the festivities, the Classic Grand Besançon Doubs took place on Friday, April 18, where Guillaume Martin (Groupama – FDJ) claimed victory in a solo effort, finishing ahead of José Manuel Diaz (Burgos Burpellet BH) and Clément Berthet (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale). The 31-year-old climber from Normandy made his move with just over two kilometers to go, succeeding Lenny Martinez in the event. Despite a strong chase, Berthet and Diaz could not close the gap, finishing less than ten seconds behind Martin.
The Tour du Jura cycliste, spanning a distance of 176.4 kilometers, offers a challenging course with a total elevation gain of 3040 meters. Cyclists will face several significant climbs, including the Massif de la Serre (367 m), Côte de Chamoz (553 m), Côte de Thésy-Salins (684 m), and the final ascent to Mont Poupet (836 m). "The Jura Nord will surprise riders with its false flats, bumps, wind, and numerous challenges, particularly the Côte de Pagney, the Massif de la Serre, and the Côte de Salans," explained Didier Monrolin, the race's technical director.
The race is set to be a classic in every sense, providing a fantastic platform for riders to prepare for major upcoming events such as the Giro d'Italia, La Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The course will traverse 25 municipalities in Jura Nord, with three passes through Fraisans before culminating at the iconic Mont Poupet. The Forges site will serve as the hub for team presentations, partner exhibitions, and various entertainment activities, while the traditional promotional caravan will energize the roads leading up to the race.
The day's schedule is as follows: at 10 AM, riders will be presented on the podium at the Forges de Fraisans, followed by the caravan's departure at 11 AM. The actual race will start at 11:40 AM, with the peloton expected to pass through Fraisans at around 1:25 PM, and the finish at Mont-Poupet slated for 4 PM. Both races will be broadcast live on France.tv and France 3 Bourgogne Franche-Comté starting at 2:30 PM.
As the Tour du Jura unfolds, anticipation builds around the riders, especially after Martin's impressive performance in the Classic Grand Besançon. He is viewed as a strong contender for the Tour du Jura, having consistently performed well in the event over the past two years. Clément Berthet, who finished third on Friday, will be eager to avenge his previous placements. Jordan Jegat (TotalEnergies), who finished fourth in the Classic, and Adrien Maire (Unibet Tietema Rockets), who placed fifth, are also expected to challenge for the podium.
Adding to the excitement, the Norwegian team Uno X will include Magnus Cort, a stage winner across all three Grand Tours, while José Manuel Diaz Gallego (Burgos Burpellet) aims to improve on his previous second-place finish at the Classic and third in the Tour du Doubs. His compatriots Jesus Herrada (Cofidis) and Cristian Rodriguez (Arkea-B&B) are also among the riders to watch as they line up at the start.
The profile of the Tour du Jura 2025 remains a favorite among climbers, especially with the finish line at Mont Poupet, which is a grueling 4 kilometers with an average gradient of 8%. The course's first major challenge, the Massif de la Serre, serves as a warm-up before the climbers face the steep ascents that define the latter part of the race. The Côte de Chamoz and Côte de Thésy will test the riders' endurance before they tackle the final ascent.
In the lead-up to the race, the atmosphere in Fraisans is electric, with fans eagerly awaiting the start. A promotional caravan will precede the riders, creating a festive mood as it travels through the picturesque Jura landscape. As the peloton sets off from the Forges de Fraisans, all eyes will be on the favorites, including Guillaume Martin-Guyonnet, who is looking to double his success following his win at the Classic.
With the race now underway, the excitement is palpable. Early reports indicate that Tim Rex (Visma-Lease a Bike) has taken the lead in the second intermediate sprint, with the breakaway group holding a 3'45" advantage over the peloton. As the race progresses, the dynamics will shift, and strategies will unfold, making for an unpredictable and thrilling contest.
The Tour du Jura 2025 promises to be a showcase of cycling prowess, with a mix of seasoned competitors and emerging talents vying for glory. As fans tune in to follow the action live, the question remains: who will conquer the challenging slopes of Mont Poupet and emerge victorious in this prestigious event?
