The 39th edition of the Tour du Finistère kicked off on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Quimper, with cyclists tackling a challenging 168.2-kilometer route that promises excitement and strategy. This race marks the 10th stage of the prestigious Coupe de France de cyclisme and has already drawn significant attention from cycling enthusiasts.
Beginning at 12:15 PM, the race started with a small loop of 29 kilometers, leading into a larger 111-kilometer circuit that included several notable climbs. Riders faced the Côte du Moulin du Lay, a steep incline of 1 km at 7.3%, and the Côte de la Montagne de Locronan, which spans 2.6 km at an average gradient of 6.1%. Other challenging segments included the Côte du Pont Quéau (600 m at 8%) and the Côte de la Route de Plougonnec (1.4 km at 6.5%). The final circuit around Quimper, measuring 9.7 km, was set to be completed four times, culminating in a steep finish with a 700-meter climb averaging 6.2%.
As the race unfolded, it became clear that the competition was fierce. The early stages saw a breakaway group forming, with riders attempting to gain an advantage. Among the favorites were Alex Aranburu from Cofidis, Émilien Jeannière of TotalEnergies, and Matej Mohoric representing Bahrain Victorious. Each of these cyclists was expected to play a pivotal role in the race's outcome, especially with the challenging terrain ahead.
Notably, the race has undergone some changes this year, with a shift from a weekend event to a Friday afternoon schedule. This adjustment was aimed at attracting larger teams and more fans, and it seems to have paid off with prominent teams like Bahrain Victorious, Movistar, and Q36.5 participating. The inclusion of headliners such as Victor Lafay and Bryan Coquard adds an extra layer of intrigue to the event.
As the cyclists approached the 50 km mark, the tension heightened, with two riders gaining a lead ahead of the peloton. The broadcast of the race commenced at 2:30 PM on France 3 Bretagne and Eurosport Max, allowing fans to follow every twist and turn of this thrilling competition.
With the race being 30 km shorter than in previous years, the pacing has been quick and aggressive. The organizers introduced a "Trophée du 29e km," designed to spur action and excitement early in the race. This strategic move aimed to make the event even more dynamic, ensuring that the spectators remained engaged throughout.
The final stages of the race are expected to be particularly dramatic. The Côte de la Voie Romaine, a 1-kilometer climb at 5.2%, will be climbed multiple times as the cyclists navigate the final circuit. The finish line, located at the top of a steep 700-meter hill, will challenge even the most seasoned sprinters and puncheurs.
As the race progressed, reports indicated that the Israel-Premier Tech team was leading the charge. Meanwhile, the breakaway group, consisting of Ducret and Thierry, was being reeled in by the peloton. Gachignard and Van Hautegem, however, maintained a lead of 2 minutes and 30 seconds, creating a thrilling dynamic as the finish approached.
Last year's champion, Benoît Cosnefroy, had set the bar high with his impressive victory. This year, he was among the many riders to watch, alongside Paul Lapeira, Emilien Jeannière, Bryan Coquard, and Lewis Askey, who recently triumphed at the Boucles de l’Aulne. Each of these athletes brought their unique strengths to the table, making the competition all the more unpredictable.
As the clock ticked down, the excitement intensified. Fans were treated to a live broadcast on social media platforms, allowing for real-time updates and engagement. The race's organizers encouraged viewers to participate in the conversation, asking questions and sharing their thoughts on the unfolding drama.
With the finish line drawing closer, the atmosphere in Quimper was electric. Spectators lined the streets, eager to cheer on their favorite cyclists as they approached the final climb. The combination of a challenging course and a talented field of riders meant that anything could happen in the closing kilometers.
As the cyclists tackled the final ascent, it became clear that the race would be a test of endurance and strategy. The climbers would need to summon all their strength to push through the fatigue and maintain their pace. The finish line, situated just beyond the Parc des Expositions, awaited the first riders, who would soon etch their names into the history books of the Tour du Finistère.
With the race still in progress, fans remained glued to their screens, eagerly anticipating the outcome. The excitement of the Tour du Finistère 2025 was palpable, and as the cyclists battled it out on the roads of Quimper, one thing was certain: this edition would be remembered for its intensity and the fierce competition on display.
