On Sunday 31 August, world cycling returns to the air of the classics with the Bretagne Classic – Ouest-France , a now historic event on the World Tour calendar.

The 89th edition of a race that has retained its allure over the years will take place in Plouay, in the heart of Brittany: a long and grueling course, ideal terrain for complete runners and stamina beaters.

This year's route is approximately 262 kilometers long and offers no respite. There are no real mountains, but a succession of short, taut climbs leads to a total elevation gain of nearly 4,700 meters : numbers almost reminiscent of an Ardennes classic. The finale, as always, will be played out on the circuits around Plouay, with three côtes that could turn the race around in the final kilometers: Rostervel , Lezot , and Kerscoulic . Lezot itself, with its gradient reaching 5% and located less than a kilometer from the finish, could prove to be the springboard for a final push or, conversely, the ramp that will select the best group before the sprint.

Among the favorites, the name of Arnaud De Lie stands out. The Lotto "bull" has already shown he has the legs to withstand tough courses and the power to outsprint small groups. Challenging him for the leading role will be the young French talent Paul Magnier , one of this season's revelations with Soudal Quick-Step. Another name not to be underestimated is that of Biniam Girmay , fast and stamina, already capable of great feats in the classics.

Behind the big names, many outsiders ready to seize every opportunity: Julian Alaphilippe , Valentin Madouas, Isaac del Toro , and Romain Grégoire . There's also no shortage of experienced riders skilled in sprinting, such as Stuyven , Bettiol , Laporte , and Laurance .

Worth noting is Michael Matthews ' return to racing after a long layoff.

Startlist being updated.

Sprint Cycling Photos