In 2024, the European Championships in Limburg crowned two talents from the Intermarché-Wanty structure with titles for Huub Artz in the U23 category and Felix Ørn-Kristoff in the junior category. This week, from October 1 to 5, six riders from the Walloon structure are competing for the star jersey on a challenging terrain in Drôme-Ardèche.
COURSE
The road races take place on two circuits around Guilherand-Granges, used by the Faun-Ardèche Classic and favorable for explosive climbers. The local 16-kilometer circuit includes the steep climb of Val d’Enfer (1.5 km at 10%), while the longer 34-kilometer loop also features the climb of Saint-Romain-de-Lerps (7 km at 7.4%).
On Sunday, the Elite men’s race starts from Privas, immediately at the foot of the Col du Moulin à Vent (4 km at 5.1%). This is followed by three big laps and three times the smaller loop, covering a total distance of 203 kilometers and nearly 3400 meters of positive elevation gain.
ELITE
The reigning European U23 champion Huub Artz (The Netherlands) is set to make his debut with the national team in the elite category. Alexander Kamp (Denmark) and Georg Zimmermann (Germany) are once again representing their respective countries after participating in the World Championships in Kigali last Sunday.
U23 & JUNIOR
Also Simone Gualdi (Italy) and Édouard Claisse (Belgium) go back-to-back after excellent performances at the World Championships in Kigali. Gualdi played a crucial role in the victory of his compatriot Lorenzo Finn in the U23 category. On Saturday, his race covers 121 kilometers composed of three big and one small lap, while Claisse, who finished sixth in the Junior World Championships, faces a 103-kilometer course on Friday on two big and two small loops.
“As I approach my first European Championship in the Elite category, it’s impossible not to think back to my U23 title last year. It still feels a bit surreal. Everything happened so fast, I only wore the star jersey for a short time before turning professional. Since then, I’ve focused on new goals and continuing my development.” “This past summer, I raced exclusively in WorldTour events and took part in my first Grand Tour. I’m satisfied with my first experience in La Vuelta. It showed me just how tough a third week really is, and how long it takes to recover after three full weeks of racing. I used the next three weeks of recovery period to maintain my shape and make sure I’d be fresh and ambitious heading into the final month of the season.” “Dutch national coach Koos Moerenhout offered me the opportunity to gain experience in an international championship alongside several other young riders. I’m curious to see what I can do at this level and on such a demanding course, probably with the mission to race aggressively. I’m extremely motivated for my final races of the season, which, in addition to the European Championships, include Paris–Tours and the new Tour of Holland.”
