Drôme and Ardèche, two regions that annually enliven the calendar with early-season classics, will become the beating heart of European cycling in 2025. On Sunday, October 5, the world's best riders will compete for the white jersey with blue stars in the men's elite road race of the European Championships.

It will be a 202.5-kilometer challenge with over 3,300 meters of elevation gain, designed between hills, steep climbs and technical descents, finishing in Guilherand-Granges, on the banks of the Rhone.

The race will begin in Privas with a selective start: a 4km climb will serve as a springboard for the initial breakaway. The route then gets into full swing with a challenging circuit to be completed three times, featuring two main climbs: Saint-Romain-des-Lerps (7km at 7.2%), a steady but long climb that will gradually sap energy. The feared Val d'Enfer, 1.5km with gradients approaching 10%, is perfect terrain for those looking to make a decisive attack. After the "long" laps, the race will shift to a more compact final circuit, enlivened by the Montée de Costebelle, less severe but punchy enough to wear out even the most tired legs.

The final three kilometers, flat and fast, will take the riders towards Guilherand-Granges.

The field is luxurious, worthy of a World Championship. Tadej Pogačar is the name that stands out above all others. The Slovenian loves undulating courses, knows how to attack from afar, and has the sprint needed to finish in a tight sprint. He's the man to beat. Remco Evenepoel , fresh from his time trial title, will want to prove he's more than just a time trial specialist: the Belgian can invent a long-distance attack or exploit tactical chaos in the final laps.

Jonas Vingegaard , less explosive but solid, will focus on consistency: if the race gets tough from the start, the Dane could emerge. Spain is bringing Juan Ayuso, a rider capable of joining decisive attacks. Also watch out for João Almeida , the Portuguese rider capable of holding his own on the climbs and surprising in the final kilometers.

Among the outsiders are Denmark's Mattias Skjelmose, Christian Scaroni for Italy and the Frenchmen Pavel Sivakov and Paul Seixas.

Sprint Cycling Photos