Belgium 15 Aug 2025 Class 1.Pro – 1 day – ProSeries
Website circuitfrancobelge.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/circuitfrancobelge/
Email baeghephilippe62@gmail.com
The Circuit Franco-Belge is a historic professional cycling race with a long and interesting history, marked by several name changes and format shifts.
Early Years and Origins
- First Edition: The race was first held in 1924 and was originally a multi-day stage race. It was initially known as the Circuit Franco-Belge, reflecting its course that crossed the border between France and Belgium.
- Early Winners: The inaugural edition was won by Julien Perrain of France. The race continued to be a staple on the cycling calendar, though it was suspended for a period from 1940 to 1954 and again in 1968.
Name and Format Changes
The race has undergone significant transformations, particularly in the 21st century:
- Tour de Wallonie-Picardie (2011): The race’s name was changed to the Tour de Wallonie-Picardie.
- Tour de l’Eurométropole (2012-2021): The name was changed again to Tour de l’Eurométropole.
- Shift to a One-Day Race (2016): This was a major change in the race’s identity. From being a stage race, it became a single-day event. This new format was included in the Belgian Road Cycling Cup.
- Return to Original Name (2022): The race officially reverted to its original and historic name, the Circuit Franco-Belge.
UCI Classification
- UCI Europe Tour: From 2005 to 2015, while it was a stage race, the event was part of the UCI Europe Tour and had a 2.1 classification, later upgraded to a 1.HC ranking.
- UCI ProSeries: After becoming a one-day race, it was included in the UCI ProSeries as a 1.Pro event, signifying its high level within the professional cycling world.
Course Profile and Legacy
The race typically features a course that blends flat sections with some slightly hilly terrain. The route has historically been favorable to sprinters and Classics-style riders who can handle a bit of climbing. The race’s modern route often features a challenging final circuit with climbs that can break up the peloton.
Today, the Circuit Franco-Belge remains a prominent race on the Belgian calendar and is a key event for teams and riders looking for success in one-day Classics.
Jempy Drucker’s Podium Finish
While Jempy Drucker has not won the race, his most significant result in the Circuit Franco-Belge came in 2018 when he finished 2nd, behind winner Mads Pedersen. This was a strong performance in the one-day format of the race.
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Arthur Kluckers – Tudor Pro Cycling Team, Luxembourg, 25 years (*15th March 2000)
https://www.instagram.com/arthurkluckers
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