France 06 Aug – 08 Aug 2025 Class 2.1 – Stages – Class 1
Website www.tourdelain.com and https://www.instagram.com/tourdelain_cycliste
Email pcolliou@tourdelain.com
The Tour de l’Ain is a professional cycling stage race held in the Ain department of eastern France. It has evolved over the decades, transitioning from a regional amateur event to a respected fixture on the international cycling calendar.
Origins as the „Prix de l’Amitié“ (1970-1988)
The race was first held in 1970 under the name „Grand Prix de l’Amitié“ (Friendship Grand Prix). It was an amateur race designed to serve as a preparation event for the Tour de l’Avenir, a prestigious race for young riders. Its early editions took an ambitious route, starting in Nice and traversing the French Alps before finishing in Bourg-en-Bresse.
In 1976, the race expanded to nine days to temporarily replace the threatened Tour de l’Avenir. This was a challenging undertaking for the organizers, and the event reverted to a shorter, more regional format for several years.
The Modern Tour de l’Ain (1989-Present)
In 1989, new organizers took over and brought the race back to its roots in Bourg-en-Bresse, renaming it the Tour de l’Ain. It remained an amateur event for a few years before opening up to professionals in 1993. The race steadily grew in status, and in 1999, a new, decisive climb was introduced: the challenging Grand Colombier.
Over the years, the Tour de l’Ain has consistently been categorized by the UCI (International Cycling Union), reaching its current 2.1 status. This allows it to attract top-tier professional teams and riders from around the world. The race is known for its varied terrain, combining flat stages suitable for sprinters with demanding mountainous stages in the Jura Mountains. The Grand Colombier has become a signature climb and a frequent stage finish, often determining the overall winner.
The Tour de l’Ain has a reputation as a „talent showcase“ and a crucial stepping stone for young riders. Many of today’s most prominent French cyclists, such as Thibaut Pinot, Julian Alaphilippe, and Romain Bardet, have secured their first professional victories or made a name for themselves in this race. It is often held a few weeks after the Tour de France, providing a competitive stage for both established pros and up-and-coming talent.
Data powered by FirstCycling.com
Arno Wallenborn – Tudor Pro Cycling Team U23, Luxembourg, 22 years (*8th April 2003)
https://www.instagram.com/arno.wallenborn
Michel Ries – ARKEA-B&B HOTELS, Luxembourg, 27 years (*11th March 1998)
https://www.instagram.com/michelries
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Über den Autor
