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France 08 Apr – 12 Apr 2026 Class 2.2 – Stages – Class 2
Website www.circuitdesardennes.fr
Data powered by FirstCycling.com
The 51st edition of the Circuit des Ardennes (UCI 2.2) is taking place from April 8 to April 12, 2026. The race features 5 stages covering a total distance of approximately 808 km across the French Ardennes.+1
Stage Schedule & Program
| Stage | Date | Route | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Wednesday, April 8 | Villers-Semeuse → Saint-Laurent | 129 km |
| Stage 2 | Thursday, April 9 | Rethel → Rethel | 175 km |
| Stage 3 | Friday, April 10 | Lac de Bairon → Lac des Vieilles Forges | 160 km |
| Stage 4 | Saturday, April 11 | Fromelennes → Hargnies | 198 km |
| Stage 5 | Sunday, April 12 | Sedan → Charleville-Mézières | 150 km |
Key Details for 2026
- Total Teams: 26 teams are participating, representing 14 different nationalities.
- Focus: As a 2.2 category race, it remains a prestigious event for UCI Continental teams and development squads (such as the Lidl-Trek Future Racing and Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team).
- Difficulty: The route remains true to its reputation, crossing 125 communes and featuring the “hilly classics” terrain characteristic of the Ardennes region.
The race concludes this Sunday in Charleville-Mézières, which traditionally hosts the final sprint.
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
The Circuit des Ardennes is a storied French stage race that serves as a critical proving ground for the next generation of cycling stars. Established in 1951, it is renowned for its grueling, hilly terrain through the French Ardennes, often mirroring the difficulty of the famous “Ardennes Classics” like Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
The Early Years (1951–1963)
Founded by André Petit, the race originally catered to regional and amateur riders. The inaugural winner in 1951 was Frenchman Jacques Michel. During this period, the race quickly built a reputation for being an “incubator” for talent, though it took a long hiatus after 1963, not returning to the calendar until 1977.
The Amateur & Talent Era (1977–2004)
When the race was revived, it became a prestigious event for amateur and “Espoirs” (Under-23) riders. It is during this era that the race cemented its legacy as a “star-maker.” Notable legends of the sport competed here before they became household names:
- Greg LeMond: The three-time Tour de France winner competed here in his early years.
- Stephen Roche: The 1987 Triple Crown winner (Tour, Giro, Worlds) is among the most famous alumni of the race.+1
The UCI Europe Tour Era (2005–Present)
In 2005, the race joined the UCI Europe Tour as a 2.2 category event. This classification means it is open to UCI Continental teams, national teams, and regional squads, but specifically excludes the top-tier WorldTour teams—making it the ultimate “battlefield” for young riders looking to earn a professional contract.
Recent History & Statistics:
- Most Wins: Only two riders have ever won the general classification twice: André Geneste and Albert Platel. More recently, Lucas Eriksson (Sweden) achieved a rare back-to-back feat with wins in 2021 and 2022.
- 2026 Milestone: The race is currently celebrating its 51st edition, continuing its tradition of starting and ending in the Charleville-Mézières region.
Why It Matters
Unlike the one-day Ardennes Classics (Amstel Gold, Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège), the Circuit des Ardennes is a stage race. It tests a rider’s recovery over four or five days of constant climbing. Winning the yellow jersey here is often seen by pro scouts as a “golden ticket” to the WorldTour.
