The Bretagne Classic – CIC It has been one of the most demanding one-day races on the WorldTour calendar for years. In 2026, too, the race around Plouay is set to provide another spectacular show. On the 228.3-kilometre course, the peloton faces more than 3,600 metres of climbing, meaning that this French classic once again favours riders with strong punching power and those who like to attack.
The route of the Bretagne Classic - CIC
The route is new this year. After a long opening section, the route takes the riders up the legendary Côte du Lezot before they reach the final circuit in Plouay. There, they must complete three laps of 16.6 kilometres each. Of particular interest: the Côte de Ty Marrec returns to the race for the first time since 2019 and could prove decisive in the final stages. Added to this are further short but gruelling climbs in the final kilometres, including Rostervel, Lezot and the ascent to Kerscoulic.
Unlike in the Monuments, a completely controlled race situation is rare at Plouay. The constant undulations and climbs make it difficult for sprint teams to keep the race together. Instead, the Bretagne Classic often provides the perfect stage for late attacks, small breakaway groups and riders who possess strong finishing speed on a demanding course.
This could mean that the Bretagne Classic is once again set to be one of the most attacking and unpredictable WorldTour races of the year. Whilst the sprinters will have to fight to stay in contention on the numerous climbs, classics specialists, puncheurs and attack-minded all-rounders are likely to sense their chance of a prestigious victory in Brittany.
The favourites
Defending champion Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Intermarché) is returning following his triumph last year, but this time he is not among the top favourites. The Belgian has not quite managed to match last year’s strong form so far this season and is therefore going into the race with slightly lower expectations.
Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin – Premier Tech), on the other hand, arrives as the man to beat. The Belgian has improved his form significantly in recent weeks and possesses exactly the kind of profile required on the Breton roads. Above all, his ability to tackle short, explosive climbs with ease makes him one of the hottest favourites for victory. If it comes down to a sprint from a select group, Philipsen is likely to be very hard to beat.
Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step) is on a par with him. The Frenchman has a similar riding profile and has recently demonstrated his class in impressive fashion. Following his three stage wins at the Giro d’Italia and his victory at the Cyclassics, he is one of the riders in the best form in the peloton. He is also likely to be among the favourites in a sprint finish involving a smaller group.
Laurence Pithie (Red Bull – Bora – hansgrohe) is not far behind. The New Zealander has established himself this season as one of the most consistent classics riders and possesses the necessary resilience to cope with the constant ups and downs of the Tour de Bretagne. However, for him to pull off a major victory, a lot of things will need to fall into place.
Other dangerous attackers include Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility) and Romain Grégoire (Groupama - FDJ United). Neither has had the easiest of races recently, but the demanding course could work in their favour. Their chances of victory, however, depend heavily on shaking off the fast riders such as Philipsen or Magnier before the final stretch. If it comes down to a sprint, they are likely to come off second best.
Behind the top favourites lies a large group of outsiders who could well spring a surprise should the race take an attacking turn. These include Lukáš Kubiš (Unibet Rose Rockets), Alex Aranburu (Cofidis), Marc Hirschi (Tudor Pro Cycling Team), Quinten Hermans (Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team), Pavel Bittner (Team Picnic PostNL), Lewis Askey (Groupama – FDJ United) and Michael Matthews (Team Jayco AlUla). They all have what it takes to be in contention for podium places in a particularly gruelling or tactically-driven race.
*At this stage, the start list has not yet been finalised, which is why there may still be changes to the list of favourites
Leon Weidner
Editor