Classic Lorient Agglomération: A classic car spectacle just before the end of the season

With the Classic Lorient Agglomération is set to host the penultimate race in the 2026 Women’s WorldTour calendar. The riders are therefore already in the final phase of the season, as, following the one-day race in Brittany, there is just one more top-level WorldTour race to come in China. This makes the French classic all the more important for anyone hoping to secure vital points or a prestigious victory as the season draws to a close.

The route of Classic Lorient Agglomération

The Classic Lorient Agglomération has been one of the most demanding one-day races in women’s cycling for years. In 2026, too, the riders can expect a gruelling course covering 172.6 kilometres with around 2,800 metres of climbing. The first part of the race alone will put the peloton to the test on the hilly roads of Brittany, before the decisive phase begins around Plouay.

After 139 kilometres, the riders will return to Plouay for the first time. Before that, they will face the Côte du Lezot, a climb that is likely to weed out some of the field. This is followed by two laps of the 16.6-kilometre circuit, which, with its numerous undulations and short climbs, is tailor-made for explosive professionals.

A sprint involving the entire field is rather rare on this course. Instead, the winners in Plouay are often riders who can hold their own on the climbs and also have a strong burst of speed in the final metres. The race is therefore likely to turn into another elimination race, in which the strongest all-rounders and classics specialists will have the best chance of success.

The favourites

​Defending champion Mischa Bredewold (Team SD Worx - Protime) is once again among the top favourites this year. The Dutch rider has won the race several times in recent years and possesses exactly the right combination of climbing ability and finishing speed required on the demanding course around Plouay.

Karelijn Swinkels (UAE Team ADQ) is also high up on the list. The undulating course should suit the Dutch rider perfectly. Although Eleonora Camilla Gasparrini (UAE Team ADQ), last year’s third-place finisher, is also in the line-up, under normal circumstances the team will probably back Swinkels. Her chances of victory are only just behind those of Bredewold.

However, Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance – Soudal Team) is right up there with the defending champion. The rider from Mauritius has been in outstanding form for months and is currently one of the strongest classics specialists in the peloton. Should she maintain her current form, a victory would be anything but a surprise.

From a German perspective, the greatest hopes rest on Franziska Koch (Team Picnic PostNL). She was unable to fully realise her potential at the Tour de France Femmes, but she should feel much more at home on the terrain of Brittany, which features significantly more classic-style stages. Alongside Bredewold and Swinkels, she is one of the most promising contenders for victory.

Elisa Balsamo (Lidl – Trek) is also on the start line – a rider who is virtually unbeatable in a sprint. The question, however, will be whether the Italian can tackle the numerous climbs leading up to the finale without any problems. Should she find herself in a small group battling for victory, she is likely to have the best speed in the bunch.

Another German hope is Liane Lippert (Movistar Team). The race’s demanding climbs suit her strengths, and she is travelling to France brimming with confidence following strong performances at the Tour of Britain. If she manages to break into the decisive group, she too could well be in contention for a place at the very front.

As dark horses, you should also keep an eye on Anna Henderson (Lidl – Trek), the young French rider Célia Gery (FDJ United – Suez) and Mavi García (UAE Team L’Imad). García, in particular, already knows how to win in Plouay: the Spaniard triumphed here back in 2022.

*At this stage, the start list has not yet been finalised, which is why there may still be changes to the list of favourites