Thirteen formations will be on the starting line in Guilherand-Grange, Saturday for the Ardèche-Classic (168.6 km), won by the American Brandon Mc Nulty and in Étoile-sur-Rhône, Sunday for the Drôme Classic (191 5 km), won by Dane Jonas Vingegaard, future winner of the Tour de France 2022.
These events are an important crossing point for runners before the Strade Bianche, March 4, Paris-Nice (March 5 to 12) or Tirreno Adriatico (March 6-12).
"We are no longer at the start of the season like twenty years ago but rather in a test phase for these next races", underlines Guillaume Delpech, organizer of the event, to AFP.
"We have a good field, a homogeneous opposition, more than usual. It's a satisfaction. There is everything to do great races but the weather element can also have consequences on the outcome of the events", he adds again.
And in particular the wind for the Drôme Classic, scheduled for Sunday, which adds difficulty for the riders.
The mistral, frequent at this time of the year in the region, can contribute to making a selection.
"It's a climatic element that can upset the order of things. You will have to play with the wind, position yourself correctly in the borders. A strong guy will win but he will need one more string to his bow. Saturday, in normal racing conditions, the course is quite rough but the best should be in front", admits Guillaume Delpech.
© 2023 AFP