Preview of the Région Pays de la Loire Tour 2026
Analysis by Sergio Yustos (@sergioyustos_), Fantasy Tips by Cédric Molina (@ilcapoced)
ROUTE ANALYSIS
| Date | Day | Stage | KM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/04 | Tuesday | Stage 1 | Fontevraud-l'Abbaye – Vertou | 187.5 |
| 08/04 | Wednesday | Stage 2 | La Garnache – Les Sables-d'Olonne | 153.6 |
| 09/04 | Thursday | Stage 3 | Avrillé – Sainte-Suzanne-et-Chammes | 199 |
| 10/04 | Friday | Stage 4 | Brûlon – Le Mans | 179.5 |
STAGE 1 - Reduced Sprint
- Schedule: 11:45 - 16:10. CET
This stage is more tense than it seems. The hills and final circuit can break the sprint if someone makes it tough.
STAGE 2 - Reduced Sprint
- Schedule: 12:05 - 16:05. CET
A very flat profile but very dangerous if the wind appears. Fan terrain, especially if we race in France.
STAGE 3 - Reduced Sprint/Puncheurs
- Schedule: 11:10 - 16:10. CET
A serious stage for the general classification. Linked hills and a final bump after several efforts: perfect terrain for puncheurs and to see differences.
STAGE 4 - Reduced Sprint/Puncheurs
- Schedule: 11:35 - 16:10. CET
A tricky stage. The final circuit can become very tough as the laps go by. With the general classification at stake, we are sure to see an entertaining day.
THE WEATHER
If the rain does not come early, we’ll have good weather for these days; gusty winds at certain times could be the only factor in this regard. As for the temperature, quite high for this time of year.
FAVORITES FOR THE GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
If there's something the route tells us, it's that we are facing a completely open race; the fans and the uphill finishes will decide more than the actual difficulty. In this scenario, the big favorite is Pierre Gautherat, probably the rider most adapted to the terrain we are going to see, due to the route and above all, his form.
Just behind is a very solid group with riders like Ewen Costiou, Clément Venturini, Corbin Strong, or Alexander Delettre, complete profiles, fast and good at handling the hills.
We cannot forget fast riders like Ethan Vernon, Paul Penhoët, Valentin Ferron, Stian Fredheim, Noah Hobbs, Jasson Tesson or Bryan Coquard; if the race gets tougher, watch out for Quinten Hermans, Lander Loockx, Tom Donnenwirth, or Mathis Le Berre.
And as often happens in this type of French race, it would be normal for a surprise to appear: Antoine L'Hôte, Xabier Berasategi, Noa Isidore, Louis Hardouin, Axel van der Tuuk, Louis Rouland, Adrien Maire, Lewis Bower, Paul Hennequin, or Gabriele Bessega fit perfectly in that sense.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Pierre Gautherat
⭐️⭐️ Ewen Costiou, Clément Venturini
⭐️ Corbin Strong, Alexander Delettre, Quinten Hermans
My favorite: Pierre Gautherat
My jokers: Axel van der Tuuk/Louis Hardouin
IL CAPO CED'S RECOMMENDATIONS TO BE A FANTASY MASTER
💥 Il capo’s insight.
In the first 2 editions of this race (which were category .1) there were a total of 13 riders costing 200 coins in the top 20 of the T10.
🌟 Stars to follow.
With the insight mentioned above, I’ll only recommend cyclists costing 200 coins, also considering this tour's route:
Ewen Costiou, Lander Loockx, Axel van der Tuuk, Tom Donnenwirth, Mathis Le Berre, Antoine L’Hôte, Pierre Gautherat, Paul Hennequin, Rémi Cavagna, Jason Tesson, Stian Fredheim, Noah Hobbs, Noa Isidore, Xabier Berasategi, Alexander Konijn.