Race analysis, favourites, and predictions for Classique Dunkerque / Grand prix des Hauts de France 2025

The 4 Jours de Dunkerque / Grand prix des Hauts de France is a race that, contrary to what its name suggests, takes place over five days in the northwest of France. This season, the event adds a sixth day of competition with the creation of the Classique Dunkerque / Grand Prix des Hauts de France, a separate one-day race held on the eve of the stage race.

 
Classique Dunkerque / Grand Prix des Hauts de France: Route and Favorites

The new Tuesday race covers 193 km with 1600 meters of elevation gain, so while it's not completely flat, it should end in a sprint.

Biniam Girmay (1000), Bryan Coquard (800), Pascal Ackermann (600), Tobias Lund Andresen (600), Arnaud Démare (400), Paul Penhoet (400), Axel Zingle (600), Elia Viviani (200), Fernando Gaviria (600), Alberto Dainese (400), Arne Marit (400), and Matteo Malucelli (200) are some of the fastest riders on paper.

 
4 Jours de Dunkerque / Grand prix des Hauts de France: Route and Favorites

Of the five stages that make up the race, four feature routes with total elevation gains between 1000 and 2000 meters, and it's likely that most will end in more or less selective sprints. Therefore, stage four—with 2600 meters of climbing and a summit finish in Cassel (1 km at 8.6%)—is expected to be decisive for the general classification.

Much of the start list will be the same as in Tuesday’s classic, so we can expect the same riders to shine in the sprints. For the overall classification, Mike Teunissen (400), Alberto Bettiol (400), Axel Zingle (600), Riley Sheehan (200), Eduard Prades (200), Pierre Gautherat (200), Anthony Turgis (400), and Yves Lampaert (400) are among the top contenders, along with sprinters who can handle the climbs, such as Bryan Coquard (800).

 
Photo: © JL Burnod | 4JDD