European Championship 2025: Men’s RR, October 5

[Berniece]

We’ve barely caught our breath from the World Championships, where Pogacar took the rainbow jersey, and now it’s time to look ahead to the European Championships. Traditionally, the UEC Road Race hasn’t carried quite the same prestige as Worlds, but in recent years it’s definitely been growing in importance, both for the riders and the fans.

This year’s start list proves it: we’re in for a serious showdown. Big names like Remco Evenepoel, Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, João Almeida, and Mads Pedersen (among others) are lining up, which should guarantee fireworks on race day.

What are your expectations? Do you see Pog continuing his dominant run, or can Remco or one of the others steal the spotlight?

Route

Local Circuit

Climbs

Weather Forecast
Great temperatures with some wind.

Top Competitors

 

[Ilmaestro99]

Finally we will see Pocagar get clowned by Cristian Scaroni. Been waiting for this since February

 

[fenns]

The Saint Romain de Lerps does not look steep enough for Pog to drop Remco - but he will get dropped on the succeeding ramps.

The real unknown is will Jonas be with Pog when that happens. If this was a stage of the Tour you would think Jonas would stay with Pog until the finish. Can Jonas do it without the Visma Express?

 

[Berniece]

The Saint Romain de Lerps does not look steep enough for Pog to drop Remco - but he will get dropped on the succeeding ramps.

The real unknown is will Jonas be with Pog when that happens. If this was a stage of the Tour you would think Jonas would stay with Pog until the finish. Can Jonas do it without the Visma Express?

The succeeding ramps (Val D'Enfer) are a bit like La Redoute. So Pogacar might be able to drop Evenepoel, but because he doesn't have a similar team with him, the race will be completely different. He has to do way more himself, so I wonder how much time he can have at the top on someone like Evenepoel. The top of the last climb is 6.5km's from the finish line. So he needs at least 10s.

 

[Lequack]

Benoot is the freshest since he didn't race the WC. So he will win this, after accidentally getting in the break to "help" Remco.

 

[Krzysztof_O]

Pogacar may be temped to make an attack on the last Saint Romain de Lerps and continue hard till the first Val d'Enfer. In this section of the race a superior w/kg rider can make a difference. But what next? Afterwards most of the terrain seems flattish enough for Evenepoel to chase. It could get interesting. Maybe Pog will hold back till late rounds (but he hardly ever holds back, lol). Vingo is another question mark, I don't believe he will be close to his very best (otherwise he would have a chance to match Pog's uphill attacks).

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Bettiol has just started the assault in the fall part of the season. The man to beat is Poggi. Lets go.

 

[AmRacer]

I hope Jonas can take this.

 

[Gwbert]

I want to see Jonas marking Tadej and Remco slipping away. But i guess Tadej just rips everyone apart again.

 

[Rob5091]

Last time up the de Lerps climb and Pogi and maybe a couple of others will head out for the finish. About 60 km to go seems the limit of Pogi's patience!

 

[Heston]

Not sure how tired Jonas is from the Vuelta. Skjelmose could very well be Denmark's best man in this race.

 

[Berniece]

I don't expect a single thing from Vingegaard. Doubt he will finish top 10.

 

[Jan the Man]

I don't expect a single thing from Vingegaard. Doubt he will finish top 10.

I would agree.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Stellar startlist, Paris-Pants for the win! (Either one will do.)

 

[fenns]

I don't expect a single thing from Vingegaard. Doubt he will finish top 10.

I'd agree based on his history in one-day races. But would he show up if he was not in shape? On the other hand he doesn't have GdL on his PCS programme so he might just be turning up here for Denmark.

 

[Berniece]

I'd agree based on his history in one-day races. But would he show up if he was not in shape? On the other hand he doesn't have GdL on his PCS programme so he might just be turning up here for Denmark.

I think it's indeed just to represent his country. It's been 3 weeks since the Vuelta, he was already quite tired at the Vuelta too. He couldn't be bothered with the WC. So if he's not at his best, I'm not sure what he can do during a 1-day race. He can fetch some bottles for Skjelmose.

 

[RedheadDane]

Stellar startlist, Paris-Pants for the win! (Either one will do.)

Love it!

 

[Oldman]

Would've been more fun with Primoz, too.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Love it!

I can't take the credit because another poster came up with that, but I thought it was just hilarious myself. And just imagine we get both Paris-Pants brothers in the race, what a glorious Championship it will be!

 

[Sciatic]

Love it!

The pants are probably black

 

[ChasingPotatoes]

Are there any potholes that can cause seatposts to drop?

 

[SHAD0W93]

Think Pogacar will win but hope Evenepoel or someone else does so we can actually see the jersey. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a big attack on Saint Romain.

 

[AmRacer]

Think Pogacar will win but hope Evenepoel or someone else does so we can actually see the jersey. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a big attack on Saint Romain.

I hope Jonas will win.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

I'm surprised Del Toro isn't riding this. I thought he was Slovenian.

Let's hope for a great race. We've got some big stars ready to roll.

 

[Oldman]

Are there any potholes that can cause seatposts to drop?

Always....