Get ready for an exciting preview of the Tour des Alpes Maritimes 2026, a cycling event that promises to be a thrilling spectacle! The race, a one-day classic, will showcase the best climbers and specialists, offering an opportunity for a prestigious victory.
This prestigious race has a rich history, dating back to 1969, with legendary winners like Raymond Poulidor and Joop Zoetemelk. It has often kicked off the international cycling calendar, featuring iconic names as its champions. In recent times, the likes of Philippe Gilbert and Nairo Quintana have added their names to the list of winners.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var has undergone a split, with the Classic Var becoming a separate event. The focus now shifts exclusively to the southeastern corner of France, preserving the legacy of this decades-old race.
And this is the part most people miss... The race profile is that of a challenging hilly classic, with a variety of climbs that could lead to an unpredictable and chaotic race. Starting from kilometer zero, riders will face a total of 2900 meters of climbing, including a 7.4-kilometer ascent averaging 5% at the beginning.
The race will culminate in Biot, a city familiar to Paris-Nice racers, with a finale on a small hilltop, a 1.6-kilometer climb at just over 5%. It's a course that favors the pure climbers, who will have the opportunity to make their mark and create some damage in the peloton.
So, who do we predict will take the win in this exciting race? Our top picks are Christian Scaroni and Aurélien Paret-Peintre, with Simone Velasco, Ewen Costiou, and Quinn Simmons close behind. Other notable contenders include Clément Champoussin, Diego Ulissi, Alberto Bettiol, Lenny Martínez, Paul Lapeira, Lorenzo Rota, Marc Hirschi, and Joppe Heremans.
Our prediction is that Christian Scaroni will emerge victorious, with a reduced peloton sprint.
Get ready for an action-packed race and join the discussion! Who do you think will take the win? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
