Preview: GP Lorient Agglomération – Trophée Ceratizit

The GP Lorient Agglomération – Trophée Ceratizit, set for August 24, 2024, is has the disadvantage of being the first race after the Olympics and Tour de France Femmes in the women’s cycling calendar. Held annually in Plouay, Brittany, this race is part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour and has a storied history dating back to its inception in 1999.

History of the Race

Originally part of the “4 Jours de Plouay,” the race has evolved significantly since its early days. Initially, it was a relatively short circuit race, but it has grown in both length and prestige. The event has seen numerous format changes, reflecting the growing importance of women’s cycling on the global stage. Over the years, the race has been won by some of the most illustrious names in the sport, including Marianne Vos, Annemiek van Vleuten, and Lizzie Deignan, cementing its reputation as a race for the elite.

The race’s inclusion in the Women’s WorldTour further elevated its status, attracting top teams and riders who seek to add their names to the illustrious list of past winners. The race is known not just for its competitive field but also for its passionate local support, with fans lining the streets of Plouay to cheer on the riders, rain or shine.

The Course: A Detailed Look

The 2024 edition of the GP Lorient Agglomération – Trophée Ceratizit covers 158 kilometers of Brittany’s tough terrain. The race is centered around the town of Plouay, a place with a deep connection to cycling, having hosted various prestigious races over the decades, including the men’s GP Ouest-France and the European Championships.

The course is a mix of rolling hills, sharp climbs, and technical descents, which makes it difficult for any team to maintain control throughout the race. The undulating nature of the course means that the peloton is likely to break up multiple times, with riders needing to be alert to every attack and counter-attack.

One of the race’s signature features is the looped circuit around Plouay, which includes the challenging Côte du Lezot and the Côte de Ty Marrec. The Côte du Lezot, with its sharp gradients, is often where the race’s decisive moves are made. It is a climb that demands not only power but also tactical acumen, as riders need to position themselves well to avoid being caught out by attacks.

The Côte de Ty Marrec, another key climb on the course, is known for its ability to sap the strength of the riders as they approach the final kilometers. The climb is not exceptionally long, but its steep sections, combined with the cumulative fatigue from the day’s racing, can be the perfect launchpad for a winning move.

In addition to the climbs, the course includes several technical descents, which can be treacherous, especially if the weather is wet—a common occurrence in Brittany. These descents require not only skill but also bravery, as riders must navigate tight corners and narrow roads at high speeds.

The final kilometers of the race are crucial. After cresting the last climb, the race heads back into Plouay, where the finish line awaits. The run-in to the finish is mostly flat, but after such a grueling day, even the slightest incline can feel like a mountain. The positioning will be key, and any rider who still has the legs will need to be at the front, ready to contest the final sprint or finish off a solo move.

The Atmosphere

One of the defining characteristics of the GP Lorient Agglomération – Trophée Ceratizit is the atmosphere. The Breton fans are known for their enthusiasm and knowledge of the sport, creating a vibrant backdrop to the race. The streets of Plouay and the surrounding countryside are lined with spectators, many of whom have been following the race for years. The support is a source of motivation for the riders, many of whom cite the atmosphere as one of the reasons they return to Plouay year after year.

Riders to watch 

Mischa Bredewold is heading into the GP Lorient Agglomération – Trophée Ceratizit with high ambitions after her strong performances this season, including a win at last year’s edition. The Dutch rider from Team SD Worx – Protime has shown she can handle the challenging terrain of Brittany, combining her strength and tactical acumen to perfection. As she lines up for the 2024 race, Bredewold will be aiming to defend her title, leveraging her knowledge of the course and her current form to secure another victory. All eyes will be on her as she takes on the demanding 158 km route.

Karlijn Swinkels is set to make a strong bid for victory at the GP Lorient Agglomération – Trophée Ceratizit. The Dutch rider from UAE Team ADQ has been building momentum throughout the season, showcasing her versatility and climbing ability. Swinkels, known for her tactical intelligence and endurance, will aim to capitalize on the challenging course in Brittany, which features multiple climbs that suit her strengths. With her current form, she could be a key contender in this prestigious one-day race.

Audrey Cordon-Ragot is poised to be a major contender at the GP Lorient Agglomération – Trophée Ceratizit. As a Brittany native, the French rider from Human Powered Health has a deep connection to this race, and her knowledge of the local terrain gives her a distinct advantage. Known for her aggressive racing style and ability to perform on tough courses, Cordon-Ragot will be aiming to leverage her experience and familiarity with the roads to secure a significant victory on home soil.

Claire Steels is a force to watch at the GP Lorient Agglomération – Trophée Ceratizit. Racing for Team Movistar, Steels has steadily developed a reputation as a strong all-rounder, capable of excelling on hilly terrain. Her aggressive racing style and ability to endure tough courses make her a potential surprise contender in this year’s race. With a challenging 158 km route ahead, Steels will be looking to make her mark by staying with the leaders and seizing any opportunity to go for the win.