In 2017 the 4 Jours de Dunkerque stage race will expand to six-days and be known as the Tour des Hauts-de-France, taking in more departments than previous editions. The 63rd edition of the race will visit the Nord, Pas-de-Calais, Oise, Aisne and the Somme departments, starting May 9 with Dunkirk hosting the start of stage 1. The French 2.HC race was won by Direct Energie's Bryan Coquard this year who also won the first three stages.
Race organiser Bernard Martel explained the addition of a sixth race day came at a cost of 200,00 euros which was covered by local authorities as the Tour de Picardie will not be held in 2017. With greater responsibility to visit Picardy, Martel added that he is already planning for the 2018 edition of the race.
Following the 197km stage 1 from Dunkirk to Iwuy, stage 2 take the peloton from Saint-Quentin to Saint-Quentin over 171km. The 152km Stage 3 from Beauvais to Amiens is up next and then followed by the 167km stage 4 from Marck-en-Calais to Le Portel. The town of Boeschepe hosts the start of stage 5 which then finishes in Cassel 184km later. The race then concludes back in Dunkirk after a 159km stage that starts in Coudekerque-Branche.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bryan Coquard (Direct Energie) edges out Nacer Bouhanni (Cofidis) for the stage 2 win at last years race (Getty Images Sport)
Australian Continental team State of Matter MAAP to close up shop
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
via Cyclingnews Latest News http://ift.tt/2gUu0xc
No comments:
Post a Comment