Bretagne Classic 2026
30.08
Alex Aranburu won the Bretagne Classic with a perfectly timed attack in the final 1.5 kilometres. The race was shaken up when pre race favourite Paul Magnier crashed with around 50 kilometres remaining and later abandoned. Alexander Kamp finished second, Alessandro Borgo third, while Jenno Berckmoes was the best Belgian in fifth.
How to watch?
Curious about how to watch the 2026 Bretagne Classic? Discover it in our complete how to watch guide, featuring a full overview of broadcasters and live streaming options.
Route
The 2026 Bretagne Classic covers 228.3 kilometres and includes 3,663 metres of climbing, with a redesigned finale making the race more selective than in recent editions.
After 178.5 kilometres on rolling roads through Morbihan and the Côtes d'Armor, the riders return to Plouay for three laps of a new 16.6 kilometre finishing circuit. Each lap features the Côte du Lezot, the steep Côte de Kerscoulic and the returning Côte de Ty Marrec, which is back on the route for the first time since 2019.
The repeated climbs in the final 50 kilometres should give the puncheurs more opportunities to attack, although a reduced bunch sprint remains a realistic outcome.
Read more in our preview.
Favourites
Jasper Philipsen starts among the leading favourites after winning the Renewi Tour overall with three stage victories. The harder finishing circuit is not ideal for a pure sprinter, but the Belgian has shown repeatedly that he can survive demanding finales and still finish the job.
Paul Magnier is another major contender after finishing second in Plouay in 2024 and winning the final stage of the Deutschland Tour last weekend. The selective circuit should suit him particularly well if some of the faster sprinters are dropped.
With defending champion Arnaud De Lie ruled out through illness, Jenno Berckmoes gives Lotto Intermarché a strong alternative. Romain Grégoire and former winner Marc Hirschi are among the main attacking threats, while Emilien Jeannière, Matej Mohorič, Laurence Pithie and Victor Campenaerts could all benefit if the race becomes aggressive before the final lap.
Read more about the favourites in our preview and explore all teams and riders on the start list here.
