Paris-Tours
Paris–Tours, first held in 1896, is one of cycling’s oldest one-day races and the traditional finale to the European season. Long known as the sprinters’ classic, it once finished on the famous Avenue de Grammont before evolving with gravel sectors and short climbs near Tours. Organised by ASO, it has seen legends like Eddy Merckx, Sean Kelly and Erik Zabel triumph, with Gustave Danneels, Paul Maye, Guido Reybrouck and Zabel sharing the record of three victories.
Paris–Tours, often called the sprinters’ classic, is one of the oldest races in professional cycling. First held in 1896 (and won by Eugène Prévost), it traditionally closes the European season, running south from the outskirts of Paris to the cathedral city of Tours.
For much of its history, the race was defined by speed. The long, flat roads of the Loire Valley led to high-paced racing and thrilling sprints on the famous Avenue de Grammont, a 2.7-kilometre finishing straight that became iconic among sprinters. Since 2011, however, the finish has been relocated due to the construction of a new tram line, changing the character of the finale.
Over the years, legends such as Rik Van Looy, Eddy Merckx and Sean Kelly have triumphed here. The record for the most victories is shared by Gustave Danneels, Paul Maye, Guido Reybrouck, and Erik Zabel, each with three wins to their name.
The biggest transformation for the race came in 2018, when organisers ASO introduced gravel sectors through the vineyards near Tours. These additions turned the traditional sprinter’s race into a more selective and unpredictable classic,
More recent winners like Matteo Trentin, Arnaud Démare and Christophe Laporte reflect that shift.
