France 01 Feb 2026 Class 1.1 – 1 day – Class 1
Website www.lamarseillaise.fr
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The Grand Prix Cycliste de Marseille La Marseillaise (historically known as the Grand Prix d’Ouverture La Marseillaise) holds a special place in the cycling world as the traditional curtain-raiser for the French professional season.
While the Cadel Evans race you asked about earlier is a newer WorldTour event, “La Marseillaise” is a gritty, historic European classic that serves as the opening round of the Coupe de France.
1. Origins and Evolution (1980–Present)
The race was founded in 1980 by Roland Villalonga. Originally, it was closely linked to the stage race Étoile de Bessèges, often serving as an unofficial “prologue” or opening day for that event.
- Early Years: It was initially called simply La Marseillaise (1980–1991).
- The “Opening” Era: From 1992 to 2011, it was officially the Grand Prix d’Ouverture La Marseillaise, emphasizing its role as the season opener.
- Modern Status: Since 2005, it has been part of the UCI Europe Tour (Category 1.1). In 2010, it became the first race of the French Cup (Coupe de France), a season-long points competition that is highly prestigious for French teams.
2. The Course: Marseille’s “Small Galibier”
The race is famous for its “stuttering” profile—constantly up and down through the rugged terrain of the Bouches-du-Rhône department.
- Key Landmarks: The route typically features the Pas de la Couelle (famously nicknamed the “Petit Galibier”) and the Col de l’Espigoulier, the highest point in the region.
- The Finish: Historically, the race finished at the Stade Vélodrome (home of Olympique de Marseille), though the exact finish line on the Boulevard Michelet has shifted slightly over the years.
- Tactics: It is a “puncheur’s” paradise. The combination of early-season cold, the mistral wind, and sharp climbs usually splits the peloton into a small group of survivors.
3. The “Curse” of La Marseillaise
One of the most enduring pieces of cycling lore is the Curse of the Winner. Traditionally, riders believed that winning the season’s first race brought bad luck for the rest of the year (often attributed to peaking too early).
“Win in Marseille, lose in July.”
While riders like Neilson Powless (2023) and Benoît Cosnefroy (2020) have proven this wrong with stellar seasons following their wins, the superstition remains a popular talking point among French fans.
4. Notable Winners & Recent Champions
The palmarès is a mix of Belgian hardmen and French legends.
- Most Wins: The record is shared by Eddy Planckaert, Edwig Van Hooydonck, and Baden Cooke, who have each won the race twice.
- Recent History: * 2024: Kevin Geniets (Luxembourg) out-sprinted Alex Baudin.
- 2025: Valentin Ferron (France) took a thrilling photo-finish victory.
- 2026 (Current): The 48th edition took place today (February 1, 2026). It featured a revised, more “savage” route through Trets and Saint-Zacharie, ending once again at the Orange Vélodrome.
