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2024 Grand Prix De Wallonie

September 11 2024

Beaufays Belgium

Date Confirmed

The race links the city of Beaufays to Namur and its famous citadel across the tough Wallonie region.

In the GP de Wallonie, the peloton rides from Beaufays to Namur, that’s a total distance of 205.5 kilometres. During the race, the riders pass through Ardenne landscapes and they have to overcome seven climbs. In the first sixty kilometres there are three climbs close after each other: Côte de Saint-Hubert, Côte de Saint-Remacle and Côte de Werbomont. After these climbs there are no flat roads and the riders continue on to smaller hills. In the finale there are three more climbs to overcome before the peloton is heading to the Côte de la Citadelle de Namur: the Côte d’Ermeton, Côte de Lustin and Tienne aux Pierres. The finish is located at the top of the Citadelle de Namur.

Last year's winner was Tony Gallopin. Indeed, the Lotto Soudal team could have a say on this hilly course, which has likeness to both the Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège races.

Preview

With the passing of the Spring Classics and Summer Grand Tours and the Olympics, the late summer and the autumn are loaded with lots of one-day races throughout Europe. The highlights are Il Lombardia, Clasica San Sebastian, Vattenfall Cyclassics and GP Plouay. There's also historic races like Paris-Tours, Giro dell’Emilia, Tre Valli Varesine and Milan-Turin that offer a wide variety of terrain for sprinters, classics specialists and even climbers.

The most prestigious of these races is definitely GP de Wallonie which is markedly different from the other autumn classics in Belgian. While the other races are held in the relatively flat region of Flanders, the Wallonie regionssuits cobble specialists, puncheurs and sprinters - like Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

These autumn classics comes at a perfect time for riders preparing for the World Championships and they are a perfect chance to fine-tune form.

Course

We have a traditional route for the GP Wallonie, a race that is usually very exciting. The peloton are climbing most of the day, but the serious hills come in the final 25km.

First up is Cote de Lustin, 3.1km at 5%. That is quickly followed by Tienne oux Pierres, 3.2km at 5.3%. We then head along the river, before turning left and climbing up to the Citadelle de Namur. It’s one of the most beautiful finishes in cycling.

Around 2km at 6%, but mostly on cobbles, this is a tough finish to the race. It has a little flat section, just before the final sprint to the line. Last year, Jens Debusschere, won by attacking with 1km to go. It’s a climb that suits the puncheurs.

Beautiful conditions for the race, the total opposite to 2015. In fact, the heat might actually make this race too tough for some.

Inside the last 30km, it’s all about trying to get a teammate in the break. That allows your team to rest up, until the finale. The nice weather should help, as more riders will be in the peloton at the end of the race. That means plenty of riders to chase down attacks. Expect a biggish group to arrive at the final climb together.

Favorites

Tim Wellens – is one of multiple options available to Lotto. His form is usually very good at this time of year, as he looks to defend his Eneco title, for the second time. The final climb does suit him, but he could do with it being a little harder. Needs to arrive alone, to take the win. Was competing in Canada on Sunday, so he might have a bit of jet lag in his system.

Tony Gallopin – the Frenchman did have a good Tour of Britain, finishing in 4th position. He is looking to top up his form before the European Championships, and provides Lotto with a terrific second option. Would not be a surprise if he won.

Tiesj Benoot – still waiting for that first pro win. I think it will happen before the end of 2016.

Jan Bakelants – the Belgian just loves this race. He arrives with “Vuelta” legs, and is looking to continue his fine run in this race. He hasn’t finished off the podium in the last three years. With so many kilometres completed recently, he might be at a level above the other competitors.

2016 GP de Wallonie Course Profile