05.09.2025 Continental, News, Race news

GENERATION TEAM WRAP UP THE YEAR AT TOUR DE L'ARDÈCHE

For the final race of the CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto Generation season, a six-rider squad will take on a historic event on the UCI women’s calendar – the Tour Cycliste Féminin International de l’Ardèche (September 9-14).

Diane Ingabire, Maddie le Roux, Jule Märkl, Joëlle Messemer, Awen Roberts, and Emily Dixon will head to the stunning, unspoilt Ardèche region for six challenging stages, aiming to follow in the footsteps of past team successes. Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney and Antonia Niedermaier both claimed the overall title in 2018 and 2022 respectively, while Nastya Kolesava finished on the GC podium in 2023.

It’s been a difficult season for Maddie in particular, with a torrent of small setbacks preventing her from ever gaining momentum between races. A crash at the Volta Ciclista a Osona in June proved particularly harsh yet after that bitter disappointment, she has been able to look ahead with an optimistic mindset.

“According to my coach, physically I’m in really great shape right now. I did some exciting PB numbers a few weeks ago in testing once I was allowed to ride outside again after my shoulder injury stint (Zwift training proving their worth). So, I’m hoping I can put these numbers to good use come Ardèche. It’s been a bit of a mental rollercoaster since the injury a few months ago but I have a great support structure around me and I’m hopeful to end my European season on a strong note… to let all the accumulated puzzle pieces finally come together.”

She knows exactly what she wants to accomplish in Ardèche.

“If I can come out of this race knowing that I fought my absolute hardest and rode to the fullest of my potential, then I will feel satisfied. Too many races I’ve felt like I could’ve done more, so this week I want to finish knowing that there was no more to give, whatever my role for the team might be. Acing the peloton positioning, climbing like I know I’m capable of, and being the rider my team can count on – that is the plan.”

In existence since 2003, the Tour de l’Ardèche has long offered rising talents a chance to showcase their abilities, while also standing as one of the most challenging and demanding stage races on the women’s calendar – at times surpassing the load of the Giro d’Italia Women. From the relentless stages to the campsite where teams stay every night, it is an iconic event that has played a key role in the development and progression of women’s cycling.

This year’s course covers over 600 kilometres and 8200 metres of elevation across six stages – a significant increase from last year’s sub-500km total. While the stages showcase similar areas of the Ardèche region as in 2024, the routes are entirely new and longer. It’s also worth noting that with the Road European Championships taking place in the Drôme-Ardèche region in early October, so the startlist could feature top riders seeking hard training on these familiar roads.

Focusing on the stages themselves, stage one could already create gaps in the general classification. Four laps of a 32km circuit will soften the legs ahead of a savage final kilometre at 10% in Laudun, a picturesque, hill-perched wine-making village. Stage two features longer, steadier category three and four climbs over 116km, which should gradually whittle down the peloton. Stage three starts mostly flat for the first 70km, before 22km of gentle climbing that is split into two category two portions with gradients up to 7%. The peloton will nudge into the foothills of Provence, likely reducing peloton numbers ahead of a final 30km of false-flat downhill.

Stage four marks the team’s first outing on time trial bikes this season, as the Tour de l’Ardèche introduced the individual discipline for the first time in 2024. The unique 20km course covers most of the elevation gain in the first half, climbing immediately from the start pen in Vals-les-Bains on narrow, winding roads. Technical skills on the downhillls, along with precise race strategy and execution, will be critical. A more straightforward final 5km along the river will complete the loop, and consolidate any gaps created in the overall standings.

Stage five is a biggie – heading to the Mont Lozère ski station, a climb that has featured in every edition since 2014. With over 130km and 2700m of elevation gain, this is unquestionably the Queen stage, where gaps from the time trial will either be widened or erased. Although the climbing is mostly gradual, the Côte de la Croix Neuve, just 20km into the stage, averages 11% over 2.5km and will quickly test whether the legs are up for the day’s challenge. The final climb to 1400m at 5-6 % will confirm the stage as a decisive battleground for GC contenders.

Stage six concludes this 19th race edition n Privas, the region’s capital. While the opening 55km are mostly flat, the road soon begins to rock and roll after leaving the Rhône river, culminating in the race’s only category one climb: 6km at 8%, including an initial 2km exceeding 10%. A tricky 10km descent follows, presenting huge GC obstacles in the final hour of this six-day race. The final 700m drag to the line will drain every remaining ounce of energy.

Maddie sees plenty of prospects for the team across the challenging tour.

“There are for sure many opportunities over these six days. I myself am looking forward to stage five; lots of climbing and a finish I’ve done twice already now so I hope to be at the pointy end on this day. Overall, I think there are stages that suit different riders in our team but for sure every day will bring new opportunities that we’ll grab with both hands.”

HOW TO FOLLOW

There won’t be live coverage, but daily video summaries will be available on TCFIA channels. Stay updated on X with #TCFIA, and follow CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto’s social channels for team updates.

Overview