A historic first where cycling reins supreme ! his Olympic year will witness the inaugural edition of the pro European Road Championships, the Union Européenne de Cyclisme key innovation for 2016.

Numerous hurdles had to be overcome after the initial programme in Monaco and Nice was understandably cancelled. Bretagne and Morbihan never shy away from a challenge, as they proved yet again by hosting the European Championships on the gruelling circuit in Plumelec at a moment’s notice. As the centrepiece and finish of the various courses, the famous Côte de Cadoudal will be strategically decisive.

10 races will be held from 14 to 18 September, culminating in the elite professional men’s road race, which will anoint the first pro European champion. The 50 countries represented are the traditional bastion of world cycling, so the list of pretenders to the crown is a fairly accurate reflection of the world elite. These races will be broadcast in almost 60 countries.

I would like to extend my encouragement and support to the local structure, which regularly organises the Grand Prix de Plumelec-Morbihan-Bretagne. I am well aware that the French Cycling Federation’s Sports Activity Directorate and the numerous local volunteers have left nothing to chance to make sure the event is a success and the culmination of a huge human investment.

In particular, I would like to thank the mayor of Plumelec, Stéphane HAMOR; the president of the Morbihan State Council, François GOULARD; and the president of the Bretagne Region, Jean-Yves LE DRIAN, as well as the French government.

Best wishes to all participants. I am confident that they will all make an exemplary display of fair play and sporting spirit in these championships.

JEAN-YVES LE DRIAN
President of the Regional Council of Bretagne

Our countryside and cities continue to add new chapters to the long shared history of cycling and Bretagne week after week and summer after summer. Plumelec and its legendary Côte de Cadoudal play a leading role in a saga written by fans and volunteers.

Bretagne is delighted to host the first professional European Road Championships. The Regional Council is actively assisting in the organisation of this big event to underline that Bretagne is the home of cycling.

I would like to thank the organisers, who worked to very tight deadlines to organise the competition in the best conditions for cyclists.

I would also like to express my wholehearted support for all the riders on the start line and wish everyone a successful championship! Deoc’h-holl, paotred ha merc’hed, e hetan ur c’hampionad mat!

FRANÇOIS GOULARD
President of the Morbihan State Council

Last July, Nice was shaken by a cruel terrorist attack in an act of unprecedented violence. Morbihan again wishes to express its heartfelt solidarity with the victims of this atrocity and their families.

Authorities in Nice understandably cancelled the European road cycling championships scheduled for 14-18 September for safety reasons.

In light of this situation, the French Federation decided to organise these championships in Morbihan. It chose Plumelec, home to the famous Côte de Cadoudal and a key cycling town which has already hosted five Tour de France stages and three professional French championships. Its Grand Prix attracts top-notch riders and draws enthusiastic crowds every year. Our department is honoured by this decision.

It underlines our proven ability to organise large-scale sports events. Without a shadow of a doubt, it recognises cycling’s place in Morbihan, which is France’s leading area by number of events organised, with 340 competitions spanning all cycle sports (road, track, cyclo-cross, BMX and MTB), as well as the second largest cycling federation in Bretagne, with 2,727 members of 48 clubs.

These championships are a celebration for athletes and cycling fans everywhere and an opportunity for participants and viewers from all over Europe to discover the extraordinary things our department has in store. Time for sport, time to celebrate!

Following -> Officials

or Back -> Summary -> Road European Championships