French National Road Championships - CN

France, June 28 - July 1, 2001

2000 results    Schedule    Preview

The Stages

• Day 1 - June 28: Elite Men, EliteWomen Individual Time Trials, 24.5/43.1 km
• Day 2 - June 30: Elite 2 Men, Elite Women Road Races, 156.9 km/99.8 km
• Day 3 - July 1: Elite Men Road Race, 229.3 km

Preview

The French national championships are scheduled over the next four days (June 28-July 1), culminating with the 229 kilometre elite men's road race on Sunday. The circuit this year is at Argenton-sur-Creuse, and it doesn't appear to offer the climbers any chances.

Favourite for the men's time trial on Thursday is Dauphine Libere winner, Christophe Moreau (Festina), who is in top form prior to the Tour de France. He may be challenged by his teammate Florent Brard, or Didier Rous (Jean Delatour), with Gilles Maignan (Ag2r) not to be underestimated.

In the women's event, Jeannie Longo will be aiming to win her 34th French title, and the 42 year old world hour record holder is unlikely to be challenged in her favourite event.

In the road races things could go differently, with the 16.38 kilometre parcours suiting sprinters more than climbers or roulers. Christophe Capelle is the defending champion in the men's event, while Longo is once again the women's title holder. Jimmy Casper or Jean-Patrick Nazon (FdJ), or Damien Nazon (Bonjour) all have good chances to win in a sprint.