Classic Var 2026: A Showcase of Cycling Talent in the Var Department
The cycling world turns its attention to the Var department in France this February as the Classic Var prepares for its third edition on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Organized by the Département du Var and the Nice-Matin group, this one-day race promises a thrilling spectacle for cycling enthusiasts, showcasing both established stars and rising talents. The Classic Var has quickly become a significant event on the international cycling calendar, building on the legacy of previous races in the region, including the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var. The Department of Var is heavily invested in the race, hoping it will eventually lead to the return of a stage of the Tour de France to the region.
A Challenging Course Through the Heart of the Var
The 2026 Classic Var will cover a distance of 179.7 kilometers, beginning in La Garde and culminating in Brignoles. The route is designed to favor sprinters, with a relatively flat profile and limited significant climbs. However, the course will still test the riders’ endurance and tactical acumen as it traverses 21 communes within the Var department, including La Crau, Pierrefeu-du-Var, Puget-Ville, Rocbaron, Forcalqueiret, Sainte-Anastasie-sur-Issole, Flassans-sur-Issole, Cabasse, Carcès, Cotignac, Sillans-La-Cascade, Aups, Ginasservis, Esparron-de-Pallières, Varages, and Brue-Auriac. A dedicated fan zone will be set up at the Lycée Sainte Jeanne in Brignoles, providing a vibrant atmosphere for spectators to enjoy the race’s finale. The Nice-Matin group, in partnership with the Departmental Council, is responsible for organizing the event.
Contenders for the Crown: A Look at the Participating Teams and Riders
The 2026 Classic Var is attracting a strong field of competitors, with a total of 119 riders representing 17 teams set to participate. The race features a diverse lineup of teams, categorized into WorldTeams, ProTeams, and Continental teams. The seven WorldTeams competing include Decathlon CMA CGM, Groupama-FDJ United, Bahrain Victorious, Lidl-Trek, Lotto-Intermarché, Team Picnic PostNL, and XDS Astana. The five ProTeams are Cofidis, TotalEnergies, Unibet Rose Rockets, Team Polti-VisitMalta, and Tudor Pro Cycling. Rounding out the field are five Continental teams: CIC Pro Cycling Academy, Nice Métropole Côte d’Azur, St-Michel-Preference Home-Auber 93, Van Rysel-Roubaix, and Elite Fondations CT.
Among the expected frontrunners is German sprinter Phil Bauhaus of Bahrain Victorious, who is considered a strong favorite for the victory. However, he will face stiff competition from a talented field of riders, including local favorite Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious), a Var native and the 2024 Classic Var champion. Other notable French contenders include Warren Barguil (Picnic-PostNL), Aurélien Paret-Peintre (Decathlon CMA CGM), Paul Lapeira (Decathlon CMA CGM), and Ewen Costiou (Groupama FDJ United). Italian Christian Scaroni (XDS Astana) will also be looking to defend his title from the previous year. Organizers have designed the course to encourage a rapid-paced, aggressive race, potentially culminating in a mass sprint finish.
Broadcast and Spectator Information
For those unable to attend in person, the Classic Var 2026 will be broadcast live on Eurosport and France 3 Côte d’Azur, bringing the action to a wide audience. Last year’s event attracted over 2 million television viewers, demonstrating the growing popularity of the race. The race organizers are anticipating a significant turnout of spectators along the route, particularly in Brignoles, where the finish line and fan zone will be located. The event is expected to provide a substantial economic boost to the Var department, showcasing its lovely landscapes and attracting tourism. The Classic Var represents a continuation of the cycling tradition in the region, following the previous iterations of the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var, which was originally known as the Tour du Haut Var.
A History of Cycling in the Var Department
The Classic Var builds upon a rich history of cycling in the Var department. In 2019, the Groupe Nice-Matin acquired the Tour du Haut Var, rebranding it as the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var with the goal of ensuring the race’s longevity and development. This demonstrates a long-term commitment to promoting cycling in the region. Jean-Louis Masson, President of the Departmental Council of Var, has expressed his hope that the success of the Classic Var will pave the way for the return of a stage of the Tour de France to the Var department. He believes the race will generate positive economic impact and enhance the region’s reputation as a cycling destination.
The Classic Var is more than just a sporting event; it’s a celebration of the Var department’s natural beauty and its passion for cycling. The race provides a platform for both established and emerging cyclists to showcase their talents, while also offering a thrilling spectacle for fans around the world. The carefully selected route, the strong field of competitors, and the comprehensive broadcast coverage all contribute to the event’s growing prestige and popularity.
The next key date for those following the Classic Var will be the official release of the full rider list and race schedule closer to the event date. Stay tuned to the official Classic Var website and social media channels for the latest updates and information.
What are your predictions for the 2026 Classic Var? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow cycling enthusiasts!
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