A.S.O. Pauline Ballet

Arnaud Démare, a year of recapture

After an eventful year, Arnaud Démare needs to overcome the trials and tribulations that lie ahead if he is to make history once and for all. With the Grand Départ in his native region, the Beauvais-born racer is counting on this high point in his season to get back on track, both mentally and physically.

"Learn to lose in order to win". This Michael Jordan quote could perfectly fit Arnaud Démare's year 2024. The 33-year-old Frenchman had a very complicated previous season, with many disappointments on the sporting front(2 wins, his lowest total since 2015). But it was above all on a personal level that Arnaud Démare encountered difficulties, with the hospitalization of his wife and the birth of his child. " It was difficult for us [...] I wanted to stop cycling to look after my family," he told France 3 Hauts-de-France last December. The great champion, with victories in Milan-San Remo, the Tour (2 stages) and the Giro (8 stages), will have to find the resources to reverse the trend this year.

A.S.O./Charly Lopez

Rising from the ashes to make history

2025 could well be an unforgettable year for the rider from Hauts-de-France, for a number of reasons. For a start, he could become the fourth French rider to reach 100 professional victories. Currently at 97, he could thus join Jacques Anquetil (121 victories), Laurent Jalabert (128 victories) and Bernard Hinault (145 victories), who have already passed the symbolic 100 mark. But that's not all! He could also become the first wearer of the yellow jersey from Hauts-de-France since 2001. Indeed, the route of the Grand Départ should suit sprinters. But also the first stages on our territory. With no climbs and few bumps, sprinters could be in for a treat in the region. And that's just what Arnaud Démarre is looking for: "There'll be the possibility of a big challenge, a big battle for the yellow jersey from day one", he told France Bleu.

The chance to wear the yellow jersey in front of his home crowd should give the French rider a non-negotiable extra boost. Find out on July 5, 2025 in Lille! In front of the citadel, we'll know the first winner and wearer of the yellow jersey, of this 112ᵉ Tour de France!