Tour de l’Avenir, Watersley Challenge EOIs open

AusCycling is taking expressions of interest for the world’s premier under-23 stage race, the Tour de l’Avenir, and the Watersley Women's Challenge.

Successful riders will compete for the ARA Australian Cycling Team against a high-quality international field this August.

First run in 1961, the men’s Tour de l’Avenir – which translates to ‘Tour of the Future’ – is considered a mini-Tour de France for the next generation.

The week-long race offers a gruelling route to push the young peloton to their limit. Time trials, flat and hilly stages usually characterise the first half of the course, before a brutal finale that includes some of the toughest mountain stages on French soil.

Previous winners of the l’Avenir include the sport’s biggest names: Miguel Induráin, Egan Bernal and Tadej Pogačar have all proven themselves at this level.

Australia has enjoyed its fair share of success: Robbie McEwen, Caleb Ewan and Nick Schultz are among the 12 Aussie stage winners, while Jack Haig and Robert Power have finished on the overall podium.

Picture: Anouk Flesch

Last year, an inaugural Tour de l'Avenir Femmes was created for under-23 women, a five-stage race won by Dutch WorldTour rider Shirin Van Anrooij.

In 2024, the men’s and women’s races will be held in mid-August. Organisers have yet to reveal the parcours, but it’s expected to be as challenging as always.

A week later, the Watersley Women's Challenge will be held in the Netherlands over three days.

Eligible riders who wish to be considered for these events must complete the expression of interest form by Monday, July 1. Use the links below or visit the Selection page to submit an EOI.

Expressions of Interest – Women

Expressions of Interest – Men

Feature image: Zac Williams / SWpix.com