A little history

Demanding race, the Tour of Picardy somewhat blends into a single race the Tour de l'Oise, which had been launched in 1936, and the Tour of Picardy (the former Grand Prix du Courrier Picard) which had known its heyday in the 50's and 60's.

Taking up the tradition of the Tour de l'Oise, this “new” event will stay true to its format and spirit. Seamus Elliott, Dietrich Thurau, André Dierickx, Bernard Hinault, Steve Bauer, Thierry Marie, Frédéric Moncassin, Miguel Indurain, Alexandre Vinokourov, Jaan Kirsipuu: past winners lack no prestige, and quite a wide variety of cycling talents is to be found amongst them.

Three men have managed to notch up two victories - Willy Teirlinck, Gilbert Duclos-Lassalle and Jelle Nijdam. We should also mention prestigious winners of the Tour of Picardy, such as André Darrigade, Roger Hassenforder, Serge Blusson… Louis Caput and Jean Stablinski stand out, as they alone won both races.