Editorial

When youth rise to the occasion

Cycling gives different types of riders the chance to express themselves. Throughout the season, it is most often the sprinters who raise their arms in victory at the finish line. And yet wins achieved on mountain stages have a special meaning for those who manage to stand out in this field. They require perseverance and consistency of effort and call upon a unique brand of endurance that enables riders to confront a cruel and brutal challenge. They reward cyclists who have rare physical talents.

For spectators, these are often the most memorable stages because the price paid by those who win them is eminently visible. Most importantly, they make the difference in major stage races.

The Junior Classique des Alpes offers future elite riders a very realistic sampling of the feelings they could experience in the future. A unique event on the category's schedule, this race builds suspense with a series of fearsome climbs, providing a real-life test for those who think they've got what it takes to be climbers.

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