Some of the world's best runners will be in Fréjus this morning (start at 8.30am). Victim of a broken chain on Friday at the start of the Ford Roc Marathon after just 30 meters, Hugo Drechou is sure to start with an even stronger desire. Runner-up last year, he's dreaming of his first success on the Roc d'Azur's flagship race, taking over from Jordan Sarrou, last year's winner and the event's record-holder with 4 victories. Germany's Andreas Seewald will also be confident after his success in the Ford Roc Marathon. Colombia's Hector Leonardo Paez Leon (2nd on Friday), Estonia's Peteer Pruus, Austria's Daniel Geismayr, Italy's Samuele Porro (3rd on Friday) and his compatriot Fabian Rabenseteiner could also be among the front-runners.
At the start of the Giro di Lombardia on Saturday, Romain Bardet made a habit of jumping into his car as soon as he crossed the finish line in Italy, to reach Fréjus during the night and be at the start of the Roc d'Azur.
Katazyna Sosna favorite
In the women's race, Lithuanian Katazyna Sosna, who won the Ford Roc Marathon on Friday after leading the race solo from start to finish, is a serious contender to succeed Pauline Ferrand-Prévot. For the penultimate race of her career (she will compete in a final event in Italy in a week's time), the 32-year-old Lithuanian is dreaming of repeating her performance of 2021, when she completed the Roc Marathon - Roc d'Azur double. "To finish with a victory in what is for me the most beautiful race in the world would be magnificent," she confides. Estelle Morel, third in the Ford Roc Marathon after a puncture, and Margot Moschetti (former winner in 2014 and 2019) will be the best French chances. Juliette Labous, one of the world's best all-rounders with a 5th place in the last Tour de France for women with Zwift, will also be present.