Published on : 05/24/2026
In a race usually suited to sprinters, the peloton was caught out by a quartet of attackers. Alexis Renard finished 6th.
The Grand Prix Criquielion celebrated its 31st edition this Sunday. Cycling is a sport that never forgets its heroes and always finds ways to honor them. Claude Criquielion—1984 world champion and former Tour of Flanders winner—remains an iconic figure of cycling in Wallonia. To celebrate his legacy, the organizers designed a demanding route this year: 208 kilometers and 2,200 meters of elevation gain.
A tough course, but still one that could suit a sprinter’s profile. Last year, Milan Fretin finished 4th here. That is why the team decided to place its trust in the man currently in form, Alexis Renard. After claiming three runner-up finishes in a single week—at Tro Bro Léon and on two stages of the Tour de Hongrie—the Breton rider had every reason to start this tricky race with ambition.
And this year, the trap… worked. Four riders quickly went clear early in the race, while the peloton carefully managed the gap, seemingly confident that the breakaway’s chances of success were slim. But the finale became increasingly chaotic: attacks flew, small groups escaped from the bunch, and behind them few teams managed to organize an effective chase.
In the end, it was a four-man breakaway that fought for victory. The peloton sprinted for the minor placings. Beaten only by Tim Merlier among the bunch sprinters, Alexis Renard crossed the line in 6th place, securing his fifth top-10 finish in seven race days.
Analysis from Sébastien Demarbaix:
“As expected, Soudal controlled the race to set up a sprint for Merlier. An early breakaway went clear but never gained more than 1’30”. Everything really opened up with around fifteen kilometers to go, when four riders attacked on the toughest section of the course. They held on to the finish with just a handful of seconds over the peloton.
Merlier won the sprint for fifth place ahead of Alexis. We’re a little disappointed with the result because there was a podium up for grabs. But we had a strong team today, with riders in good form who did a really solid job.”