Description
A Brief History of the Tour du Loiret
The Tour du Loiret is a French stage race held annually in May within the Loiret department, part of the Centre-Val de Loire region. Established in 1953, it is recognized on the national calendar of the French Cycling Federation. The local cycling club of Saint-Denis-de-l’Hôtel organized the inaugural editions from 1953 to 1960. Open to both professional and independent riders, these early races covered a distance of 250 kilometers. French cyclist Jean-Marie Cieleska notably won the event three times during this period.
The race was not held between 1961 and 1977. In 1978, Roland Gruber, who had finished second in the 1955 edition, revitalized the competition. From 1979 onward, the Tour was typically organized as a multi-stage race, except in 1991 and 1992, when it was a one-day event known as the “Flèche d’or du Loiret.”
Following Gruber’s passing in 2014, the race was renamed the “Tour du Loiret-Souvenir Roland-Gruber” in his honor. The 2020 edition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, the 2024 edition was also canceled due to the unavailability of the national gendarmerie, which is responsible for race security.
Looking ahead, the 45th edition of the Tour du Loiret is scheduled for May 16–18, 2025. Organizers aim to elevate the event by featuring four stages and inviting the top 20 amateur teams. The race is set to start in Bellegarde, with a festive atmosphere planned to celebrate its return.
****************************
This is a one-of-a-kind item, so please review the photos carefully to determine the condition.
Recent Comments