After a disappointing World Championship, Jarno Widar succeeded in crowning himself European champion. The Belgian top favorite was the strongest on the final ascent of the Val d'Enfer and rode solo to the finish. Frenchman Maxim Decomble chased for the silver medal. Senna Remijn was the first Dutch rider in fifth place.
On Saturday afternoon, it was the turn of the elite women at the European Road Championships, while the male U23 riders had already competed in the morning. On a 121-kilometer course with three climbs of the Saint Romain de Lerps (7 kilometers at an average of 7.2%) and four ascents of the Val d’Enfer (1.6 kilometers at 9.7%), the focus was mainly on climbing talent Jarno Widar and the newly crowned U23 World Champion Lorenzo Finn. Among the Dutch, all eyes were on Senna Remijn.
UEC Road European Championships TT U23Loriol-sur-DrômeÉtoile-sur-RhôneAfter two climbs of Saint Romain de Lerps and two of Val d’Enfer, the U23 peloton crossed the finish line for the second time. Although more than 30 riders had already abandoned with just over 57 kilometers remaining, there was still a sizable lead group. All the favorites were still present up front. The race was therefore awaiting the third and final climb of Saint Romain de Lerps.
Strong Breakaway Group Forms
And indeed: on the third local lap, the race ignited. A small breakaway group managed to separate itself. Top favorites Finn and Widar were among them, as was Dutchman Jurgen Zomermaand, who impressed with his presence. Other big names in this group of ten included home rider Maxime Decomble and Spaniard Adria Pericas Capdevila.
Widar tries to follow Decomble on one of the steeper sections of the course - photo press agency Cor Vos
Meanwhile, Irishman Liam O'Brien tried to surprise his breakaway companions by riding a few seconds ahead at the start of the final lap. For the Dutch Remijn and Belgian Matteo Vanhuffel, it was a chase at that moment. When the bell rang (with 17 kilometers to go), they were more than half a minute behind the Irish rider.
Widar Proves Strongest
The gaps were still manageable, so the decision would come in the final lap. On the last Val d'Enfer ascent, Widar was the strongest rider in the race. He shook off the remaining contenders and soloed to the finish line.
🇧🇪 Jarno Widar on fire! 🔥
The Belgian climbing sensation conquered one of the toughest races of #EuroRoad25 🇧🇪 and claimed the U23 European title in style!
🎥 @bohm_185 | @oradelciclismo#EuroRoad25 #Drome #Ardeche #Cycling #Cyclisme pic.twitter.com/3InFZdUrpw
— UEC Cycling (@UEC_cycling) October 4, 2025
Frenchman Decomble came closest to the Belgian, finishing second after a chase. In the final lap, Remijn managed to rejoin the chase group. He finished fifth in the sprint for the bronze medal. The fast Spaniard Hector Alvarez Martinez took this final podium spot.
UEC Road European Championships U23| Rank | Rider | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 03:11:58 | |
| 2 | + 14 | |
| 3 | + 46 | |
| 4 | " | |
| 5 | " | |
| 6 | " | |
| 7 | " | |
| 8 | " | |
| 9 | " | |
| 10 | + 52 |
