53rd Edition of the Junior Peace Race Attracts Top Teams from Around the World to Terezín

Litoměřice/Terezín, May 5, 2025

This year’s edition of the Course de la Paix Juniors will welcome an exceptionally strong lineup of 24 international teams, further confirming the growing prestige of this traditional race. Participants will arrive from across Europe, North America, and even Australia, promising not only a high sporting level but also a uniquely international atmosphere.

This renowned event, organized by the cycling club Slavoj Terezín, ranks among the most prestigious junior races in the world. Its roots date back to 1959, when it was founded by respected coach Jaroslav Menhart. Since 1965, it has carried the name Junior Peace Race.

“This year, the Junior Peace Race will take place in its traditional May slot, with stages throughout the Ústí nad Labem Region and one crossing into neighboring Saxony. Once again, the race is included in the top-tier UCI Men Junior Nations’ Cup calendar, continuing a tradition established in 1995. Keeping the race in this category is extremely challenging, both in terms of organization and—especially in recent years—financially,” says race director Svatopluk Henke Jr., who took over in 2023 from his father, Svatopluk Henke Sr.

Henke Sr., a former national team member and a key figure in Czech cycling, has been involved in organizing the Junior Peace Race since 1985 and led it for a remarkable 29 years. In recognition of his significant lifelong contribution to Czech cycling, he was inducted into the Czech Cycling Federation Hall of Fame in 2017.

Confirmed teams include representatives from:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Ukraine, United States.

In addition, domestic teams Dukla Praha, Roman Kreuziger Cycling Academy, and the German selection Schwalbe Sachsen will also compete.

The race will offer four days of thrilling stage action and a rich accompanying program for the public and cycling fans alike.

This year's edition will kick off on Thursday, May 8 - a national holiday!

Stage Program:

Stage 1: May 8 – Road race, hilly stage, 109.9 km
Start: Litoměřice, 14:40 – Finish: Úštěk

Stage 2a: May 9 – Individual time trial, 8.8 km
Start/Finish: Třebívlice, 09:00

Stage 3a: May 9 – Road race, flat stage, 58.1 km
Start: Roudnice n/L, 16:00 – Finish: Terezín

Stage 4: May 10 – Road race, mountain stage, 112.7 km
Start: Teplice, 14:00 – Finish: Olbernhau (GER)

Stage 5: May 11 – Road race, hilly stage, 102.4 km
Start: Terezín, 09:00 – Finish: Terezín

For more information, follow our website and official race social media channels:

www.zmj.cz  
www.x.com/zmj_cz  
www.instagram.com/zmj_cz  
www.facebook.com/zavodmirujunioru

The official race schedule, including the technical guide, is now available for download at: www.zmj.cz/en/schedule