Start of the Junior Peace Race: victory for the Netherlands, thrilling finish in Úštěk

Litoměřice, May 8, 2025 – The traditional stage cycling race Course de la Paix Juniors – Terezín kicked off today in Litoměřice, launching its opening stage as part of the prestigious UCI Men Junior Nations’ Cup series. The first stage spanned 109.9 kilometers through the picturesque landscape of the Ústí nad Labem Region near the town of Úštěk. The starting line welcomed top junior cyclists from around the world, ready to take on a challenging, hilly course. Spectators in Úštěk were treated to three exciting local circuits, featuring three of the stage’s five categorized climbs.

Weather played a role in the day’s racing. Although the stage began under sunny skies, clouds soon rolled in and temperatures dropped significantly. Fortunately, the riders were spared from rain, but the windy and demanding terrain still took its toll – three riders were forced to abandon the race.

The finish brought high drama. In the final kilometers, the peloton managed to close a gap of over one minute to the breakaway group. Six riders contested the final sprint, with a Dutch cyclist Schoonvelde ultimately claiming the stage victory. He was joined on the podium by two Italian competitors. Schoonvelde will wear the yellow jersey of the leading rider.

The race continues on Thursday, May 8, with an individual time trial in Třebívlice, covering 8.8 kilometers. Later that afternoon, the riders will tackle a second road stage from Roudnice nad Labem to Štětí, totaling 61 kilometers on mostly flat terrain.

Results - Stage 1 (Litoměřice - Úštěk, 109.9 km):
1. Schoonvelde Gijs (NED) 2:43:16
2. Agostinacchio Mattia (ITA)
3. Magnanotti Alessio (ITA)
4. Rooni Ron (BEL)
5. Vanden Eynde Mats
16. Frajbiš Adam (TDP) - all the same time

Overall:
1. Schoonvelde Gijs (NED) 2:43:06
2. Agostinacchio Mattia (ITA) +0:04
3. Magnanotti Alessio (ITA) +0:06
4. Rooni Ron (BEL) +0:07
5. Bennetzen Lucca (DEN) +0:08
6. Zaňka Jakub (TDP) +0:08

Jersey holders:
Yellow jersey: Schoonvelde Gijs
White jersey: Agostinacchio Mattia
Red and white: Rejzek Jiří
Green jersey: Vanden Eynde Mats
Blue jersey: Zaňka Jakub