Day 1 - Junior Peace Race to Open with Demanding Stage in the České středohoří Hills. Zdeněk Štybar to Attend in Litoměřice

The opening stage of the 2026 Junior Peace Race will immediately present the world’s top junior riders with one of the most demanding and complex tests of the entire race. The route from Litoměřice to Úštěk winds through the challenging terrain of the České středohoří hills and could already provide the first clear indication of the riders set to contend for the overall classification.

The 110.2-kilometre stage combines short climbs, technical roads and repeated laps around the Úštěk circuit. The constantly changing nature of the course traditionally creates opportunities for early attacks and the first significant splits in the peloton.

Date: Thursday, 07 May 2026 – 14:40
Stage 1: Litoměřice – Úštěk
Start: Zahrada Čech Exhibition Grounds, Litoměřice
Finish: Mírové Square, Úštěk
Race Length: 110.2 km
GPM: 5
Intermediate Sprint: 3

Northern Bohemia to Welcome World Junior Cycling Once Again

The Junior Peace Race has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious junior stage races in the world. Each year, the event features riders who later progress to the biggest professional teams in international cycling.

This year’s opening stage will offer fans the opportunity to watch future stars of world cycling compete in the demanding terrain of the České středohoří region, which traditionally tests both the physical condition and tactical abilities of young riders.

Organisers invite spectators to the start area in Litoměřice, the finish in Úštěk and several additional locations along the route, where the peloton will pass multiple times throughout the afternoon.

The First Climbs Come Early

Following the official start on Českolipská Street, the peloton will head through Trnovany and Býčkovice towards Lovečkovice. The riders will face the first mountain prime after less than thirteen kilometres, followed shortly afterwards by another demanding climb near Náčkovice.

The opening section of the stage takes place on narrow and undulating roads in the České středohoří hills, where splits in the peloton and early breakaway attempts are common. As a result, the pace of the race could be high almost from the very beginning.

After passing through Levínské Petrovice and Starý Týn, the riders will arrive in Úštěk, where the profile of the stage changes significantly and the race enters its decisive phase.

The Úštěk Circuits Could Shape the Outcome of the Stage

Around Úštěk, the riders will complete three laps featuring mountain primes in Ostrá and intermediate sprints in Velký Hubenov. Technical roads, constant rhythm changes and repeated climbs create ideal conditions for aggressive racing and further selection within the peloton.

Throughout the afternoon, the peloton will repeatedly pass through Ostrá, Rašovice, Julčín, Vědlice, Rochov and Tetčiněves. Thanks to the circuit-based course, spectators will have multiple opportunities to follow the race from different points along the route.

The first passage through the circuit is expected at approximately 15:30, the second shortly after 16:00, while the final lap is scheduled to begin at around 16:45.

Technical Finish in the Historic Centre of Úštěk

After the final intermediate sprint in Velký Hubenov, the riders will return towards Úštěk. The closing kilometres through Vědlice, Rochov and Tetčiněves could still produce late attacks and intense battles for position ahead of the finish.

The finish of Stage 1 at Mírové Square in Úštěk is scheduled between 17:22 and 17:39, depending on race development and the average speed of the peloton.

The final approach into the historic town centre is one of the defining moments of the entire stage. A short but extremely steep cobbled climb onto the square gives the finish a unique character and significantly increases the technical and tactical demands of the finale, particularly if a larger group contests positions before the line.

Zdeněk Štybar to Attend the Ceremonial Start

As in previous years, the stage will start from the Zahrada Čech exhibition grounds in Litoměřice. Mírové Square, the traditional starting location of the Junior Peace Race, remains under reconstruction, and organisers will therefore once again use the exhibition venue facilities this year.

Former professional cyclist and one of the most prominent figures in Czech cycling, Zdeněk Štybar, will also take part in the ceremonial opening and will meet riders and fans ahead of the start of the first stage.

Before the peloton rolls out, the traditional presentation of national teams and trade teams will take place, giving spectators the opportunity to see the next generation of world cycling up close.