La Ronde Picarde

La Ronde Picarde is a mid-September cycling event held in Eaucourt-sur-Somme, within the Somme department of Hauts-de-France. Participants can select road or gravel routes. Road distances are approximately 38, 85, 117, and 157 km, with an additional 77 km gravel route. The event accommodates both novice and experienced cyclists; shorter routes offer accessibility, while the Grand Parcours extends to about 158 km with approximately 1,450 m of elevation gain. The terrain is characteristic of Picardy: open, often windy, and featuring numerous small hills instead of major mountain ascents. The medium route, around 117 km with roughly 1,000 m of elevation gain, requires consistent effort even for those not choosing the longest distance. The course winds along the Bay of Somme and passes significant historical sites like Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, a medieval town associated with William the Conqueror's departure for England. Local cycling enthusiasts consider La Ronde Picarde a regional tradition, and Johan Museeuw has been associated with the event.