Tro Bro Leon: Images from the original gravel classic

Tro Bro Leon: Images from the original gravel classic

A selection of photos from the 2023 Tro Bro Leon

Photos: James Startt Words: James Startt

Brittany, it is said, is divided into two parts, that which looks out to the sea, and that which looks inward to the rich farmland. But for decades now, the Tro Bro Leon bike race has been bringing the two aspects of this corner of France together in an utterly unique way.

The 200km race loops along this region’s rustic coast line and down its many gravel farm roads known as ribin. Now in its 39th year, the race was riding gravel, well before gravel racing existed. Founded by Jean-Paul Mellouet, he actually dreamed of bringing a touch of Paris-Roubaix to this corner of the country. “Back in the day, Paris-Roubaix was televised in black and white and when I saw the racers riding down the gutter of the cobbles, it looked just like the ribins we have here. Brittany has a huge cycling tradition, and I just knew we could do something great.”

In many ways, the Tro Bro Leon seems lost in time. From team presentation held in an old gymnasium with a buffet for the locals, to the piglet that is awarded to the best local rider at the finish, this race retains an utterly unique identity. But in between there is simply stunning racing, and this year’s race was no exception as Italian Giacomo Nizzolo powered away in the final meters for an impressive victory.

Take a look through some of the most striking images from this year's edition.

Two AG2R riders practice their bike stand technique before riding up on stage for the morning’s presentation.

Portraits of past winners hang around the gymnasium for those eating the buffet lunch to admire.

The riders get their first glimpse of the coastline in the opening kilometers of the race.

Not surprisingly, the iconic Breton flag was a familiar face along the roadside.

The pack attacks the first gravel ribins of the race.

Riders roll through a typical Breton village.

Crashes were common as the racing heated up on the technical ribins.

The early breakaway cruises through one of the many Breton villages.

The Saint Mathieu lighthouse welcomes the race in the town of Plougonvelin.

The ocean is never far from view throughout much of the race.

Pre-race favorite Arnaud De Lie could be seen driving the race on ribins.

The pack accelerates past this aging chapel along the sea.

The peloton strings out with the intense repetition of ribins near the finish.

Local hero Olivier Le Gac digs deep going into the final eight-kilometre loop.

Nizzolo powers towards the line.

Although he had little time to raise his hand, Nizzolo is visibly pleased with his most recent victory.

And the piglet you ask? “That’s a gift from the local farmers as a sign of appreciation for sharing these roads together,” say’s race organiser Mellouet. “These are their roads really. But they lend them to us every year.” Arkéa’s Laurent Pichot was only to happy with his unique prize as best regional rider. And his daughter appeared pretty impressed as well.

Photos: James Startt Words: James Startt

READ MORE

Tour of Flanders CEO is changing cycling like no one has before: ‘There’s no such thing as a rule'

Tour of Flanders CEO is changing cycling like no one has before: ‘There’s no such thing as a rule'

Former basketball player Tomas Van Den Spiegel has revolutionised Flanders Classics, creating a model of bike races that could become the benchmark for all. And...

Leer más
Tour of Flanders 2025 men preview: Is there any beating Tadej Pogačar?

Tour of Flanders 2025 men preview: Is there any beating Tadej Pogačar?

Rouleur takes a look at the favourites for De Ronde this Sunday

Leer más
‘Social media is a cancer of society’ - This is how Tadej Pogačar is doing things his own way

‘Social media is a cancer of society’ - This is how Tadej Pogačar is doing things his own way

The world champion says that making his own choices, keeping things fun and blocking out the noise is crucial to his success 

Leer más
Tour of Flanders 2025 women preview - Can Elisa Longo Borghini achieve back-to-back wins?

Tour of Flanders 2025 women preview - Can Elisa Longo Borghini achieve back-to-back wins?

The UAE Team ADQ rider starts as favourite on Sunday but she faces tough competition from the likes of SD Worx-Protime

Leer más
Tour de France in the Basque Country 2023

Itzulia Basque Country 2025 preview: route, predictions, and contenders

An overview of the punishing six-day race in northern Spain, which this year promises to be an open and exciting affair

Leer más
Wout van Aert at Dwars door Vlaanderen 2025

Does Visma's Dwars door Vlaanderen disappointment reveal the blueprint for Flanders victory?

Dutch team’s challenging Classic’s campaign continues after three teammates squander winning opportunity at Dwars door Vlaanderen

Leer más

READ RIDE REPEAT

JOIN ROULEUR TODAY

Get closer to the sport than ever before.

Enjoy a digital subscription to Rouleur for just £4 per month and get access to our award-winning magazines.

SUBSCRIBE