Chrono des Nations 2026 in Les Herbiers: Evenepoel Heads into the Time Trial as Top Favorite

TVS News AI, editorially supervised, presents Chrono des Nations 2026 in Les Herbiers: Evenepoel Heads into the Time Trial as Top Favorite.

When the time trial elite gathers, the cycling world pays closer attention: On Sunday, October 18, 2026, the 44th edition of the Chrono des Nations takes place in Les Herbiers (Vendée) – and with Remco Evenepoel, one of the most dominant time trialists of the present day is on the start line. For you as a cycling fan, this means: a must-see date in the autumn calendar, where no team can help against the clock.

Ouest-France Sport is announcing the event and provides the overview: Eight categories are on the program – from youth riders through to the professionals. The original report will bundle the exact broadcast times and the right TV channel once they are confirmed by the organizers.

Why Evenepoel is the natural favorite

Evenepoel has redefined time trialing in recent years. According to Ouest-France, the Belgian ranks among the „plus grands spécialistes de l'histoire du contre-la-montre“ – in other words, among the greatest specialists in the history of the time trial. No surprise that he returns to the start list as the „naturellement grand favori“, the natural top favorite. In a discipline where no teammates offer a slipstream and every second counts, exceptional athletes like him are very hard to stop.

What makes the Chrono des Nations so special

The time trial in the Vendée has tradition. For 44 years, athletes who often disappear in the slipstream of helpers inside the peloton have gathered here. In Les Herbiers, they stand alone on the course – just the bike, the clock, and their own drive. That is exactly what creates the appeal: whoever wins here has done it under their own power. The fact that the program spans eight categories shows that the Chrono des Nations is more than a pure professional race – it is a stage for youth, amateurs, and elite athletes alike.

What you should know about the event

• Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
• Location: Les Herbiers (Vendée, France)
• Edition: 44th edition of the Chrono des Nations
• Program: 8 categories
• Top favorite: Remco Evenepoel (Belgium)

The exact start times and the broadcasting channel are usually finalized only a few days before the race. If you don't want to miss anything, it's worth checking out the original report from Ouest-France Sport – that's where the TV info will land.