The teams are already beginning to line up for the Critérium International, which once again occupies its traditional spot of the final weekend in March. Organised by ASO, the body responsible for the Tour de France, and many other significant French races, the Critérium International is a three-stage 'mini Tour de France' with a long road stage between Vouziers and Charleville-Mézières on Saturday and a split stage on Sunday.
Vouziers and Charleville-Mézières aren't far apart as the crow flies, so the race takes the scenic route for a rolling 187km stage. Sunday sees what's now a rare format for events at this level with a hilly 98km circuit in the morning between Les Vieilles Forges and Monthermé and then it's back to Charleville-Mézières for an 8.3km time trial in the afternoon.
