In 2016, Éric Ramos, president of Vélostar Organisation, set himself a big challenge. That of reviving a professional criterion in Île-de-France. Six years later, the bet is won. The Crito’Star will experience its 7th edition this Sunday and is one of the 12 post-Tour de France criteria organized in France. After two first editions in Longjumeau (Essonne), the event has now been taking place for five years in the port district of Choisy-le-Roi (Val-de-Marne). It is the only professional race organized in Île-de-France. This criterium has the particularity of being disputed behind dernys (mopeds) which launch the riders.
Stage level, the organizers do not have the same budget as the big French criteriums like Lisieux, Camors or Dijon who have been able to count on the presence of riders like David Gaudu, Valentin Madouas (Groupama-FDJ), Romain Bardet (DSM) or Florian Sénéchal (Quick-Step) during their trials in recent days. The premium for bringing in a big headliner is around 10,000 euros.
The organizers of the Crito’Star cannot afford to give such a sum to a single runner. Despite everything, like every year, they managed to concoct a quality line-up with the presence of 20 professional riders. Among them, several come out of the Tour de France like Benjamin Thomas (Cofidis), Pierre Rolland, Jérémy Lecroq (B&B Hotels), Hugo Hofstetter, Matis Louvel (Arkea). The sprinter from St Michel Auber 93 Jason Tesson, 4th victory this season and about to sign in a big French team for 2023 and his teammate Tony Hurel will also be present. Accustomed to this Criterium which he won in 2019, the Italian Davide Rebellin (Work Service Vitalcare Vega), still a pro at 50, will come to Choisy one last time, since he announced the end of his career at the from this season.
Behind the scenes, several former champions like Bernard Hinault will be present. After the women’s event at 5 p.m., the pro race begins at 7 p.m.
