On Thursday, the Grand Prix de Denain goes down–and although it doesn’t usually get top billing, the event will definitely deliver some exciting racing.
With multiple Paris-Roubaix sectors packed into its second half, it’s often referred to as the “mini Paris-Roubaix.”
Once again, some top names will contest the 200-km 1.Pro race. You’ve got riders like Arnaud De Lie, Jordi Meeus, Lukáš Kubiš and Dylan Groenewegen in the mix, to name a few.
Tough race for tough riders
In 2025, it was top British talent Matthew Brennan of Team Visma-Lease a Bike that took the win. Although Brennan won’t be racing in Denain this year, another young talent on his team will be. Toronto’s Ashlin Barry will be “riding up” with the WorldTour squad in France.
The 18-year-old rider has already ridden two races with the Conti squad in Croatia. At the UMAG Classic earlier this month he finished 30th, and a few days later at the POREČ Classic, a respectable 9th.
Solid start to 2026
“It was pretty chaotic trying to contest the sprints in both races but I felt it was a good experience to start the season with,” Barry said. “These were the first races of the season for me, and I felt it took some time to get re-familiarized and comfortable racing in the peloton again so I was happy to find myself in the top 10 over the weekend.”
Barry signed with the Dutch powerhouse in late 2024, and then spent his final year in the junior ranks with its feeder team, JEGG-SKIL-DJR. He’s since gone on multiple training camps with both the devo and WorldTour teams.
Grand Prix Denain broadcast information
“So far my first year with the team has been great. I have really enjoyed our training camps and the first races,” he said. It’s a whole new team structure to get used to but I think the professional environment suits me well and we have a really nice group of riders.”
The Grand Prix Denain is being broadcast on FloBikes.com. Coverage begins at 9:00 a.m. EDT.
Affiliate links present. Canadian Cycling Magazine may receive commissions
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…