What Is 2018 Tour du Haut Var

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 Tour du Haut Var was a two-stage professional cycling race held in southern France on February 17–18, 2018. Thomas De Gendt of Belgium won the overall classification after strong performances in both stages.

Key Facts

The 2018 Tour du Haut Var took place on February 17–18, 2018
It consisted of two stages totaling approximately 370 kilometers
Thomas De Gendt (Lotto-Soudal) won the general classification
The race started in Draguignan and finished in Fayence
Ben Gastauer finished second, 1 minute and 18 seconds behind De Gendt

Overview

The 2018 Tour du Haut Var was a prestigious early-season stage race on the UCI Europe Tour calendar, held in the Var department of southeastern France. As part of the 2.1 category, it attracted several top-tier professional teams and served as a key preparatory event for riders targeting the spring classics.

Unlike its previous single-stage format, the 2018 edition returned to a two-day structure after a one-year hiatus, increasing its strategic depth and physical demands. The race featured challenging terrain, including steep climbs and narrow roads, typical of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

Stage 1 covered 184 kilometers from Draguignan to Fayence, with a summit finish that tested climbers and puncheurs alike.
Stage 2 spanned 186 kilometers, starting and ending in Draguignan, incorporating multiple categorized climbs and technical descents.
Thomas De Gendt claimed victory after finishing third on Stage 1 and winning Stage 2 in a solo breakaway, showcasing consistent aggression.
The race included 18 teams, among them WorldTour squads like AG2R La Mondiale and Lotto-Soudal, highlighting its competitive significance.
Ben Gastauer (AG2R) finished second overall at 1:18 behind De Gendt, while Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo) completed the podium.

How It Works

The Tour du Haut Var operates as a multi-stage road cycling race where cumulative time determines the overall winner. Each stage is timed, and riders' times are added across stages to form the general classification.

General Classification: Calculated by adding each rider’s finishing times per stage. The rider with the lowest total time wears the yellow jersey and wins the race.
Stage Winner: The first rider to cross the finish line in a given stage earns points and prestige, though it doesn’t guarantee overall victory.
Time Bonuses: In 2018, 10, 6, and 4 seconds were awarded to the top three finishers at stage finishes, influencing tight GC battles.
Team Strategy: Teams coordinate to protect leaders, chase breakaways, and position riders for key climbs or sprints, especially on the Col d’Eze-like ascents.
UCI Points: As a 2.1-category race, it awarded valuable UCI Europe Tour points, helping teams and riders improve their rankings for larger events.
Course Design: The 2018 route emphasized climbing prowess, with over 3,500 meters of elevation gain across two stages, favoring all-rounders over pure sprinters.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2018 Tour du Haut Var with recent editions in terms of format, distance, and winners:

Year	Stages	Total Distance	Winner	Winning Time
2018	2	370 km	Thomas De Gendt	18h 22' 14"
2017	1	198 km	Thomas De Gendt	5h 08' 12"
2016	2	372 km	Alberto Contador	18h 31' 05"
2015	2	368 km	Arthur Vichot	17h 58' 33"
2014	2	375 km	Arthur Vichot	18h 10' 41"

The 2018 edition marked a return to the traditional two-stage format after the 2017 race was shortened due to weather. With increased distance and elevation, it provided a sterner test than the single-stage version and allowed for more strategic racing across consecutive days, benefiting riders with endurance and tactical awareness.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Tour du Haut Var played a crucial role in the early European cycling season, offering teams a platform to evaluate form ahead of major spring objectives like Milan-San Remo and the Ardennes classics. Its competitive field and demanding course made it a reliable indicator of fitness and climbing ability.

Preparation Benchmark: Riders used the race to gauge fitness, with teams like Trek-Segafredo testing new equipment and pacing strategies.
Emerging Talent: Young riders such as Dylan Teuns gained experience against seasoned professionals in high-pressure scenarios.
Team Coordination: The two-stage format allowed teams to practice multi-day tactics, including domestique roles and breakaway management.
Media Exposure: Broadcast coverage and live tracking increased visibility for smaller teams and sponsors across Europe.
Historical Continuity: First held in 1969, the race remains a staple of French cycling heritage and regional pride in the Var department.
Route Influence: The climbs and finishes in 2018 mirrored those used in the Tour de France, making it a valuable reconnaissance opportunity.

Overall, the 2018 Tour du Haut Var reinforced its status as a vital early-season race, blending tradition with modern competitive demands and delivering exciting, unpredictable racing.