"I'm looking forward to it", says 38-year-old Van Emden of the end of his career. "My body and mind are telling me that my career as a professional cyclist is over. I have received many compliments from the peloton over the past few months. I didn't expect it, but it feels good. I hope to be at a good level again at Paris-Tours and end my career on a high note. It should work out; this race usually suits me well."

Van Emden will soon take up a new position with Team Jumbo-Visma Women, where he will be a sports director. "I've been thinking about becoming a sports director for a while. The fact that I can debut in this position with the women's team is my best option. As a sports director, I would have found it challenging to manage riders who are now teammates. I have a completely different relationship with them now. It will be a journey of discovery, but I will do everything I can to master the position."

While Van Emden prepares for his final race as a professional, Hagenes is on the eve of his move to the WorldTour. The 20-year-old Norwegian has had plenty of professional racing experience this season, winning three races. However, he is still officially part of the development team. "I'm happy with my development", says Hagenes. "When I ride with the World Tour team, my main goal is to help my teammates. When I ride with the Development Team, my main goal is to win. Both teams allow me to try things out. It's a good and educational combination."

Van Emden is enthusiastic about how young talents like Hagenes are being guided to the WorldTour level. "I know it is very nice to be guided by the older guys", he says of the role he and other experienced riders play in developing young talent. "I'm not consciously involved, but I automatically help the younger guys by giving them tips. Per is half my age, but we still have to work together during the race. That's the beauty of this sport."

Hagenes won the U23 version of the French classic last year. He is looking forward to next weekend but even more to next season when his professional career begins. "I hope to do well in the classics", Hagenes says. "I am looking forward to making my debut as a professional. The main goal is to learn a lot. I hope to get the chance to ride some classics in the spring. These are the races where I can be at my best."

First, the final classics of 2023. In addition to Van Emden and Hagenes, Team Jumbo-Visma will be represented at Paris-Tours by Christophe Laporte, Dylan Van Baarle, Edoardo Affini and Lars Boven.