Centre Sportif de Bellecin
La Forestière, renowned for its annual mountain bike marathon each September, is expanding its horizons with the inaugural Forest’Gravel event this May. Scheduled for the weekend of May 9-10, 2026, this new gravel race will traverse the stunning Jura Mountains, starting from the picturesque Lac de Vouglans.
Event Overview
The Forest’Gravel offers a comprehensive 300 km course, featuring four loops ranging from 60 to 100 km each, accumulating a total elevation gain of 4,500 meters. Participants can choose between two formats:
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Étapes (Stages) Format: Ideal for those seeking a solo or group challenge with added comfort. Over two days, riders complete one loop per day, returning each evening to the Bellecin Sports Centre. Here, a nutritious meal awaits, along with comfortable accommodations for a restful night. Navigation is GPS-based, with an informal classification based on cumulative daily times. The all-inclusive price is €175 (€10 discount for registrations before January 31, 2026).
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Ultra Format: Designed for endurance enthusiasts, this non-stop race covers all four loops, totaling 300 km. The Bellecin Sports Centre serves as the central hub, offering refueling stations, technical support, and rest areas. Participants who complete at least three loops earn the “Finisher” title, while those who conquer all four are honored as “Ultra-Finishers.” This format operates in full autonomy, with continuous GPS tracking for safety. The entry fee is €105 (€10 discount for early registration).
Additional Information
For those interested in arriving early, accommodations at the Bellecin Sports Centre are available for Friday night, including lodging and breakfast. To reserve, contact the centre directly at hebergement@bellecin.com.
Upcoming Events
In addition to the Forest’Gravel, La Forestière’s 2026 calendar includes:
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Forest’Cime Gran Fondo Cyclo-Sportive: June 27, 2026, Plateau d’Hauteville, Col du Grand Colombier.
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Forest’Cime Challenge Cyclo in 3 Stages: June 26-28, 2026, Arbent – Plateau d’Hauteville – Arbent.
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35th Edition of La Forestière VTT: September 19-20, 2026, Longchaumois – Arbent.
For more details and registration, visit the official La Forestière website. (la-forestiere.com)
Whether you’re a seasoned gravel racer or new to the discipline, the Forest’Gravel promises an unforgettable adventure through some of France’s most breathtaking landscapes.