La Forestière VTT Event
The Forestière VTT event, a cornerstone of the French mountain biking calendar, is set to take place on September 19-20, 2026, in the picturesque Jura and Ain regions. This 35th edition promises a fresh start with a new route, departing from Longchaumois and culminating in Arbent. (la-forestiere.com)
Event Highlights:
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Marathon Race: The flagship event, the marathon, will cover 110 km for Elite Men, 85 km for Elite Women, and 85 km for Juniors and Open categories. The revised course offers a novel challenge, bypassing Saint-Claude and introducing riders to the stunning landscapes of the Haut-Jura massif, including the traversing of Hautes-Combes and its dense fir forests. (la-forestiere.com)
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XCM French Championships: Serving as the venue for the French Cross-Country Marathon (XCM) Championships, the marathon race will be a pivotal event for national competitors. (la-forestiere.com)
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Alpine Cup Finale: The marathon also marks the final stage of the MTB Alpine Cup, a series that includes the Jura Bike Marathon, MB Race, Grand Raid BCVS, and La Forestière. This challenge spans 465 km and 18,000 meters of elevation gain across four stages, offering participants a comprehensive test of endurance and skill. (alpinecup.com)
Additional Activities:
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Rando D’Or VTT: For enthusiasts seeking a more relaxed experience, the Rando D’Or VTT offers two-day rides in VTT or Gravel formats, traversing Longchaumois, Lélex, and Arbent. (la-forestiere.com)
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Forest’Kids: Young riders can participate in events tailored for their age groups, including a balance bike challenge for 2-5-year-olds, and races for U9 (6-8 years) and U13 (9-12 years). (la-forestiere.com)
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Randuro: An enduro-style event featuring six un-timed special stages—two blue, three red, and one black—starting from Arbent. (la-forestiere.com)
Registration Details:
As the event approaches, registrations remain open until Wednesday, September 16, for the races, and until September 18 for the rides. Interested participants can register at www.la-forestiere.com/epreuve-forestiere-vtt/. (la-forestiere.com)
Weather Forecast:
The weather for the event weekend is expected to be favorable:
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Saturday, September 19: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 64°F (18°C) and a low of 47°F (9°C).
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Sunday, September 20: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 64°F (18°C) and a low of 51°F (10°C).
These conditions are ideal for both competitive racing and recreational riding.
For more information and to stay updated on event details, visit the official La Forestière website at www.la-forestiere.com/epreuve-forestiere-vtt/.