The 2026 edition of La Forestière, a renowned French mountain biking event, introduced several significant changes that reshaped the race experience. Held on September 19 and 20, 2026, this 35th edition served as the French National Marathon Championship and the final round of the MTB Alpine Cup. (leprogres.fr)
Key Changes in the 2026 Edition:
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New Starting Point: Departing from Longchaumois instead of the traditional La Pesse, the race offered a fresh perspective on the Jura and Ain regions. (vojomag.com)
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Extended Distance: The marathon distance was increased to 110 km for Elite Men and 85 km for Elite Women, challenging participants with a more demanding course. (vojomag.com)
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Revised Schedule: For the first time, the main races were held on Saturday, with Sunday dedicated to regional competitions, aiming to attract a larger audience and encourage extended participation. (leprogres.fr)
Race Overview:
The marathon course was notably more technical and rugged, featuring 3,300 meters of elevation gain over the 110 km route. This design aimed to test the endurance and skill of the riders, moving away from the previous year’s shorter and less challenging courses. (vojomag.com)
Notable Performances:
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Men’s Elite Race: Hugo Drechou clinched the national title, followed by Axel Roudil-Cortinat and Léo Bartoletti. (leprogres.fr)
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Women’s Elite Race: Léna Gerault secured victory, with Tatiana Tournut and Margot Moschetti completing the podium. (vojomag.com)
Challenges Faced:
The event was marred by significant course marking issues around the 15 km mark, leading to confusion among approximately fifty riders, including top contenders. The organizers acknowledged the problem and are committed to implementing measures to prevent such occurrences in future editions. (vojomag.com)
Conclusion:
Despite the logistical challenges, the 2026 La Forestière was a landmark event, setting a new standard for marathon mountain biking in France. The combination of a challenging course, strategic scheduling, and the integration of national championship status contributed to its success. Riders and organizers alike are eager to build on this foundation for future editions.