La Forestière, a renowned cycling event in the Jura and Ain regions of France, has expanded its offerings to include gravel cycling, introducing the Forest’Gravel event around the picturesque Lac de Vouglans. This inaugural edition, held on May 9-10, 2026, presented participants with a unique opportunity to explore the diverse terrains of the Jura Mountains.
Event Overview
The Forest’Gravel event featured two main formats:
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Ultra Format: A two-day challenge covering extensive distances, designed for seasoned cyclists seeking a rigorous test of endurance.
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Gravel Day: A single-day ride offering participants the choice between 60 km, 95 km, or 138 km routes, catering to various skill levels and preferences.
The routes were meticulously crafted to showcase the region’s natural beauty, traversing dense forests, rolling hills, and the serene shores of Lac de Vouglans. The event was organized by La Forestière, an association with over 34 years of experience in hosting cycling events in the Jura Mountains. (kerrun.com)
Course Highlights
Participants embarked on a journey that combined technical challenges with breathtaking scenery. The courses incorporated a mix of singletracks and wide paths, with minimal road sections, emphasizing the essence of gravel cycling. The terrain’s natural obstacles, such as small rock gardens and uphill crossings, added to the adventure, requiring cyclists to adapt and maintain focus throughout the ride.
Community and Support
The event fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among participants. Local volunteers and members of La Forestière ensured that riders were well-supported, offering assistance and encouragement at various points along the course. The base camp at the Centre Sportif de Bellecin in Orgelet served as a hub for rest, refueling, and socializing, enhancing the overall experience. (la-forestiere.com)
Looking Ahead
The success of the inaugural Forest’Gravel event has set the stage for future editions, with plans to further develop and refine the courses to offer even more engaging and challenging experiences for gravel cycling enthusiasts. Cyclists interested in participating in upcoming events can find more information and register on the official La Forestière website. (la-forestiere.com)
In summary, the Forest’Gravel event around Lac de Vouglans has redefined gravel cycling in the Jura region, blending challenging courses with the region’s natural beauty and a supportive community atmosphere. It stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of cycling events, catering to a diverse range of riders seeking adventure and camaraderie.