Ultra Raid Gérardmer 2025: de verovering van de Vogezen ⋆ VojoUltra Raid Gérardmer 2026: Heat Doesn’t Dampen the Joy
The Ultra Raid Gérardmer 2026 unfolded over the weekend of June 19-21, 2026, at the Mauselaine ski resort in the Vosges mountains. This event marked the second edition of the Ultra Raid Series in France, following its successful debut in 2025. Organisers took heed of feedback from the inaugural event, implementing several enhancements to elevate the participant experience.
Event Overview
The Ultra Raid Gérardmer 2026 offered four distinct race categories, each defined by the cumulative positive elevation gain over the three-day weekend:
- Ultra 3000: Approximately 47 km with 1,300 meters of elevation gain.
- Ultra 4000: Around 59 km and 1,600 meters of elevation gain.
- Ultra 5000: Approximately 75 km with 2,100 meters of elevation gain.
- Ultra 7000: About 91 km and 2,600 meters of elevation gain.
Each category was available in competitive and non-competitive formats, with options for solo participants or duos. E-bikes were also welcomed, participating on the same courses as the Ultra 3000 for the competitive format and the Ultra 4000 for the non-competitive format.
Course Enhancements
In response to feedback from the previous year, organisers revamped the courses to reduce road sections and increase the proportion of singletrack trails. The Saturday loop was entirely redesigned to be more “all-terrain” and less “road-oriented,” providing a more immersive mountain biking experience. Notably, the challenging climb featured in the 2025 prologue was retained for the Ultra 7000 category, adding an extra challenge for participants.
Weather Considerations
Participants faced unseasonably high temperatures, with daytime highs exceeding 30°C. To mitigate heat-related risks and ensure participant safety, organisers, in collaboration with local authorities, advanced the start times by 1.5 hours. This adjustment meant that the first waves of riders departed at 7:00 AM on both Saturday and Sunday, allowing competitors to benefit from cooler morning temperatures.
Community and Atmosphere
The event attracted over 750 participants across all categories, reflecting the growing popularity of the Ultra Raid Series in France. The start/finish area at the Mauselaine ski resort was redesigned to be more welcoming and convivial, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The organisers also introduced a new catering partner, impressing participants with high-quality meals and service.
Conclusion
The Ultra Raid Gérardmer 2026 successfully addressed previous challenges, offering a well-organised and enjoyable event for mountain biking enthusiasts. The combination of challenging courses, strategic weather adaptations, and a strong sense of community contributed to a memorable weekend. Participants left with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the next edition.
For complete results and more information, visit the official Ultra Raid Series website.