L'Alsacienne is one of the most demanding cycling events in the world. Alsace and will take place on 28 June 2026 in Kruth in the Haut-Rhin. The event is aimed at cycling enthusiasts of all abilities and offers a total of five different routes: two tours over 56 and 75 kilometres as well as three timed cycling races over 120, 150 and 195 kilometres. The highlight of this year's event is the long route, which also covers parts of the 2026 Tour de France. Registration begins on 1 February 2026 at 9:00 am. The number of participants is limited to ensure personalised support. All routes lead through the picturesque mountain landscape of the Vosges Mountains and offer spectacular views. Some passes are reserved exclusively for cyclists, crossings are monitored and the refreshment stations are protected.
L'Alsacienne new route over 195 kilometres
With its new 195-kilometre route, the Cyclosportive "L'Alsacienne" offers one of the most demanding cycling marathon challenges in the Vosges. With a total of 4900 metres in altitude and 13 climbs, this Gran Fondo route is a real climbing test. The route leads from Bussang to the gates of Munster, through Alsatian villages such as Wasserbourg and Sondernach and through the Vosges town of La Bresse. During the ride, participants have the option of switching to shorter routes if their strength starts to wane. In order to be listed in the official classification, participants must upload a health certificate before 11 June.
The challenges of the long haul
Even on the first few kilometres, the route offers impressive views of the Vosges mountains. The participants first cross the densely wooded areas of the Col d'Oderen and Col du Page. After around 35 kilometres, the first major challenge awaits: the climb to the Col du Haag. This green mountain trail begins and ends with gradients of 12 per cent and gives the mountain specialists their first opportunity to show off their skills. This is followed by a six-kilometre recovery phase on the Route des Crêtes, which is accompanied by an impressive panorama. The route continues to Guebwiller, followed by the short but strenuous Col du Bannstein and the steady climb to Firstplan with a gradient of just over 5 per cent. The second part of the cycle marathon is even more challenging than the first. Here, the participants first have to conquer the Petit Ballon before reaching the mountain ranges again via one of the most difficult climbs in the Vosges, the famous Col du Platzerwasel. The narrow but well-developed road of the Petit Ballon with its hairpin bends and passages with a gradient of almost 20 per cent forces the riders to use the lowest gears. After the Platzerwasel, which continues for two kilometres to the Col du Breitfirst, the participants cross the Markstein mountain station for the second time that day. This is followed by an almost 15-kilometre descent to the lake at Kruth-Wildenstein.
The final loop: a hors catégorie climb
The final loop of the 195-kilometre route leads back up to the mountain ridges. Here, the eight-kilometre climb to the Col du Bramont awaits, followed by four kilometres of the Route des Américains with an average gradient of 7.5 per cent. Due to the fatigue already accumulated, this combination takes on the character of an Hors Catégorie climb. To reach the finish of the Gran Fondo, the participants then have to overcome the Col des Feignes and climb the Col du Bramont again from the other side. This final challenge demands everything from the cyclists after 145 kilometres and thousands of metres in altitude.
Alternative routes with L'Alsacienne
L'Alsacienne offers various shorter routes for participants who don't feel up to the full distance or who fancy shorter routes. In addition to the 195-kilometre route with 4900 metres of altitude difference described above, there is also a 150-kilometre route with 3800 metres of altitude difference, a 120-kilometre route with 2800 metres of altitude difference and cycle tours of 75 kilometres (1700 metres of altitude difference) and 56 kilometres (1000 metres of altitude difference) to choose from. All routes lead through the picturesque landscape of the Vosges and offer different levels of difficulty depending on the length. The event is therefore aimed at a wide range of cyclists, from ambitious Gran Fondo specialists to leisure cyclists who want to explore the beauty of the Vosges at a more moderate pace.
The two tours of 56 and 75 kilometres are also suitable for beginners and can even be completed on e-bikes. The focus here is on the experience, there is no timekeeping. The 56-kilometre route leads from Kruth to the Vosges ridges and is ideal for anyone looking for their first challenge. The 75-kilometre variant offers several climbs and leads up to the 1224-metre-high Haag.
L'Alsacienne with Vosges classics
According to the organisers, L'Alsacienne is more than just a cycling event or a bike tour - it is a celebration of passion for cycling, love for the region and a sense of community. More than 200 volunteers support the event. The event takes in legendary climbs such as the Grand Ballon, the Markstein, the Petit Ballon, the Pinot Curve and the Platzerwasel - climbs that have a history with the Tour de France.
All routes start at the same place and at the same time. The first few kilometres run together before the riders part ways. The start takes place at 7:30 a.m., when the colourful, international field of riders sets off in the morning silence and, after a few pedal strokes, plunges into the Vosges massif with its thousand facets. According to the organisers, this is a moment that guarantees goose bumps.
L'Alsacienne programme
The L'Alsacienne programme spans two days. On Saturday, 27 June 2026, the "Village" will open at 11:00 am. Here, participants can pick up their race numbers, obtain information at information stands, visit exhibitors and use an unguarded bike park and a mechanical service. Food trucks, a drinks stand and coffee will provide refreshments.
On Sunday, 28 June 2026, the site will open at 6:00 am. The start area will open at 6:45 am and the joint start of all five routes will take place at 7:30 am. The first riders on the 100-kilometre route are expected to cross the finish line at around 10:20 a.m., with the award ceremony taking place at 12:00 p.m. The top riders on the 145-kilometre route are expected to arrive at around 12:15, with the podium ceremony scheduled for 14:00. The first riders on the 170-kilometre route are expected to cross the finish line at around 12:45 pm, with the award ceremony taking place at 3:30 pm. The reception village closes at 17:30.
Cyclosportive with timekeeping
A Cyclosportive is a timed cycling marathon open to cyclists of all levels, licenced or not. In order to appear in the classification, participants must upload one of three accepted supporting documents to their registration dossier. The medical certificate can be replaced by a completed health certificate. The Cyclosportive takes place on roads open to traffic. For the L'Alsacienne, some passes are closed to all road traffic.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
