Road cycling event in France: L'Alsacienne leads over legendary Vosges climbs

France loves and lives cycling: there are hundreds of large and small events for amateur cyclists throughout the country. The Cyclosportives, Gran Fondos and Randos lead over legendary Tour de France climbs such as Alpe d'Huez, Col du Galibier, Mont Ventoux or the Ballon d'Alsace. Racing on routes that are characterised by the history of cycling - a must for all Tour fans. This time: L'Alsacienne.

L'Alsacienne

The cycling event "L'Alsacienne" will take place on 28 June 2026 in Kruth in Alsace. The route leads through the picturesque mountain landscape of the Vosges and over well-known climbs from the Tour de France. The event is organised with a lot of passion and the help of around 200 volunteers. The event 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 lap: the new 195-kilometre route offers 13 climbs with 4,900 metres of altitude. During the ride, participants have the option of switching to shorter routes if their strength starts to wane. Important: A health certificate must be uploaded by 11 June in order to be included in the ranking list. After this date, late registration is only possible for the tour rides. Info: www.alsacienne-cyclo.org

That's why it's a Tour de France cult:

In 1905, the Tour de France dared to include mountains for the first time. A detour to the Vosges fundamentally changed the character of the tour. The Vosges mountains soon became an integral part of the tour. The saying "Torture yourself, you bastard!", which Udo Bölts is said to have said to Jan Ullrich on the 18th stage of the 1997 Tour de France in the Vosges, is symbolic. Even if the saying is more legend than exact quote, it proves the importance of the Vosges for the overall classification. Stages in the Vosges are much more accessible for spectators than in the Alps: many climbs are in the immediate vicinity, and travelling to and from them is uncomplicated. Legendary duels have taken place in the Vosges. L'Alsacienne gives participants a good impression of the fascination of the Vosges.

Road bike events in France

The names of events can be confusing. The international term Gran Fondo is increasingly being used for events with timekeeping. Traditionally, a distinction is made between Cyclosportives (Cyclo) sportive races with timekeeping and Randonnées (Rando) or Cyclotourisme without timekeeping. For ranked races in France, a racing licence or a current medical certificate of fitness for sport must be presented.