Cycling race in the Vosges: GFNY Grand Ballon with two sportive routes

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. Riding on routes that are characterised by the history of cycling - a must for all Tour fans. This time: GFNY Grand Ballon.

GFNY Grand Ballon 12 July

There are numerous cycling marathons in the Vosges that benefit from the attractive climbs. The Granfondo Vosges always takes place in May and Les 3 Ballons and L'Alsacienne are held in June. If you missed the dates, you can also get a taste of the Vosges in July. The cycling marathon is a young offshoot of the GFNY franchise series. The long route covers 146 kilometres and 4,043 metres in altitude. A sporty ride that leads through the heart of the "Parc naturel des Ballons de Vosges". The highlight of the route is the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges. Then there are the Col du Firstplan, Petit Ballon, Col du Platzerwasl and Markstein. Alternatively, a route over 70 kilometres and 1,826 metres in altitude is also offered, which only leads over the Grand Ballon. The start for both distances is in Thann. Info: https://grandballon.gfny.com

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

The 1992 Tour de France, when Laurent Fignon laid the foundations for his stage win on the Grand Ballon, is remembered in Tour history. In 2022, the Grand Belchen played a central role in the Tour de France Femmes when Annemiek van Vleuten took the overall lead. The caravan is rolling over the mountain again this year: the 14th stage of the Tour de France 2026 leads over Grand Ballon and Markstein and thus overlaps in parts with the route of the GFNY Grand Ballon.

Road bike events in France

The names of events can be confusing. The international term Gran Fondo is increasingly used for timed events. 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.