Panoramic roads, emblematic passes, technical forests and open landscapes overlooking Mont Blanc make it a popular destination for both leisure and top-level sport.
Throughout the year, several major cycling competitions punctuate the life of the region. Whether you’re a spectator, a cycling enthusiast or just curious, these events are great opportunities to discover Pays de Gex in a different way, through sport, atmosphere and scenery.
1
From 4 to 26 July 2026
The Tour de France: a unique experience in Pays de Gex
For the 2026 edition, the Tour de France is proposing two significant passages close to the Pays de Gex, during both the men’s and women’s races.
For the men’s Tour de France, stage 15, to be run on Sunday 19 July 2026, will involve the region. This stage runs from Champagnole to the Plateau de Solaison, over a distance of around 184 km, with a high altitude finish that promises to be a spectacular day.
The Valserine Valley will be in the spotlight at our destination. It’s a breath of fresh air and beauty, giving the riders a chance to recharge their batteries mid-race before setting off again to finish this mountain stage.
The Tour de France Femmes will pass over the Col de la Faucille and the roads bordering the Pays de Gex on stage 3. An early highlight for the region in the course of the race, which was very well attended by the public.
2
28 and 29 March 2026
Jura Sick Race: spectacle and thrills on a mountain bike
Organised in Crozet, on the Monts Jura resort, the Jura Sick Race has become a not-to-be-missed event in the mountain bike enduro circuit. Its original, committed format has won over participants and spectators alike.
Spectacular starts on the snow front, technical courses with steep gradients and a friendly atmosphere make this event a highlight at the start of the season. It’s a great opportunity to discover mountain biking from a sporting and spectacular angle.
3
From Tuesday 28 to Thursday 30 July 2026
The Tour de l’Ain: a not-to-be-missed cycling event
The Tour de l’Ain – Solimut Mutuelle de France is a professional stage race on the UCI Europe Tour calendar (category 2.1).
Over three days of competition, national and international teams compete against each other on a variety of routes combining plains, valleys and the Jura hills. The Tour de l’Ain regularly passes through the Pays de Gex, with stages or stage finishes in Lélex, the emblematic site of the Monts Jura resort.
These passages are highlights of the race, much appreciated by the public, and offer a great opportunity to watch a professional competition free of charge in a remarkable natural setting.
4
Sunday 26 July 2026
The Lélex – Pays de Gex cyclosportive: it’s up to you to rise to the challenge
The Lélex – Pays de Gex cyclosportive invites you to enjoy a day of sport and conviviality in the heart of the Haut-Jura and Valserine Valley landscapes. Organised since 2022, it’s aimed at road bike enthusiasts looking for a challenge inspired by professional courses.
There are two distances on offer:
- Around 80km with 1,500m of ascent,
- Approximately 120km with over 2,500m of climbing, including the Col de Menthières, one of 18 passes in the Ain département promoted by Ain à Vélo®.
Official timing, refreshments, supervised safety, a local meal and a finisher’s medal complete the experience. The route includes iconic climbs such as the Côte de Lajoux, the Côte de Giron and the Col de Menthières.
5
Late summer – early autumn
La Forestière: mountain biking in the heart of nature
An emblematic event in the Jura mountains, La Forestière has been bringing together mountain biking enthusiasts for over 30 years in the same spirit: cycling in the great outdoors.
The routes take in the forests, plateaux and technical paths of the Jura Mountains, in environments similar to those found in the Lélex sectors. Mountain bike and gravel tours, mountain bike marathons, electrically-assisted mountain bikes and family formats mean that there’s something for everyone, whatever their level of ability, in a sporting and friendly atmosphere.
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Friday 26 and Saturday 27 June 2026
Lyon-Geneva Ultra Night Ride: an extraordinary journey
The Lyon-Geneva Ultra Night Ride is an ultra-distance cycling event linking Lyon to Divonne-les-Bains, covering almost 300km and over 3,300m of ascent. Predominantly a night-time ride, it tests endurance, preparation and a sense of adventure.
The route crosses the region, passing through Lélex and the Col de la Faucille, offering demanding, panoramic sections that are among the highlights of the event.
From the Tour de France to the most demanding mountain bike challenges, from cyclosportives to ultra-distance events, Pays de Gex is a region where cycling is experienced to the full, in all its forms.
Whether you live in the area or are just passing through, these events are a great way to get your kicks on the road, take up a sporting challenge or discover the region as the seasons and competitions change.