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Evolène - 15.06.2025 - Dounia Challande 1ère femme petit parcours

Dounia Challandes, the fastest over the 35km of the Raid Evolénard

On June 15th, Dounia delivered a true masterclass at the Raid Evolénard FMV, winning with an 8-minute lead over her teammate Elodie Python. In the process, she treated herself to the luxury of breaking the course record, held by Ilona Chavaillaz since 2018. The young athlete, who will race for Team Le Guidon boutique next season, will return to Evolène on June 21st. The Raid Evolénard caught up with her:

On June 15th, you achieved a remarkable performance at the Raid Evolénard FMV by shattering the 35km record by nearly a minute. Can you take us back to that day? How did the race unfold, and at what point did you sense that something special was happening?

Yes, it was an exceptional day. From the first climb, there were three of us women riding together. I was in front, I could set a good pace and by the end of that climb I had already built a good gap over my pursuers. That’s when I told myself that I might be able to win the race. I concentrated in the descent that followed to not lose time, as fast descents on gravel roads are not my strong point. During the second climb, I knew it was the last big difficulty so I pushed a hard pace, because I knew I risked losing time in the long descent on gravel roads that followed. After that I had no idea of the time gaps so I finished the race flat out. It was only once I’d crossed the finish line that I realized I actually had a big lead. It was the first time I’d won a race with such a margin. I was very happy!

The profile of the Raid Evolénard seems to suit you particularly well. What makes this course work so well for you? And when you were on the start line that day, were you aware that you were capable of breaking the record, or did this performance surprise you yourself?

What worked well for me on this course were the long, steady climbs where it’s easy to get into a good rhythm and hold it without constantly having to accelerate again.

On the start line, I knew I was in pretty good shape because I’d had some good races that season, but I clearly wasn’t thinking about winning. The others were also in good form and it hasn’t happened to me often to win, so I was starting with the goal of a podium finish in mind. As for the record, I didn’t even know it was tracked and that breaking it was rewarded! It was a nice surprise at the finish line!

The previous record belonged to Ilona Chavaillaz, an absolute reference in Swiss mountain biking who has won practically all the major races in the country. What does it mean to you to erase her name from the tables and find yourself in this lineage of great riders?

It’s obviously pleasing. Since I’ve been racing in the adult category, Ilona has always been at the races. I started beating her a season or two ago, but it was only at races I knew very well, where I could make a gap in technical descents. As soon as it was a slightly longer race with climbs like those at the Raid Evolénard for example, she was unbeatable. With her experience, she knew how to manage her pace and always ended up passing me.

Breaking her record at the Raid Evolénard really surprised me and gave me confidence. I knew I was also capable of doing good races, even on a slightly longer format.

The year after her record at the Raid Evolénard, Ilona Chavaillaz won the legendary Grand Raid BCVs Verbier-Grimentz. Is the marathon circuit also something that attracts you?

Yes, after receiving the leader’s jersey of the Bike Marathon Classics (another surprise, I didn’t know about the existence of this race series), I had decided to do all the races in the series (the short format). It didn’t end up happening but I definitely plan to try again, and why not in a few years move to the long format and therefore line up at the Grand Raid from Verbier. I’ve been hearing for several years from those around me that the marathon format would be perfect for me, but it requires an enormous amount of training hours, and perfect management of nutrition during the race – resources that aren’t yet at their peak on my side. Indeed, lining up for a 1h30 – 2h race doesn’t require the same preparation as lining up for a 7h race. I have a lot to learn in this regard but I’m interested and I plan to direct my upcoming seasons in this direction, taking my time so as not to skip steps and maintain enjoyment both in training and racing.

After that brilliant performance in June, you practically didn’t race anymore. Can you explain to us what happened? And above all, what are your goals and ambitions for the 2026 season that will soon begin?

So yes, at the Glèbe Bike I fell and injured my shoulder which prevented me from being able to ride mountain bikes until September. I therefore couldn’t participate in the other Bike Marathon Classics races, nor those of the West Bike Cup. This obviously disappointed me because after breaking that record at the Raid Evolénard I knew I was in very good form.

However, I was able to participate (and win) the Roc Trophy (Roc d’Azur) in October and have a first experience in a stage race, and in a real mountain bike marathon (over 100km of racing). It didn’t put me off, that’s already good news if I want to move toward longer races!

This forced break however allowed me to rest well and be even more motivated for the 2026 season, which is therefore oriented toward slightly longer races. I’d like to participate in all the Bike Marathon Classics races (short distance) and some West Bike Cup races that I particularly enjoy. I’ve also planned to participate in the Chemins du Soleil (stage race with one or two stages in marathon format) and return to the Roc Trophy.

Thank you and good luck for your 2026 season!

3. Lauf der Bike Marathon Classics an der Eiger Bike Challenge, am Samstag, 9. August 2025 in Grindelwald.
Foto Martin Platter

Bike Marathon Classics 2026: Six Legendary Races for an Exceptional Edition

For the first time in 30 years of history, the Bike Marathon Classics will bring together the six most important mountain bike marathon races in Switzerland. The arrival of the Jura Bike Marathon and the return of the Nationalpark Bike-Marathon will take the series to a new dimension. In total, no less than 569 kilometers and 21,589 meters of positive elevation gain on the most beautiful singletrack trails in the Swiss Alps await mountain bike marathon enthusiasts for a fantastic sporting challenge.

The 2025 season had already set the bar very high, with suspense lasting until the final race to ultimately see world championship silver medalist Anna Weinbeer triumph in the women’s category, and Swiss rider Hansueli Stauffer narrowly beat European champion Andreas Seewald and former Belgian double champion Frans Claes. But the 2026 version will be of an even higher caliber.

The jura Bike Marathon joins the Classics

Six Races Across Switzerland from May to September

The Jura Bike Marathon will kick off proceedings on May 17th with a UCI-labeled race accustomed to welcoming an international field of riders on a technical and varied course. One month later, on June 21st, riders will gather in Valais to celebrate the thirtieth edition of the Raid Evolénard, which will serve as the Swiss championship for the discipline. After a break during July, August will be packed, starting with the Eiger Bike Challenge in Grindelwald, offering its spectacular setting at the foot of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau on the second weekend of August. One week later it will be the turn of the Grand Raid BCVS, the oldest race of its kind and host of the 2025 world championship, with its formidable 125 kilometers and 5,025 meters of elevation gain between Verbier and Grimentz. Riders will barely have time to recover as one week later the Nationalpark Bike-Marathon will already take place. The longest race in the series with its 141km will celebrate its 25th anniversary on this occasion. The series will conclude in style on the last weekend of September with the Iron Bike Race in Einsiedeln, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary.

The Nationalpark Bike Marathon is back in the Series

A New Chapter Begins

From a sporting perspective, the 2026 edition will be exciting because Urs Huber and Hansueli Stauffer, two riders who have always played leading roles in recent years, retired at the end of 2025. There is no shortage of contenders for their succession, starting with reigning Swiss champion Casey South, who won his first World Cup at the end of last season, or the experienced Marc Stutzmann, accustomed to top positions at the highest level. French-speaking Swiss rider Alexandre Balmer, 2024 Swiss champion, has demonstrated his ability to compete with the best and will also have his say provided his road racing calendar allows. Veteran Martin Fanger, overall winner of the Classics from 2022 to 2024, hasn’t said his last word while the young guard, composed of Fadri Barandum, Andri Beelin, Micha Klötzli, and Fabian Heizer, continues to gain strength. And several foreign riders will undoubtedly try to upset the party, starting with Frans Claes and Andreas Seewald.

Pas de Lona, still the highlight of the Series in 2026

Women’s Category in Full Swing

In the women’s category, Anna Weinbeer, world championship silver medalist and overall winner of the 2025 Classics, will be on the royal road to defending her title if she continues to ride at the level she showed in 2025. She will face Alessia Nay, overall winner of the 2024 Classics who is returning after an injury break, as well as Irina Lützelschwab, Mallory Barth, Chrystelle Baumann, and Stefanie Zahno. The next generation consisting of Elodie Python and Dounia Challandes will engage in a great duel in the medium distance category. Leading after the first round in 2025, Dounia ultimately had to let Elodie race to overall victory following an injury. She will certainly be keen to take her revenge.

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Registrations for 2026 are now open!

The Raid Evolénard FMV announces the opening of registrations for its 30th edition, which will take place on June 20–21, 2026, in the Val d’Hérens. This highly anticipated edition holds special significance, as it will also host the Swiss Mountain Bike Marathon Championship, once again positioning the event among the major highlights of the national calendar.

To celebrate this anniversary edition, the organizing committee is preparing an event that will be both sporting and festive, and is already working on several surprises that will be revealed over the coming months. The clear intention is to honor the history of the Raid Evolénard while propelling the race toward the future of mountain biking.

FMV extends its support and is ready to go all-in!

In this context, the support of its title partners plays a central role. And following Le Rucher d’Evolène, it is now FMV – Forces Motrices Valaisannes – that announces the extension of its partnership until 2029. “This iconic mountain bike race embodies energy and the spirit of pushing one’s limits. We are proud to support it and to help bring together enthusiasts of this sport in the heart of the Val d’Hérens. This valley is a symbolic place for the hydropower driven by the Grande Dixence,” says Stéphane Maret, CEO of FMV, with enthusiasm.

This commitment will also take shape on the ground, as Stéphane Maret, CEO of FMV, and Damien Métrailler, Chairman of the Board – both present at the very first edition in 1997 – will take part in the race themselves for the 30th edition.

To encourage as many riders as possible to follow their example, FMV will offer all participants of the first edition a free registration, valid until Christmas. This initiative reflects the desire to celebrate those who have contributed to the history of the race since its beginnings. And if you’re not quite sure whether you were there, you can find the results of the first edition here!

On the sporting side, the usual 24 km, 35 km, and 62 km courses will be maintained. The eBike categories will be available on the 24 km and 35 km routes, making the event more accessible to a wider audience. As every year, young riders will enjoy a special place with the Raiffeisen Kids Cup, which for 30 years has allowed children under 14 to discover mountain bike racing for free, as well as the Kids Coaching Day, held on the eve of the race, which will once again give children the opportunity to ride alongside top-level athletes.

Take advantage of the 2PEAK offer when you register!

The organizing committee of the Raid Evolénard is pleased to announce a partnership with 2PEAK, which becomes the official training plan provider for the Raid Evolénard 2026. For more than twenty years, 2PEAK has been a leading reference in sports preparation thanks to its dynamic training plans. Their adaptive technology enables each athlete to benefit from a personalized program that evolves according to fitness level, available time, and individual progress.

Athletes can now test 2PEAK for free for two weeks. In addition, exclusive benefits will be offered upon registration for the Raid Evolénard 2026 to support athletes throughout their preparation.

Present at the first edition? Get in touch with us!

Registrations are now open. If you were present at the first edition and want to take part in the 30th anniversary, don’t hesitate to contact the organizers by email at info@raidevolenard-fmv.ch. This offer is valid only until Christmas!

1. Lauf der Bike Marathon Classics am Raid Evolenard, am Sonntag, 9. Juni 2024 in Evolene.
Foto Martin Platter

The new European champion Andreas Seewald at the Raid Evolénard for an unprecedented double.

Despite the clash with a World Cup round in Italy on the same weekend, the organizers of the Raid Evolénard FMV have succeeded in assembling a top-tier field for the opening race of the Bike Marathon Classics. The newly crowned European champion, Andreas Seewald, will be aiming for an unprecedented double with the Hero Dolomites and the Raid Evolénard. In the women’s category, Swiss champion Irina Lützelschwab will attempt the same feat. This race will also serve as the Romandy championship for the youth categories.

The Raid Evolénard FMV will kick off the Bike Marathon Classics next Sunday, culminating on September 5 and 6 with the Grand Raid BCVS, which will host the Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships. Held in the spectacular setting of the Val d’Hérens, the race follows part of the Grand Raid BCVS course. It previously hosted the European Championships in 2021, which were brilliantly won by German rider Andreas Seewald.

He caused a sensation last year by breaking the course record—set in 2015 by Valais native Johann Tschopp—by nearly 5 minutes (4’53”). Even more impressive: he won with over ten minutes’ lead on Martin Fanger, the winner of the 2023 edition. Just one week later, he also claimed victory at the Hero Dolomites, against the world’s top marathon specialists.
This year, Seewald is aiming even higher: to win both races on the same weekend. It’s a monumental challenge—one that Urs Huber nearly achieved in 2019, finishing second in Val Gardena before claiming victory in Evolène. The task promises to be even tougher this year, as the Hero Dolomites is now part of the Mountain Bike Marathon World Cup. But buoyed by his new European champion title—won at the very same venue where he was crowned world champion in 2021—the German rider will head to Italy full of confidence.

Urs Huber will also attempt the Val Gardena–Evolène double, while other contenders—physically fresher—will be ones to watch: Belgian rider Frans Claes, recent winner of the Roc Laissagais; Martin Fanger, a two-time winner of the event; as well as Hansueli Stauffer and French riders Théo Dupras and Pierre Billaud.

The Swiss champion is the favorite in the women’s field.

In the women’s race, Irina Lützelschwab stands out as the favorite, having finished third last year. The Swiss champion will have to watch out for German rider Bettina Janas, who took second place last year, and her Team Bulls teammate Alessia Nay, winner of the 2024 Bike Marathon Series. British rider Annabel Fisher, national gravel champion and former winner of the UCI gravel circuit, has also recently proven her mountain biking prowess by winning the grueling stage race Titan Desert Morocco.

Among the outsiders are Carmen Kohler, the 2022 winner, and Valais native Stefanie Zahno, a well-known figure to the local crowd.

A race for everyone!

For less experienced riders, in addition to the premier 62 km category, there are 35 km and 24 km courses that can also be ridden with electric bikes. These routes are a bit less technically demanding but still offer breathtaking scenery. Participants in these races will also have the chance to compete against top marathon specialists on the 5 km enduro-style segment shared by all categories. The event’s new title sponsor, Le Rucher, will also award a special prize to the best riders from the Val d’Hérens, both on the 35 km and 62 km courses.

The Raid Evolénard FMV program kicks off on Saturday with the Kids Coaching Day—a great opportunity for children to explore the course that will crown the new Romandy and cantonal champions. Among the athletes coaching the youngsters will be Frans Claes, Stefanie Zahno, and Steve Morabito, a former professional road cyclist and now president of Valais Cycling, who actively helped design the new routes.

Registration will be possible in Evolène on Saturday from 4:30 to 6:30pm and on Sunday morning from 7:00 to 8:30.

“Le Rucher” Segment: A Touch of Enduro at the Heart of the Raid Evolénard!

The Raid Evolénard, a flagship event of the Swiss MTB Marathon Series and the West Bike Cup, returns this year with an exciting new feature designed to let a different type of rider shine. Participants in the 24 km, 35 km, and 62 km courses will have the opportunity to compete on a timed segment: the now-famous “Le Rucher” segment.

This 6-kilometer segment connects Chalet Vieux to La Gietty, following mostly natural, technical, and playful singletrack trails. It winds through spruce forests, skirts alpine meadows, and flows over terrain that alternates between fast and twisty sections—a true delight for skilled riders! This segment brings an enduro-style element into a marathon race, placing the focus on technical control, precise line choices, and the ability to accelerate efficiently out of corners.

One of the great strengths of the “Le Rucher” segment is that it is shared across all race courses offered during the event. Whether you’re signed up for the short, medium, or long course, everyone will have the chance to take on this unique section under the same conditions. This parallel ranking, separate from the overall race results, shines a light on a different type of performance, showcasing riders’ descending skills, which are often overshadowed in a pure endurance race.

In 2025, the “Le Rucher” segment is back in full force, ready to separate the finest technicians in the field. Whether you’re a hidden enduro rider at heart, a versatile marathon racer, or simply curious to test yourself on a fun and dynamic segment, don’t miss this opportunity to showcase a different side of your riding skills during the race.

Get your suspension dialed in, fine-tune your lines, and most importantly… keep your eyes wide open: the Rucher segment clock is ticking – and it’s waiting for you!

Cabanotel in Ferpècle: the ideal accommodation option for mountain biking enthusiasts in the Val d’Hérens!

In the upper Ferpècle valley, at an altitude of 1,800 meters, the Cabanotel offers an eco-friendly, welcoming alternative accommodation perfectly suited to the needs of cyclists. This project, envisioned by Valaisan architect Olivier Cheseaux, is set in a former 19th-century mountain hotel, carefully renovated to provide a unique experience that combines authenticity with energy efficiency.

A self-sufficient refuge focused on nature

Designed to operate completely off-grid, the Cabanotel relies solely on renewable energy sources: solar panels, locally sourced wood for heating, water recovery systems, and a wood-burning stove to heat water. The materials used—such as larch and fir—were chosen for their durability and local origins. This approach reflects a clear intention: to welcome visitors who care about preserving the environment and are willing to use eco-friendly means of transport to reach this unique place—on foot, by bike, or by public transport.

An ideal base camp for mountain bikers

Just a few pedal strokes away from numerous mountain biking routes, the Cabanotel is the perfect starting point for exploring the treasures of the Val d’Hérens. From seasoned riders to casual cyclists, everyone will find something to enjoy on the valley’s trails. But above all, the Cabanotel is an excellent spot for participants of the Raid Evolénard—whether during race weekend or for a unique stay while previewing the course.

Wood-fired cooking, honest and generous

Indeed, staying at the Cabanotel is about more than just outdoor adventure — it also offers a dining experience worth the trip. In the kitchen, chef Matthias Staub, supported by Olivia Campanico, prepares slow-cooked meals over a wood fire — a choice as demanding as it is authentic, echoing the refined simplicity of the place.

The meals highlight regional products, focusing on short supply chains, seasonal ingredients, wild plants, and occasionally local game. The dining room, warm and inviting, encourages conversation around a rustic, flavorful cuisine full of character.

And the icing on the cake: after a day of outdoor exertion, the Cabanotel also offers a wellness area with a sauna and a flotation space.

A refreshing stay, from May to November

The Cabanotel welcomes its guests from May to November. Combining sports, nature, and gastronomy, this special place promises a full immersion in the magnificent landscapes of the Val d’Hérens, with an atmosphere of simplicity, respect, and warmth.

Raid Evolénard Route: Back to Normal!

Due to heavy snowfall in mid-April, the course of the Raid Evolénard was severely damaged by numerous fallen trees, making several sections impassable. After several weeks of intense work, the situation is now almost back to normal!

e course. Three route modifications have been implemented to allow runners to preview the full course:

As the dike of the Borgne d’Arolla remains impassable upon reaching Les Haudères, an alternative route has been set up, climbing back toward Arolla.
The section between La Tour and Evolène is still closed. A detour along the dike allows runners to reach Evolène before heading up toward Les Haudères on the right bank of the Borgne.
The descent from La Sage to La Tour is not possible via the usual path. An alternative route via the forest road leading directly to Molignon has been put in place.

All of these modifications are included in the GPX route available on Komoot!

The Rucher d’Évolène, new title sponsor of the Raid Évolénard FMV

The Raid Évolénard FMV, a must-attend mountain biking event in Valais, is reaching a new milestone with the arrival of a new title sponsor: Le Rucher d’Évolène. This dynamic tourism player, highly active in the region, joins FMV as a title sponsor of the event, further strengthening its commitment to preserving local culture and promoting outdoor sports.

A partnership marked by authenticity and dynamism

Le Rucher, a major project in the heart of Evolène, is dedicated to passionately and respectfully restoring several iconic chalets and raccards to create a new hotel offering seamlessly integrated into the village. Set to open for Carnival 2026, this historic complex will provide a unique immersion in tradition and modernity, combining charming accommodations with nature-based experiences.

This partnership with the Raid Évolénard FMV aligns with Le Rucher’s commitment to supporting local initiatives and promoting the discovery of Evolène’s natural and cultural heritage. As the title sponsor, Le Rucher d’Évolène aims not only to enhance the competition’s visibility beyond the borders of Valais but also to actively contribute to the development of mountain biking in the Val d’Hérens and to encourage young riders to take up the sport. These are values that the organizers of the Raid Évolénard hold dear!

Several new features on the program

For the Raid Évolénard FMV, this new partnership will allow several exciting additions for participants. On Saturday, the traditional Kids Coaching Day, which gives young riders the chance to preview their course alongside professional cyclists, will now be presented by Le Rucher, with a few surprises in store.

During the adult races on Sunday, a new timed segment between Chalet-Vieux and La Gietty will highlight these hamlets while providing an additional challenge on an enduro-style section—offering a different type of rider the chance to shine!

To emphasize its local roots, a special “Le Rucher” prize will be awarded to the fastest male and female riders from Val d’Hérens on the 62km and 35km courses.

This support from Le Rucher d’Évolène confirms the importance of the Raid Évolénard in the region’s sporting and tourism calendar. A perfect alliance of tradition, nature, and sport, it will further establish this event as a must-attend for mountain biking enthusiasts.

Ready to take on a new challenge in 2025? Registration is now open!

Registration for the Raid Evolénard FMV 2025, taking place on June 15, is now open! For the fourth consecutive year, the race will kick off the Bike Marathon Classics while also being part of the West Bike Cup. The big novelty this year is the opening of the three routes—24 km, 35 km, and 62 km—to e-bikes. However, the highlight of the weekend will be focused on the next generation, with races serving as the Romandy Championships.

The Raid Evolénard FMV will return to its usual date on the third weekend of June in 2025, taking place on the weekend of June 14 and 15. The goal is to once again give young riders the opportunity to preview the courses on Saturday alongside elite racers, while all competitions will take place on Sunday.

Romandy Championships for Young Riders

This year, previewing the courses will be even more important as the races will once again have a ‘cross-country’ format and will count towards the Romandy Championships in the discipline! The courses tested in 2024, set up as loops around the Hérens Arena with numerous technical sections, will be used again, with adjustments made necessary by the damage caused to the riverbanks by severe weather.

Continuity for the Adults

No major changes this year for the adult courses, which will continue to offer three options: The Valdor course first, accessible to all with its 24 km and 800 m of elevation gain, providing a fantastic opportunity for beginners to test themselves in competition.

The 35 km course is the most popular race among West Bike Cup amateurs. With its 1300 m of positive elevation gain, this course is already quite demanding and requires solid training.

The bravest participants can still take on the 62 km marathon course, which will kick off the Bike Marathon Classics, a series of five races that serves as the Swiss Cup for the discipline.

All the courses share stunning single-track sections in the heart of the Alps and each one presents a great challenge to perfectly kick off your mountain biking season.

More options for e-bikes

Electric mountain bike enthusiasts, who in recent years had to settle for just one option with a 27 km course, will this year be able to take on all the traditional Raid Evolénard courses. They will have the choice of a 24 km, 35 km, or 62 km course. This expansion of options responds to a request from riders who wanted more flexibility in choosing the distance.

Registration for all courses is now open on the MSO website, and as usual, by registering before the end of March, you will benefit from more favorable conditions. Registration for the Raiffeisen Kids Cup remains free for all young riders up to 14 years old!

Something new for the kids at Raid Evolénard!

In collaboration with the Valais Cycling Federation (FCVs), the organizers of Raid Evolénard have completely revamped the routes for the Raiffeisen Kids Cup. The agenda includes more fun, more spectacle, and races even more tailored to children aged 4 to 14. Let’s hear from Steve Morabito, the initiator of this project!

What was your goal in initiating these modifications to the children’s routes at Raid Evolénard?

We started from the observation that Raid Evolénard is a race well established in the Cross Country Marathon calendar, and every year a significant number of young people participate. Especially during the KIDS COACHING DAY, which takes place the day before the race. The number of young members of Valais clubs continues to increase (767 young people aged 5 to 20), and this youth wants to race. However, we have also noticed that our young people are not adequately prepared for the technically demanding courses of the Swiss Cup races. Hence the idea of working hand in hand between the FCVs and the event organizers to offer intermediate courses and to raise the overall level of the youth. We need to catch up with the German-speaking part of Switzerland and Ticino.

How can you describe in a few words the concept implemented for these races?

Thanks to the wise advice of Amaël Donnet, youth coach at the FCVs, and the valuable collaboration with the organizing committee, we have listed the technical points. Thus, the course of the races has been revised to maximize the enjoyment of the children. The new layout features three technical zones that will delight the younger participants without being too challenging for novice mountain bikers. Safety remains at the heart of the concept.

What awaits the children in the different technical zones?

Except for the Poussins category, where the course will be approximately one kilometer long with no major difficulties, all other categories will start with a 2km “start loop” to stretch out the peloton. Then, the technical loop of around 2.3km will be completed 1, 2, 3, or 4 times depending on the categories and will feature three technical zones, each with its own characteristics:

Zone 1: The obstacle course: Located on the grounds of former military barracks, the obstacle course offers small climbs and steep descents, as well as a slalom weaving between trees.
Zone 2: The mini-rock garden: Just like on World Cup circuits, a small rock garden will need to be navigated on the banks of the Borgne.
Zone 3: All for the show!: Located near the finish line and spectators, this zone offers two options: a small drop or a bypass trail. Which choice will be the fastest?

How can young mountain biking enthusiasts best prepare for these changes?

The KIDS COACHING DAY on Saturday is the ideal preparation. Accompanied by mountain biking experts, each child will be able to familiarize themselves with the different technical zones and benefit from valuable advice. Registrations can be done directly when signing up for the race, but also by filling out the form available on the organizers’ website. On Sunday morning, it will also be possible to ride on the course, and it is advisable to go and explore it to feel ready at the start. The same goes for young participants who attended the Saturday session, as the terrain can always change.

Where should one be on Sunday afternoon to make the most of the spectacle offered?

The start-finish area is the ideal place to enjoy the spectacle since technical zone #3 is also present there and the children will pass through the arena at each lap. Therefore, the stands of the Hérens Arena will be clearly the best place to be at the heart of the event. As a second choice, technical zone #2 will also be interesting to watch.

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Dounia Challandes, the fastest over the 35km of the Raid Evolénard