IMG_2262

Pellaud will take on the Raid Evolénard, following in the footsteps of Tschopp

Valais native Simon Pellaud had a busy winter: now operating as a “privateer,” he manages his career from A to Z — sponsors, race calendar, bike development — all while keeping his ambitions as high as ever on the Gravel circuit. Caught between two flights, he took the time to answer our questions and explain how he plans to keep juggling disciplines without ever losing sight of his goals. He also confirmed that he will be on the start line of the Raid Evolénard on June 21st for his first participation in the Swiss MTB Marathon Championship, with the ambition of making life difficult for the top riders on the long climbs that will prove decisive in the battle for the white cross jersey…

After three seasons with the Tudor Pro Cycling team, you have just announced the end of that adventure, even though you had just completed one of your best seasons. How was that decision made?

The decision came naturally. I received interest from a major cycling brand that had always appealed to me, and they offered me the chance to manage my own project and create my own company. I didn’t hesitate.

Following this announcement, you revealed your plan to continue competing within your own structure, with the support of prestigious partners such as Cervelo and Assos. Can you tell us more about this new setup?

I am now a privateer — I manage everything from A to Z: my brands, my image, my race calendar, my preparation… there is a lot to do, but it has always been one of my career dreams. I couldn’t let that opportunity pass. On top of that, I am involved in the development of new bikes — I have a hand in everything!

What are the main advantages this independence offers you? And does this change mean the end of your road racing career, or will we see you in that discipline again in 2026?

It doesn’t fundamentally change much. My calendar will remain more or less the same, with the LifeTime Grand Prix as my main season objective… while still remaining a “road rider” and using some road races to arrive at peak form for Gravel.

In 2025, you finished second in the Lifetime Grand Prix, the most competitive off-road biking series in the United States, while also winning numerous gravel races around the world. What are your ambitions for the coming season?

I have big ambitions — I will once again target the same events as last year while making minimal changes to my calendar to discover some new events. The level in Gravel keeps rising year after year, so I need to hurry up and grab 1 or 2 big wins before it’s too late!

You started with mountain biking before moving to road racing, then to gravel. At the Lifetime Grand Prix, you proved you are just as comfortable in gravel as in MTB. How do you experience this versatility across disciplines? And when facing a champion like Keegan Swenson, whom you regularly compete alongside, what are your strengths and where do you still have room to improve?

I love switching from one discipline to another — it’s great and it allows me to break the routine! Keegan is an exceptional champion. I don’t feel I am at his level yet, but I work hard to get there, and he is certainly a tough example to match head-to-head. I hope to keep improving technically to close the gap with the best.

The last time a former road champion took part in the Swiss MTB Marathon Championship at the Raid Evolénard, he left with the title… Is the Raid Evolénard, with its long climbs and relatively technical descents, a race that could suit you? What are your goals for June 21st in Evolène?

I can see who you’re referring to! I don’t know exactly what to expect from this race, but being able to race at home is in any case a huge advantage.

DSC_0076 copy

The Raid Evolénard ambassador takes on the Cape Epic

After a great 2025 season, highlighted by a fantastic victory at the MB Race, Stefanie Zahno is already looking ahead to 2026. The World Championships in Valais, which didn’t quite meet her expectations, are now just a distant memory, and the Upper Valais rider is ready to take on an extraordinary challenge: the Cape Epic. Eight days of racing, over 700 km and nearly 16,000 meters of elevation gain, which she will tackle alongside German rider Michaela Barz-Harold, with whom she has already competed at the Swiss Epic. A few days before the start, the Raid Evolénard caught up with her to reflect on last season and discuss what she expects from this new year.

Between a fantastic victory at the MB Race and a World Championship in Valais where you couldn’t fully show your potential, how do you look back on your 2025 season?

Sport is known for its highs and lows. Sometimes, the least expected victories are the most beautiful — like at the MB Race, for example. I think a lot more is happening at the mental level than we tend to believe. After this season, I ranked among the top twenty in the world rankings for the first time. So overall, I look back on the season positively.

You seem particularly motivated to kick off the 2026 season, with this somewhat crazy goal you’ve set yourself, competing in the Cape Epic. What drew you to this race?

The Cape Epic has been on my mind for several years, but I gave myself the time I needed before taking on the world’s greatest race. After eleven successful stage races around the world, I feel ready to take on this challenge.

Can you tell us about your teammate and the goals you’ve set for these 8 days of racing?

Her name is Michaela Barz-Harold and she comes from Germany. We already did the Swiss Epic together last year. The Cape Epic is much bigger, and anything can happen over these 8 days of racing. Our goal is to finish the event. This year, there will be a large women’s field with 23 teams — it promises to be very exciting.

The Raid Evolénard, a race that means a great deal to you, will this year host the Swiss Championships. Do you see this as a great opportunity to once again claim a medal at the national championships?

I will give my all to have a great race in Evolène. Winning another medal will be a major goal, but I will focus on my own race and my own performance. I remember the 2016 Swiss Championships in Evolène, where I was watching the top athletes thinking that one day I would love to be in their shoes. In a way, I’m already happy to be where I am today.

What will your main goals be for this season, now that Valais 2025 is behind you?

The Swiss Championships in Evolène will be the next big home event — it comes around fast! It’s definitely a goal. But I think my main objective is to deliver a strong performance at every race, and we’ll see where that takes me.

Thank you and good luck for your 2026 season!

IMG_0686

Anna Weinbeer, the new gem of Swiss marathon mountain biking

From amateur cyclist to vice world champion: Anna Weinbeer’s rise is nothing short of remarkable. In 2021, when the Raid Evolénard hosted the European Championships, the Swiss women delivered an exceptional team result with Häberlin, Forchini and Lüthi finishing 2nd, 3rd and 4th. In the shadow of that success, Anna Weinbeer had taken part the day before in the 35 km popular race. Five years later, she will be back at the start line, this time not simply to participate, but to claim her first Swiss national title on a course that seems tailor-made for her strengths. And to confirm that her rise shows no signs of slowing down, she has already launched the 2026 season at full speed with a victory at the first World Cup!

In 2021, when the Raid Evolénard hosted the European Championships, you took part in the 35 km popular race. What memories do you have of that day?

That day is still very vivid in my memory. It was my first contact with the Raid Evolénard and its very special atmosphere: many spectators, international riders, and that impressive setting in Evolène. For me, it was simply a race for fun, but one I had a great deal of respect for.

Anna Weinbeer in 2021 at the Raid Evolénard

What was your relationship with mountain biking at the time? What motivated you to take part in this race as an amateur rider?

Mountain biking was above all a balance to my work, without any focus on performance or numbers. The motivation to take part in the popular race came from pure curiosity: it was less about the result and more about the experience and pushing my own limits.

You don’t become Vice World Champion by accident. How did this transition to elite sport unfold over the last few years?

The transition was very rapid and yet a gradual process. First came some good individual results, then the awareness that I could achieve more with targeted training and structure. So I professionalised certain aspects. The journey is the destination.

Anna Weinbeer on her way to her first victory in Switzerland at the Eiger Bike

The 2025 season was a true revelation, with a series of victories against elite riders. How did you experience this period of back-to-back successes? Did you realise what was happening?

It was an incredibly intense season. On one hand there was this euphoria, on the other I had to learn a great deal in a very short time. Honestly, I often only realised afterwards how extraordinary that period was. During the races I was very focused, almost in a tunnel.

Then in September, at the World Championships in Valais, after more than seven hours of racing and 5000 metres of climbing, only Kate Courtney managed to get ahead of you. Tell us about that exceptional day: when did you understand that a medal was possible?

Quite late. The course and the race duration leave little room for calculations. Somewhere in the second half of the race I noticed that I was consistently feeling strong and holding my position. When I realised that the gap behind me was growing, the thought came for the first time: something is happening here. The final kilometres were then a mix of suffering, concentration, and pure emotion.

Weinbeer in the famous climb of the Pas de Lona during the world championships

That World Championship medal changed everything. In 2026, you are joining Team KTM Spadabike powered by Brenta Brakes. What convinced you to join this team?

It was above all the complete package. They contacted me very early and showed interest even before my World Championship result. The team shares my sporting values, works very professionally while remaining human. The sporting focus also fits perfectly with my strengths in marathon and stage racing.

What are your main goals for the 2026 season? And to what extent did you have to rethink the balance between your professional life and your sporting career?

The balance between work and sport was something I definitely had to sharpen again: structured time management, clear priorities, and a supportive environment are now essential. I still work full time and have no desire to change that. Sportingly, my main goal is always to give my best, and then we will see where that leads.

First race and first victory for Anna Weinbeer in 2026

On June 21st, you will be back at the start of the Raid Evolénard, this time with the goal of claiming your first Swiss national title. The course with its long climbs and technical descents in the second half seems well suited to your strengths. Do you share that assessment?

Absolutely. I also think the course suits me, especially the long climbs where I can find my rhythm, and the technical descents in the second half that demand concentration and bike handling skills. Evolène has become a special place for me, and racing here for the Swiss national title gives this race a very particular meaning.

Thank you and good luck for your 2026 season!

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.

Anna Weinbeer, 2025 Classics winner!

5c637729-3634-48c9-b42d-507f1b841bbb_rw_1200

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.

Foto Martin Platter

“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!

250509 Ferpecle_156

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.

PXL_20250503_124155544

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!