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!