Belgium’s John-Ross Clauw won the men’s gran fondo and compatriot Sofie De Vuyst claimed victory in the women’s race at the ninth edition of the UCI Granfondo Vosges — but it was De Vuyst’s return to competition that overshadowed everything on the mountain.
Clauw, 29, crossed the line atop La Bresse Hohneck in 4:37:42, averaging just under 38 “km/h across 177 km of Vosges terrain featuring 3,087 metres of punishing climbing. Dutch rider Emanuel Santi finished 39 seconds back, while Frenchman Etienne Maillard edged Belgian Niels Merckx and fellow Frenchman Jules Clement for the final podium place in 4:38:23.
Clauw rides for the Sheetah-Koerz team and has made the UCI Gran Fondo World Series a happy hunting ground, having won the 2025 UCI Schleck Gran Fondo in Luxembourg.
On the women’s side, De Vuyst — a former Belgian professional who competed at the highest level between 2006 and 2019, winning Brabantse Pijl and earning the prestigious Flandrienne of the Year award in her final season — finished in 5:08:13, leading compatriot Morgane De Halleux by 14 minutes and 11 seconds, with Dutch rider Noor Smit third in 5:28:16.
The 39-year-old’s appearance alone generated headlines. In September 2019, De Vuyst tested positive for an exogenous steroid in an out-of-competition control, a case that effectively ended her professional career. She maintained her innocence throughout and never raced professionally again. Sunday’s victory at La Bresse marks her most prominent competitive result since then — and signals an unmistakable return to the sport she left behind.
Meanwhile, Britain’s Victoria Stansfield won the 121 km women’s mediofondo in 3:42:52, while Frenchman Enzo Zehler claimed the men’s mediofondo in 3:30:02.
The top 25% of finishers across both distances qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Niseko, Japan, from 26-30 August — the first edition to be held in Asia.
2026 Granfondo Vosges results HERE
Photo Credit: Facebook/ucigranfondovosges
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