The sixth edition of France’s La Cyclosportive La Vache qui rit delivered on every promise last Sunday, attracting a record 5,410 participants, introducing two new route sections, showcasing dominant performances across both the Grand and Moyen parcours, and producing fierce battles on the new KOM segment.
The event, based in Lons-le-Saunier in the Jura — birthplace of the famous La Vache qui rit cheese brand — drew 5,410 participants, a new high-water mark for the event, which sold out before race day. The FFC Trophée Label d’Or fixture was organised by CLSO/SMH Événements under the patronage of former Tour de France star Laurent Jalabert.
On the 159 km Grand parcours, Edgar Michelet of VC Annemasse rode a controlled yet aggressive race to cross the line in 4:00:29, averaging 39.4 km/h. Damien Tarantola (Team ESF Scott) finished 1 minute 28 seconds behind, while Vincent Leo (Ibex–Besançon Racing Club) rounded out the podium, 3 minutes 49 seconds back.
The top female finisher was Aurore Pauchet (Team Avesnois), who clocked 4:19:46 to win the women’s classification.
On the 117 km Moyen parcours, Robin Drujon of UVCA Troyes won in 3:00:20 at an average speed of 38.9 km/h, 30 seconds clear of Letourneur, while Alizée Paties of Chambéry Triathlon claimed the women’s honours in 3:12:06.
A new addition for 2026, the KOM Matériel-vélo.com contest covered a 2.4 km segment included on all road parcours, with prizes awarded to the top five men and women. Corentin Eyrignoux blazed through the segment in 2:51 at 49.2 km/h, producing 439 watts, to edge Esteban Muinos (2:57) and Joffrey Lefèvre (3:06).
Among the women, Aurore Pauchet — already the Grand parcours winner — completed a double by topping the KOM standings in 3:25 at 41.1 km/h and 206 watts, ahead of Edelweiss 67 and Marine Strappazzon (both 3:30).
Two major innovations marked the 2026 edition. For the first time, the road routes passed through Château-Chalon — a hilltop village listed among France’s Most Beautiful Villages and located at the heart of the vin jaune wine region — as well as Baume-les-Messieurs, the Col de Joux, and the surrounding Jura countryside.
Since its creation in 2021 to celebrate the centenary of the La Vache qui rit brand, the event has broken participation records every year. With Sunday’s edition attracting a record 5,410 participants, the event confirmed its status as one of France’s premier cyclosportives.
La Cyclosportive La Vache qui rit results HERE
Photo Credit: La Cyclosportive La Vache qui rit
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