The ninth edition of the L’Alsacienne cyclosportive, scheduled for Sunday 28 June 2026 at Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein in the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace, has been cancelled on safety grounds following a direct order from the Prefecture. The decision affects approximately 3,400 registered riders and 260 volunteers.
In an announcement posted on the event’s official Facebook page on Wednesday evening, organisers confirmed that trains, concerts and sporting events were being cancelled across France as the heatwave intensified. They added that the Prefecture of Haut-Rhin had prohibited all sporting events scheduled for the weekend, including L’Alsacienne. Organisers said they were contacting suppliers and partners in an effort to reduce, where possible, costs already incurred.
The backdrop is staggering. France recently recorded its hottest-ever day and night as the heatwave deepened, with 44.3°C measured in the southwest of the country and the national average daily temperature reaching a record 29.8°C, according to Météo-France.
The dangers of extreme heat for competitive cyclists are well documented. British amateur Barry Covington collapsed from heat stroke while racing in the 2017 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Albi, France, where temperatures exceeded 34°C and humidity reached 70%. He died one week later. His family subsequently reached a six-figure settlement with the UCI and its insurer, AXA France. The UCI also committed to revising its high-temperature event protocols.
Founded in 2016, L’Alsacienne has become a major event for mountain cycling enthusiasts in just eight editions, attracting riders from France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and beyond. Its three timed cyclosportive routes of 120, 150 and 195 kilometres traverse 13 mountain passes through the Ballons des Vosges. The flagship 195 kilometre route features a formidable 4,900 metres of elevation gain.
Organisers say they will communicate details regarding registrations in July. Riders who purchased cancellation insurance at registration may be eligible for a refund, subject to policy conditions.
Photo Credit: file
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