Simon Combes (Team Matériel-Vélo.com) ended Frédéric Glorieux’s grip on GFNY Grand Ballon, soloing to victory in Thann in 04:04:51 after 146km through France’s Vosges Mountains on Sunday 12 July.
Glorieux, the Belgian who had won the previous edition, arrived in Alsace as a two-time GFNY Grand Ballon champion but had to settle for second this time, finishing in 04:09:14, 4 minutes 23 seconds behind. Compatriot Simon Grégoire was close behind in third, repeating his podium finish after also placing third in 2025, with the pair battling for the minor placings behind Combes’ solo attack.
The women’s race saw a former champion reclaim her crown. Janine Meyer (LeXXi Racing and Friends) of Germany won in 04:43:11. Meyer claimed the 2023 GFNY Grand Ballon title before relinquishing it over the following two editions. Sunday marked her return to the top step, helped by the absence of two-time defending champion Lisa Stein, who had already won GFNY Villard-de-Lans in May. Belgium’s Julia Gregoire finished second, just 34 seconds behind, while France’s Aurore Pauchet completed the podium in 04:47:29.
The 146km course begins climbing just one kilometre after the start in Thann, taking riders over the little-known Plan Diebold before the legendary Grand Ballon, the highest summit in the Vosges at 1,325 metres. Riders then tackled the Markstein, the savage 21% ramps of Wasserbourg, Petit Ballon, Col du Platzerwasel, a second ascent of Grand Ballon via the Route des Crêtes, and a final climb over Vieil Armand before the run back to the finish.
The gran fondo race sold out for the fifth consecutive year, with around 1,000 riders lining up in the event’s signature lime green jerseys for one of the toughest stops on the GFNY Road to NYC circuit.
Photo Credit: GFNY Grand Ballon
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