GFNY Grand Ballon

July 20 2025

Alsace France

Date Confirmed

Distances: 36, 90 km

Difficulty: Moderate terrain with rolling short steep hills or moderate, sustained climbs

The long course of GFNY Grand Ballon will take you through the heart of the scenic Balloons des Vosges Nature Park, to test yourself on the most legendary and demanding climbs of the Hautes Vosges Mountains.

The race starts from the historic center of Thann, at the gateway to the Alsace Wine Route. The climbing starts 1km into the race, up the little-known climb Le Plan Diebold, just before joining the ascent of the mythical Grand Ballon. Grand Ballon is highest point of the Vosges Mountains and its road culminates at 1325m.

After descending Grand Ballon, you will race along the ridges towards the Markstein Ski Station at KM 35 and then you’ll reach the Florival Valley and its small typical Alsatian villages. Your next Vosges climbs are the Col du Fisrtplan at KM 70, the very demanding climb Wasserbourg with its maximum incline of more than 21%, Petit Ballon at KM 86.5, Col du Platzewasel at KM 103, Route des Crétes, a second ascent to the top of Grand Ballon at KM 117 and finally the last climb, Viel Armand, a place of historical significance from the First World War at KM 128. The descent will lead you through Cernay before taking the Thann Road and completing the race. Beware of the headwind and stay with a group, your determination to reach the finish line will help you get through this flat section.

Make no mistake, we are in the middle of the mountains with the well-known climbs of the Tour de France will leave you very little respite, but the breathtaking views on the Vosges Balloons and the magnificent Alsace Plain will make you forget the challenges.

Back in Thann, a festive post-race celebration and meal await you. Celebrate your accomplishment in the historic center of Thann after a day of enjoying the surrounding nature.

LONG COURSE IS A COMPETITION: Only the finishers of the long course are eligible for category rankings and Overall and Podium awards. If you want to race and be ranked in your category, you must complete the long course. Top 10% of finishers in each age group earn a spot in the Qualifier Corral at every GFNY World event.

GFNY Grand Ballon

Start Located At: Thann, Alsace, France

Strava

Included

Discover what we have in registration for you :

Each event offers 2 courses:

- A long, timed, classified course

- An unclassified medium timed course to discover the world of GFNY France

And always included in your registration:

- The official jersey : Each runner will receive the official GFNY jersey, which will be the official outfit of the race. Designed in Italy, this jersey combines style and performance.

- Timekeeping : All cyclosportives are timed. Each participant receives a frame plate fitted with a personal timing chip. Results are available in real time in the finish area on race day, and can be consulted online afterwards.

- Aidstation, safety and mechanical support : Each participant will receive a wristband with the number of the hotline to contact in case of need. Motorbike support and rescue teams will be on hand to ensure your safety throughout the race. In addition, a mechanical support service will be available to carry out repairs before and during the event.

- Your finisher's medal : Every participant who finishes a GFNY will receive a medal, regardless of the distance covered.

- Your different medals : By participating in three GFNY events during the year, you will receive the exclusive GFNY 3X 2025 finisher medal. Over the course of your cycling career, if you finish 10, 20, 30 or 40 GFNY events, you will be honored with the prestigious GFNY 10X, 20X, 30X or 40X finisher medals.

- Post-race meal : Your meal is included in your registration, regardless of the distance covered.

Prize / Race Categories

Globalement m / f
18 à 34 m / f
35 à 39 m / f
40 à 44 m / f
45 à 49 m / f
50 à 54 m / f
55 à 59 m / f
60 à 64 m / f
65 à 69 m / f
70 à 74 m / f
75 à 79 m / f
80+ m / f

Facilities

Parking

Toilets

Registration On the Day

Pre-Packet Pickups

Support for Participants

Route Signposted

Route Card

First Aid

Emergency Contact No

SAG Wagon

Outriders