In 2025, the Transjurassienne is Won as a Couple

In 2025, the Transjurassienne is Won as a Couple

Victor Lovera, a recent winner of the Transjurassienne, quickly wrapped up his media obligations at the start line, joking that he had to leave as he believed his girlfriend was about to win. His partner, Juliette Ducordeau – a member of the same Vercors Isère team – also crossed the finish line first and received her traditional winner’s cowbell. “It’s going to take up space at home,” she joked, admitting she was completely exhausted.

This year’s Transjurassienne was particularly unique. Due to a shortage of snow on the usual 70 km course through the Jura mountains and villages, the organizers adapted the race by creating a 13 km loop which they repeated to form a 40 km critérium. This adjustment avoided cancellation like the previous year and managed to attract 2,520 participants. In contrast, the Classic event held the day before, over the same 40 km distance, saw fewer participants (454) and was won by Simon Vuillet.

A Festive Atmosphere Accompanied by Bells

The crowd was sparse on the previous day, but on Sunday large numbers of local residents gathered along the track, positioning themselves at strategic points to catch glimpses of the elite skiers as they passed in both directions. Families were present, with children enjoying sledding and tumbling near the track. One spectator humorously recounted an incident at the refreshment area when a person was told, "It's for skiers only!" The multiple laps allowed skiers and skiers to be cheered on repeatedly, and Juliette expressed her delight with the festive atmosphere as she savored the experience.

Not to be forgotten were the veteran “sénateurs” in their yellow bibs. These nine competitors have been part of the Transjurassienne since its inaugural edition in 1980 (the first edition in 1979 was cancelled due to insufficient snow) and were competing in their 38th edition. Michel Vuillet won this senior category in a time of 2 hours 03 minutes, about half an hour after the winners Victor Lovera (1h 21"32) and Juliette Ducordeau (1h 28"56), at the age of 70. This blend of youthful vigor and veteran perseverance truly encapsulates the spirit of the Transjurassienne – a race for everyone, enlivened by a festive ambiance and the resonant sound of winner’s bells.