GFNY Grand Ballon 2025 is part of the TROPHÉE LABEL D'OR de la Fédération Française DeCyclisme calendar. Organization, sporting interest, this label rewards high quality events

Nestled at the foothills of the Vosges mountains, the town of Thann has a rich heritage that earned it the title as one of the 100 most beautiful destinations of France (Les Plus Beaux Détours de France). The historic town center is spread around the St-Thiébaut collegiate church, a jewel of Gothic architecture. As you stroll along the narrow streets, you will discover 16th century houses, fountains, oriel windows, towers and fortifications dating from the 14th and 15th centuries and the embankments of the Thur River.

Charming villages are set throughout the heart of two valleys in southern Alsace. The routes will lead you to waterfalls and mountain lakes, and will offer you a panorama and a breathtaking landscapes of the Alsace plain to the Bernese Alps. You will be able to take in the beauty of the mountain range by crisscrossing the ridge route.

Thann lies at the start of the 170km Alsace Wine Route and boasts a wine-growing tradition and exceptional vineyards. The route shows idyllic landscapes, cultural highlights and, of course, the vineyards themselves. Set on steep sides of mountains, the unique vineyards produce some of the world’s most remarkable vintages.

The new GFNY Grand Ballon medium course takes you through the heart of the picturesque Parc Naturel des Ballons des Vosges, to the summit of the mythical Grand Ballon and the emblematic Markstein resort, scene of the 2023 Tour de France finish, where you'll make a U-turn.

The race starts from the historic center of Thann, at the gateway to the Alsace wine route. The ascent begins 1 km after the start of the race, with the little-known Plan Diebold climb, just before joining the ascent of the mythical Grand Ballon. The Grand Ballon is the highest peak in the Vosges massif, and its route culminates at 1325m.

Once you've reached Le Markstein, you'll turn around and head downhill via Le Viel Armand, a site of historic importance from the First World War. The descent takes you through Cernay before taking the road to Thann and finishing the race. Watch out for the headwind and try to stay with a group, as 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.

MEDIUM COURSE IS NOT A COMPETITION: The riders of the medium course will be provided their start-to-finish time, but will not be ranked by finish time. All finish times will be listed in alphabetical order.