On September 8, 2024, I had the privilege of participating in the third edition of La Transju, an event that is rapidly gaining popularity. The name is short for Trans-Jurassien, referencing the route through the breathtaking Jura Mountains. It's a delightful gran fondo with a scenic and manageable course, not too challenging.
Originally, this was a cross-country skiing event. However, due to climate change, the Jura, like the Alps, has turned to alternatives for snow-based activities. While MTB is already heavily promoted, there is now a growing emphasis on gran fondos and cycling tourism. It's a wonderful development for a region that has so much to offer both sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The Transju is a true gran fondo, open to everyone, regardless of experience level. The distances range from 70, 110, to 160 km, with 1,000, 1,400, and 1,900 meters of elevation gain, respectively. It’s no small challenge, but certainly tough enough. Thanks to the range of distances, the event attracted 1,400 participants, offering something for everyone.
This year, two innovations stood out that I really appreciated. First, for the 110 and 160 km routes, you could decide along the way which distance to cover until reaching the split. This gave tremendous flexibility, allowing you to avoid committing in advance. You gauge how you're feeling as you ride, and at the clearly marked junction, you make your choice. It felt refreshing to have this option!
Additionally, there was the option to transfer your registration to someone else for free, which is rarely offered at similar events. This kind of flexibility, in my view, represents the future of sporting events.
I was undecided right up to the split on whether to tackle the 110 or 160 km route. In the end, I opted for the longest distance of 160 km, and it proved to be the right choice. The start was tough; my legs felt heavy, and I wasn’t in great shape. But as the kilometers passed, I found my rhythm. It was an incredible feeling, almost euphoric, something I hadn’t experienced before while riding. The 160 km course covered over 1,900 meters of elevation, though according to my Garmin, I actually clocked just over 2,000 meters. The route featured 13 climbs—some short and punchy, others longer and more gradual. Along the way, I ticked off some beautiful cols, including the Col de Saint Sorlin, the Col du Lancier, and the Col de la République, a name that immediately stands out.
The course was breathtaking. We cycled through rolling landscapes, forests, and past lakes and ponds, including the stunning Lake Remoray. The region has long been a favorite among nature lovers, and it’s easy to see why. Moreover, there is very little traffic, which makes riding even more enjoyable. Altogether, this makes the Transju an absolute must, especially if you’re looking for a beautiful way to close out the season with a fair amount of elevation, without the need to travel to the Alps.
In short, La Transju offers everything a cycling enthusiast could want: challenge, flexibility, stunning scenery, and, above all, an unforgettable experience.
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