Much of the route runs along roads carved into the rock, offering breathtaking views high above the gorges—while leaving riders little room for error.
A select lead group remained together over the first major climb at La Croix Perrin, setting up an aggressive and tactical race early on. Among the favorites were two-time GFNY Grand Ballon champion Frédéric Glorieux (Belgium) and GFNY Alpes Vaujany 2025 runner-up Benjamin Buchetet (France).
The pace intensified after Station de Fond d’Urle, where the group was significantly reduced ahead of the decisive final climb of Col d’Herbouilly.
The race culminated in a thrilling sprint finish, where Glorieux claimed victory in 4:33:25, narrowly ahead of local riders Mathias Chauvin and Benjamin Buchetet, who completed the podium.
In the women’s race, GFNY Grand Ballon 2025 champion Lisa Stein (LexxiSmartSuits) of Germany delivered a dominant performance, finishing in 5:07:04—15 minutes ahead of French rider and 2024 GFNY Alpes Vaujany champion Laurence Reviglio. 2025 runner-up Zélie Bergsma (Watt.cc) completed the podium.
“Growing this race to over 1000 riders would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our host town,” says GFNY France CEO Cedric Haas. “GFNY Villard-de-Lans has been a success story for five years and we’re looking forward to the next five – and beyond.”
Next up on the GFNY calendar is the fifth edition of GFNY Lourdes Tourmalet which will take place Sunday, June 14, 2026.
2026 GFNY Villard-de-Lans Top 10 Men
LInk to 2026 GFNY Villard-de-Lans Results: https://gfny.cc/results