La Bresse hosts the Enduro des Hautes-Vosges (EHV) every year, a top-tier enduro MTB race run by Rémy Absalon and the IRWEGO agency, with local partner Bressaude Roue Verte. In 2026 the event goes 100% electric under the name Moustache e-Enduro des Hautes-Vosges, on 6 and 7 June 2026, with start and finish at the bike park.
Note: La Bresse is not part of the official 2026 UCI Enduro World Cup calendar (whose final round is at Morillon, Haute-Savoie), but the EHV remains one of the major enduro events in eastern France.
What is enduro MTB?
A race combining several timed downhill stages over one or two days, with untimed uphill links. The winner totals the best downhill times. 2025 edition: 6 stages, 40 km, 1350 m ascent, 1900 m descent.
Rémy Absalon: the champion who created the EHV
The Enduro des Hautes-Vosges would not be what it is without Rémy Absalon. A native of the region, Rémy is one of France’s greatest MTB champions: double cross-country XCO world champion (2006 and 2012), winner of numerous UCI World Cup rounds. He channelled his passion for Vosges trails into a race project after his competitive career.
He founded the EHV with the IRWEGO agency, drawing on his intimate knowledge of the terrain around La Bresse. His local roots combined with his international network in the MTB world allowed the event to build its reputation fast. Each edition bears his mark: demanding courses, new stages each year, an atmosphere halfway between serious competition and popular festival.
In 2026, Rémy takes another step by making the EHV the first major all-electric enduro race in the French calendar.
The e-enduro in 2026: what changes
The 2026 Moustache e-Enduro des Hautes-Vosges launches a format new to France: all riders compete on e-MTBs. The key changes:
- Bikes required: only electric mountain bikes (e-MTBs) are allowed on the start line
- Easier links: the electric assist reduces fatigue on climbs, enabling longer and more technical downhill stages
- Revised course: the organisers redesigned the liaison sections to take advantage of battery range
- Adapted categories: race categories account for assistance levels (Bosch, Shimano, Brose, Yamaha) and UCI-homologated power classes
- Environmental commitment: partnership with Moustache Bikes (a Vosges brand based in Golbey), batteries recharged via renewable energy on site, zero single-use plastic in the race village
For spectators, the difference is also acoustic: electric bikes are quieter, making forest passages even more impressive.
Why La Bresse?
- Varied terrain: technical singletracks, roots, rocks, off-cambers
- Significant negative elevation across the resort’s domain
- Seasoned organisation with the Bike Park and local partners
- Accessibility: town, accommodation, dining at the stages’ doorstep
Race categories
The EHV offers grids for all levels:
Competition categories:
- Elite Men and Elite Women: top riders, often semi-professional or professional
- Expert Men and Expert Women: confirmed level, enduro race experience
- Senior and Master (40+, 50+): veteran categories by age bracket
Amateur categories:
- Challenger: first steps in competition, slightly lighter course
- Junior (under 18): adapted stages, enhanced supervision
The exact categories and entry criteria should be verified on the official site before entries open.
Typical weekend programme
Friday 5 June: team arrivals and race village opens. Free course reconnaissance for registered riders. Technical briefing late afternoon for Elite and Pro categories.
Saturday 6 June: timed prologue (short stage, around 3 to 5 minutes, often visible to the public). The prologue ranking may determine start order. Evening: race number handout and village atmosphere.
Sunday 7 June: main race with wave starts from early morning. 6 stages throughout the day, untimed links between each. Stages close mid-afternoon. Podium ceremony and prize-giving late afternoon at the bike park.
Best spots for spectators
Zone 1: start and finish at the bike park. The heart of the event. Race village, podiums, exhibitors, food trucks. Ideal for seeing riders before and after stages. Guaranteed atmosphere all day.
Zone 2: the accessible liaison stage. Each edition has one or two stages reachable on foot from the main car park in 20 to 30 minutes through the Vosges forest, placing you a few metres from the riders.
Zone 3: the panoramic stage. One stage typically takes place on a ridge or open hillside with a view across the valley. The organisation announces open spectator zones each year via their app and social media.
Practical tips:
- Download or print the stage map from the official site the week before the race
- Wear hiking shoes: some viewpoints require a 30 to 45 min climb
- Bring water and a windbreaker, even in early June at altitude
- Stay behind the tape and never cross a trail during a live stage
- Switch off your music near the race corridors: e-MTB riders approach fast and silently
Access and parking from La Bresse centre
By car: from La Bresse centre, follow signs to the Bike Park (Martinmouton road or via the lakes road). Allow 5 to 10 minutes from the town centre.
Parking: main Bike Park car park (free, limited capacity, aim to arrive before 8am on Sunday). Overflow parking with free shuttles in some years. Town centre parking with pedestrian link or shuttle.
By bike: La Bresse is accessible from Gérardmer by cycle path. Coming by e-MTB from Gérardmer is a genuine option for spectator days.
Atmosphere
Several thousand spectators over the weekend, race village in the bike park, exhibitors, concerts and activities. Warm, popular feel mixing families on holiday in La Bresse with MTB enthusiasts from across France and neighbouring countries (Germany, Switzerland, Belgium).
Entries and info
Detailed programme, rider entries, discovery courses and timings on endurodeshautesvosges.com.
Combine with a stay
- Spectator day on Sunday
- Day of MTB on the open trails of the bike park
- Visit Gérardmer
- Night in a chalet in La Bresse
See also
- Bike Park La Bresse 2026: complete guide
- E-bike rental in La Bresse
- Where to stay in La Bresse for the event
Frequently asked questions
When is the Enduro des Hautes-Vosges?
The 2026 edition (100% electric) is on 6 and 7 June 2026 at La Bresse Hohneck, start and finish at the bike park. Previous edition: 8 June 2025, 6 stages, 40 km, 1350 m up and 1900 m down.
Can you watch for free?
Yes, most stages are accessible to the public trackside. Race village with activities, exhibitors and podium.
Is there a ride-along for amateurs?
Yes, registrations open in spring on the official site. Several categories including e-MTB.
Which circuits are closed during the race?
Parts of the bike park and some trails are closed to the public during stages. Information on site, respect the tape.