For the Enduro Jura, you ride where foxes and hares wish each other good night - to Les Moussières. Why a race is held in this remote region of all places can initially only be explained by great enthusiasm and a love of enduro racing. This is certainly true to a certain extent, but the region is keen to revitalize it for tourism. And why not? The French Jura has a lot to offer in terms of scenery and is still a little insider tip for cyclists and those seeking relaxation. Even if small, a mountain bike race with an international character is a good advertising platform for this project.

French enduro pro and BMC rider François Bailly-Maitre is the father of the race. Together with his helpers, the former cross-country rider is organizing the Enduro Jura for the second time. For this event, Bailly-Maitre has combined the best trails into downhill stages that ride down to Saint Claude. Where there were no trails, some were made especially for the race, and to ensure that as many of them as possible can be ridden, the riders only have to master a few short transfers to the respective stages under their own steam.

Not normal - better

The Enduro Jura is not quite a normal enduro race, it is much more. This starts with the entry fee of 230 euros: While this is far higher than you have to pay for most enduro races, riders don't have to worry about anything here. Race, accommodation and food - even the evening entertainment is included in the price of the Enduro Jura. The only thing you have to take care of yourself is the outward and return journey. Participants are greeted with a welcome drink and the presenting partner Julbo presents each rider with a small gift before they ride to their hotel.

All riders are accommodated in the same hotel, creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere. You hardly notice that there is a tough race the next day. Everyone talks, laughs and enjoys a beer while talking shop - not a trace of nervous tension. The only thing that crackles are the storm clouds that empty during the night.

Slippery chaos on the tracks - superior organization

No more rain falls on the morning of the first race day, but the Jura trails are totally soaked. The race is likely to be a real mud fight. Before this happens, François gives a few instructions at the riders' briefing - in French and English. This is because, in addition to the largest proportion of French-speaking riders, some have traveled from English-speaking countries.

The tracks are actually slippery in places due to the rain. The race is decided between the world-class riders Damien Oton, Jerôme Clementz and Remy Absalon. The three of them set times in the mud that some riders wouldn't even achieve in dry conditions. But after all, that's their job too. Speaking of which - François Bailly-Maitre is still doing a great job as organizer. After each of the two downhill stages, all participants gather at the meeting point in Saint Claude. From there, bike transporters and buses later ride the riders up to the next stage start. Beforehand, however, there is the opportunity to fortify yourself at the extensive refreshment buffet - only the coffee machine is a bit of a bitch in the damp weather.

Evening entertainment among friends

After five stages, totally dirty and soaked, all participants are glad to be back at the hotel. Fortunately, the rain has stopped and the warm sun is making an appearance. The bikes are washed in front of the hotel and the dirty clothes disappear into the washing bags before the long-awaited shower calls.

After a short siesta, it's time for the aperitif, where the organization is once again on top of its game. None of the participants talk about the weather: they laugh and compete to see who can do the funniest pirouettes on the muddy trails. Of course, a good happening should not be without a skills course. A starting line, a trembling beam with a kink, a finish line and a children's bike are the ingredients for the show. Whoever masters the challenge the fastest wins a Trailfox enduro bike from BMC - not bad. The atmosphere is at its peak when the petite Melanie Pugin puts the men in the shade.

The third part of the evening is also the most important for both the participants and the helpers: the food is served - a delicious menu consisting of a main course with potato gratin, meat and vegetables, the typical French cheese course and a delicious chocolate tart.

Creaming in the mud

Heavy thunderstorms overnight brought a lot of rain again - so no improvement in sight. The second day of the race starts the same as the first, only instead of five, three long stages are ridden. The mud makes the already technically demanding routes even more difficult. But practically all the riders rave about it again afterwards - how much fun would it be in the dry?

At the end of the two days of racing, Damien Oton wins ahead of Jérôme Clementz and Rémy Absalon. The three are among the world's best enduro athletes, but clearly show at the Enduro Jura that they belong to this family. High-fiving the amateur riders and respecting their performance is not a must for the enduro stars, but a virtue.

In the women's race, local hero Melanie Pugin puts her trail skills to good use and wins ahead of the twins Anita and Carolin Gehrig.

Despite its young history, the Enduro Jura has already achieved cult status. If you ignore the weather to be fair, the race was an all-round success and surprised many an experienced enduro rider with its "all-round carefree package". Thanks to the race, the region should actually become a little better known, as it is well worth a trip for touring bikers with its beautiful landscape and exciting trails.

www.julbo.com/fr/enduro-hautjura-mtb