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Long distance ski race
General Information
Since 1979, every third Sunday in February, thousands of people gather on and along the slopes of the Jura Massif to celebrate Nordic skiing. More than 150,000 spectators dolted along the mythical track in 1995.
The track connects two well-known cross-country ski places: LAMOURA in Jura department, and MOUTHE, in Doubs department, crossing along the way 10 villages nestling in the heart of the Jura Massif.
It is rated the second best long-distance ski race in the World, after the Swedish Vasaloppet race (90 km), an international circuit of long-distance races which brings together 13 countries (Australia, Austria, Germany, Italy, Japan, Estonia, Canada, USA, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, France), involves over 22,000 organizers, and hosts more than 90,000 skiers every year.
In France, the Transjurassienne joined together with the Foulée Blanche (Isère region), the Transpyrénéenne (Pyrénées region) and the Etoile des Saisies (Savoy) to create the Cross-country ski race Grand Prize. It is awarded to the best 3 performances on those 4 runs.
The best time record of 2h55'30" was achieved in 2004 by the French skier, Alexandre Rousselet from Métabief.
It replaced the previous record of 3h05'57" established in 1991 by the French skier H.Balland
A charming tradition takes place at the finish line. The ski racer who arrives first is awarded with a cowbell which is hung around his/her neck. The last participant receives a large gingerbread heart baked in the village of Mouthe.
The Transjurassienne Week
Three consecutive ski races will take place during that week, climaxing with the top event race on Sunday, the "Transjurassienne". The "Transjeune" (Transyoung) race brings together young participants between 5 and 19 years of age. The "Mini-Trans" brings together participants of all ages for shorter distances races.
This year, a 42 km marathon will be organized. This new race, only for the classic style, will start at 12 A.M. in Chapelle-des-Bois and ends in Mouthe.
extracted from www.interfrance.com
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