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Already winners in the past, French athletes Thomas Joly and Hanna Fine claimed victory this Saturday on the Transju’ Classic, at the end of the 50 km course between Lamoura and Les Rousses. The Transjurassienne continues this Sunday on the same course with the flagship event, raced in skating technique. At the start line: some of the best French skiers, along with many amateurs who came above all to enjoy the experience.

The sun did not want to miss the moment. Early Saturday morning, it quickly rose above the Combe du Lac in Lamoura to enjoy the start of the Classic 50, the first major race of this Transju’ weekend. On the lake, several hundred skiers gathered, all devotees of a technique that has shaped the history of cross-country skiing for decades. On a track hardened by the cold night temperatures and therefore very fast, the best skiers set blazing times. At La Darbella, at the 19 km mark, Thomas Joly, Nathan Jouannon, Timothée Maugain and Léo Leuenberger had already broken away. At the Chaux-Berthod feed zone, the quartet became a duo (Joly and Jouannon). Four, two… then one! Before Prémanon (km38), on the Sambine climb—often the decisive point of the race—Joly (Team Ramudden) made a decisive move and flew toward his third victory after 2022 and 2023 (2nd in 2019, beaten in the sprint).

“Even if it’s my third win, you never get used to it—it’s always the same pleasure,” he said. “Winning this race is never easy on such a demanding course with a two-hour effort. Winning again three years later is a great joy. I’m from the Jura (Pontarlier), and the Transju’ means a lot to me. I already took part in the Transju’ Jeunes, without the same success. Proof that you should never give up! My form is getting better and better, which is a good sign for March and the Vasaloppet.”

Germany’s Max Olex, who produced a strong comeback (6th halfway), completed the podium.

Results La Transju 2026 Classic Men

1. Thomas Joly (FRA) 1:58:50
2. Nathan Jouannon (FRA) +02:36
3. Max Olex (GER) +05:03

One and two for Hanna Fine

In the women’s race, as last year, 25-year-old Hanna Fine quickly took the lead, already holding nearly a one-minute advantage at the 19 km mark over Laurie Flochon Joly and Suzette Christin. Ultimately 13th overall, she extended her lead to almost three minutes at the finish line.

“I’m so happy,” said the skier from Slavia Pojistovna Robinson Trentino with a big smile. “After last year’s win, I was obviously expected, and I wanted to show I could do it again. We started with the men, but the Massacre climb did the job. After that, I found myself alone. The descents were really fast—great conditions, amazing glide. The track preparation was excellent. I loved the atmosphere, with so much encouragement. I felt like a star. Winning the Transju’, when you’re in the world of cross-country skiing, is a childhood dream. Winning it twice… A huge thank you to all the volunteers and to Team Vercors Isère, my former team, who supported me this weekend. I’m now going to take a short break after five weeks of racing before resuming training for the Vasaloppet.”

Results La Transju 2026 Classic Ladies

1. Hanna Fine (FRA) 2:16:58
2. Suzette Christin (FRA) +02:47
3. Lauri Flochon Joly (FRA) +02:53

At the heart of the pack: passionate skiers, with pleasure as their only goal

Behind the champions, goals will be very different for participants coming from almost every French department and from abroad (35 nationalities at the start). From Michigan, Jim Daviswill be one of ten Americans on the start line. “I already came last year and it’s a magnificent race,” he explained. “This year I’m even here with my son. There’s the amazing Jura scenery, and of course the atmosphere and friendliness with the other skiers and all the volunteers.”

Also several new Worldloppet Masters and Global Skiers got awarded in the finish of La Transju.