Thursday 30 July 2026
Stage 3
Oyonnax
Lélex Monts-Jura
Live TV starts :14h45
| Distance |
132 km (82 mi) |
|---|---|
| Climbing |
+2,879 m (9,446 ft) |
| Type |
Mountain |
| Délais (estimated) |
n/a
|
| GPX file | Download |
| Timetable (estimated) | PDF (79.31 KB) |
Yellow Jersey
Blue Polka Dot Jersey
Green Jersey
White Jersey
As the starting town for Stage 3 of the 2026 Tour de l’Ain, Oyonnax
sets the pace! Nestled in the heart of the Haut-Bugey region,
between the Ain and Jura, the town is the ideal launchpad
for exploring exceptional landscapes.
Here, the terrain—featuring hills, forests, lakes, and sweeping
vistas—offers a vast natural playground for cycling, trail
running, hiking, and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Every outing
promises its share of challenges, thrills, and fresh air!
Renowned as a sports-loving town, Oyonnax fosters a spirit
of high performance, driven by a rich heritage, a vibrant
cultural scene, and the economic dynamism of the “Plastics Vallée.”
On July 30, before the decisive pedal strokes of this final
stage, the riders will set off from a town where nature,
pushing one’s limits, and a passion for sport all move
in the same direction.
Nestled at the foot of the Jura Mountains, bordering Switzerland and Lake Geneva, the Pays de Gex comprises 27 communes blending urban and rural settings within an exceptional natural environment. Spanned by the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve and the Valserine—France’s first designated “wild river”—the region boasts remarkable landscapes and prime access to the peaks of the Monts Jura range. This includes the Crêt de la Neige, the massif’s highest point at 1,720 meters, renowned for offering one of the most stunning panoramic views of the Alps.
Within this region lies Lélex, a charming mountain village of 230 inhabitants situated at an altitude of 900 meters in the Valserine Valley. Authentic and quintessentially Jura in character, the village charms visitors with its traditional buildings featuring hipped roofs, wooden shingles, and nailed wooden-tile facades. Bordered by the Valserine River, Lélex enjoys a pristine natural setting and serves as a prime gateway to the Monts Jura mountains.
A hub for sports and outdoor activities, the Pays de Gex is home to the Monts Jura resort, which has a major base in the village of Lélex. This four-season resort offers a wide array of activities, including skiing, mountain biking, hiking, a bike park, treetop adventure courses, mini-golf, summer sledding, and zip-lining. The region also comes alive with major sporting and cultural events, such as the Ultra01 and Oxyrace races, the Jazz In festival (held at Fort l’Écluse and the Château de Voltaire), and the Cri de la Goutte festival.