Björka X3 Courchevel 2026: rowing, cycling and trail running in the sun

Björka X3 Courchevel 2026: a dazzling summer edition

After the climax of the Dynastar X3 Courchevel held last 12 April, combining cycling, trail running and ski mountaineering, it was the turn of the summer edition to take over this Sunday 12 July with the Björka X3 Courchevel. Competitors tackled a format unique in the world, mixing indoor rowing, cycling and trail running.

With ideal weather conditions, the Björka X3 Courchevel 2026 fully showcased two events that have become the true sporting signature of the Courchevel resort. Backed by a perfectly honed organisation and a spectacular course, these extraordinary competitions were once again sold out and won over all the participants.

The Björka X3 Courchevel begins with 6,000 metres of indoor rowing, held outdoors on the roof of the Envolée gym, facing the Olympic ski jumps of Courchevel Le Praz. In an electric atmosphere, set to the beat of a DJ and with live coverage on a giant screen, competitors launch their triptych before tackling the two disciplines out in the countryside.

After getting on their bikes, they then take to the road for a demanding 12.2 km climb with 750 metres of elevation gain, heading for the Courchevel altiport perched at 2,006 metres. Then it is time for trail running, on a demanding 9.6 km course with 550 metres of elevation gain and loss, concluding with a spectacular finish on the altiport runway facing Mont Blanc. In total, participants will have linked together 27.8 km and 1,300 metres of elevation gain, solo or in teams of three.

The indoor rowing event put on a spectacle of very high standard. Starts were given in waves of 60 competitors, with the women in the first and the elite men in the last, accompanied by the relay teams, in order to maintain the suspense until the very last moments.

André Anizan impresses

André Anizan made his mark. Starting in the first wave, he surprised everyone by being the first to reach the top at the altiport with an exceptional time. However, we had to wait for the third wave, bringing together all the favourites, to officially confirm his victory. The Team Salomon member wins in 1 h 50 min 52 s.

“I loved it. After taking part in about fifty triathlons, I turned to trail running. Coming back to a triple effort like this is a huge pleasure.”

After his 19th place at the Dynastar X3 Courchevel in April, Julien Fournet turned in a superb performance, finishing second in 1 h 53 min 59 s, a result that also puts him on the 2nd step of the podium of the X3 Courchevel Challenge, which adds together the times of the “winter and summer” editions.

Big winner of the Dynastar X3 Courchevel 2026, Will Juillaguet completes the podium of the Björka X3 Courchevel in 1 h 55 min 32 s and logically wins the X3 Courchevel Challenge 2026.

Licensed with the organising club Courchevel Sports Outdoor, Nicolas Raybaud finishes just off the podium in 1 h 56 min 48 s and keeps third place in the overall Challenge standings.

Chloé Christian makes the difference in the trail run

After a fine eighth place at the Dynastar X3 Courchevel, Chloé Christian wins this time at the Björka X3 Courchevel in 2 h 32 min 48 s.

“The rowing was really very hard for me. I was surprised to catch up with Laura during the trail run. I prefer the winter format, but I am really very happy with this victory.”

Thanks to this success, she also wins the X3 Courchevel Challenge 2026 after a fine duel with Laura Deplanche, second at the Björka X3 Courchevel in 2 h 35 min 05 s and also runner-up in the Challenge.

Élise Monniaud, licensed with Dijon Singletrack, completes the women’s podium in 2 h 42 min 07 s.

A strong field among the teams

The best times in each of the three disciplines were set by members of the relay teams.

In the mixed trio, victory goes to the team made up of Héloïse Gelas, Gustave Callewaert and Antoine Delore, the latter setting the best trail running time in 46 min 46 s.

Second place is taken by the team of 2026 Olympic ski mountaineering champion Emily Harrop, who sets the best cycling time in 39 min 14 s, together with Arthur Bertrand and Thomas Berthoud.

The podium is completed by Charlotte Chambon, best performer on the rowing ergometer in 25 min 17 s, teamed with Frédéric Ludwig and Jules Tetaz, for an overall time of 2 h 09 min 08 s.

Among the men’s trios, Team Ducept Family wins in 1 h 53 min 49 s thanks to Nicolas, Florian and Thomas Ducept, the latter setting the best cycling time in 34 min 37 s.

Second place goes to the team made up of Alban Couturier, French indoor rowing champion over 2,000 m and French record holder over 5,000 m in 30 minutes, with the best rowing performance in 20 min 25 s, teamed with Ewen Ayoul and Romain Wala, who finish in 2 h 03 min 17 s.

In the women’s teams, victory goes to the Tortues Ninja, made up of Heidi Bellante, Maëlle Grossetête, a former professional cyclist who rode for FDJ and then Human Powered Health until 2025, and Margot Pompanon, crowned with the best women’s trail running time in 59 min 40 s.

Special mention to the handisport team “Un tiers, deux tiers”, who marked this edition with their commitment and determination. World para-rowing champion Franck Obersdorff took part brilliantly in the rowing event, while Thomas Delattre took on the demanding challenge of the trail run in a wheelchair, accompanied by Gaëtan Bataille, with the support of Corentin Leconte, their able-bodied teammate, who took the relay in the cycling event. A human and sporting adventure concluded in immense emotion, with the satisfaction of having met the challenge… and already the desire to come back next year.

An edition that will stay in the memory

This 2026 edition once again confirms the unique character of the Björka X3 Courchevel. Thanks to an unprecedented concept mixing indoor rowing, cycling and trail running, it is one of the most sought-after events in the outdoor sports calendar.

An exceptional course and an organisation praised by all the participants, right down to the “finisher” medals inspired by the aeronautical medal of honour in tribute to the finish on the altiport runway: every detail reflects the strong identity of this now essential event.