The Forester
La Forestière (The Forester) is a French non-profit association founded in 1991 that organizes competitive and recreational cycling events across the Jura and Ain departments and maintains a 1,500 km FFC-certified VTT trail network, serving amateur and elite cyclists, families, and regional tourism partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1991
- HeadquartersArbent, France
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Forester does
La Forestière (doing business as The Forester) is a French non-profit association (Loi 1901) founded in 1991 by Michel Forestière, a two-time VTT world champion (1987, 1988), that organizes competitive and recreational cycling events across the Jura and Ain departments of eastern France. The association operates four anchor properties: La Forestière VTT, a UCI Marathon Series flagship event and the primary commercial engine; Forest'Cime, a three-stage cyclo covering approximately 450 km and 9,000 m of climbing; Forest Gravel, a gravel-format event; and Ainvincible, a family-oriented VTT format combining mountain biking with laser-rifle shooting. Beyond events, the organization maintains the 1,500 km Espace VTT FFC Ain-Forestière trail network and co-developed the 295 km Échappée Jurassienne, an FFC-labeled itinerary connecting Dole to Saint-Claude in partnership with Jura Tourisme.
The association's business model is characteristic of a regional sports non-profit: revenue is generated from participant registration fees (direct sign-up via the website and Google Forms), title and category sponsorship (notably Faiveley Plast for the flagship VTT event, alongside Team Bulls, OKTEO, and Immo France), local-government subsidies tied to regional tourism development, and ancillary merchandise and add-on services (e.g., e-bike charging via V'Hélios). The cost structure is volunteer-heavy: roughly 30 active volunteers year-round scaling to 130+ at major events, alongside a small employee base of 1-10. Distribution is direct-to-participant through the association's owned digital channels, supplemented by the broader FFC/UCI circuit for competitive events. The customer base spans three segments: competitive amateurs and elite-level cyclists chasing UCI Marathon or FFC cyclosportive ranking points, recreational cyclists and families seeking themed experiences (Ainvincible, Forest Gravel), and corporate / institutional partners (sponsors and regional tourism bodies) for whom the events serve as marketing and destination-promotion vehicles. Governance is exercised by an elected president (Philippe Gindre since November 2020) and an association board, consistent with Loi 1901 structures.
The Forester firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Forester
- Legal name
- Association LA FORESTIERE loi 1901, sans but lucratif
- Website
- https://la-forestiere.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1991
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- La Forestière (The Forester) is a French non-profit association founded in 1991 that organizes competitive and recreational cycling events across the Jura and Ain departments and maintains a 1,500 km FFC-certified VTT trail network, serving amateur and elite cyclists, families, and regional tourism partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Forester industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Cycling Event Organization & Sports Tourism
- NAICS
- Tour Operators (56152)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Cycling Events (Road Races, Gran Fondos, Sportives) (MPAKAIAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cycling / MTB / E-Bike Guiding & Rentals (THAAALAG), Cycling, Mountain Biking & E-Bike Adventure Tour Operators (THAAADAE)
Keywords
Where The Forester is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Arbent
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Forester business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Event registration fees: Participants pay registration fees to compete in or participate in La Forestière's various events including VTT marathons, cyclo-sportives, gravel rides, and multi-day events. Fees vary by event format (single-day vs. multi-day) and category (race vs. rando).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Collector jersey (limited edition, 30th anniversary) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
The Forester product offering
Product offeringCore offering
La Forestière organizes competitive and recreational cycling events (VTT/mountain biking, cyclo, gravel, e-bike, enduro, XCO) in the Jura and Ain departments of France. The organization operates four flagship annual events (La Forestière VTT UCI Marathon, Forest'Cime 3-stage cyclo challenge, Forest'Gravel, Ainvincible), free group outings (Forest'Ride), a cyclosportive (Forest'Cyclo), and maintains the permanent 1,500 km FFC-certified Espace VTT FFC Ain-Forestière trail network open year-round.
Product overview
La Forestière is a non-profit association (Loi 1901) that organizes cycling events in the Jura and Ain departments of France. The organization operates four main event brands: La Forestière VTT (the flagship UCI Marathon and FFC-labeled Randos d'Or mountain biking event), Forest'Cime (3-stage cyclo raid), Forest'Gravel (gravel cycling), and Ainvincible (family VTT with laser rifle shooting), plus Forest'Ride (free cyclo outings) and Forest'Cyclo (cyclosportive). The organization also maintains 1500 km of permanent marked VTT trails in the Espace VTT FFC Ain-Forestière and contributed to the development of the Échappée Jurassienne FFC-labeled itinerary. Events range from competitive UCI Marathon races to recreational family rides, all centered around cycling passion in the Jura mountains.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- La Forestière VTT The flagship mountain biking event featuring UCI Marathon Series races and FFC-labeled Randos d'Or, with distances ranging from 20 to 120 km for competitive and recreational riders, including XCO, XCM, Enduro, and Kids formats. Held in Lonchaumois-Arbent, Jura.
- Forest'Cime A 3-stage cyclo challenge covering 450 km with over 9,000 meters of positive elevation gain through the Jura and Ain mountains, including a Challenge format and Gran Fondo day event.
- Forest'Gravel Gravel cycling ultra-distance event offered as a single-day or two-day format, providing an immersive and convivial adventure experience for enthusiasts at Base Nautique de Bellecin.
- Forest'Ride Free organized cyclo and VTT outings held throughout the year, open to all, featuring various difficulty levels and group formations across the Ain and Jura departments.
- Ainvincible Family-oriented VTT event combining mountain biking with laser rifle shooting activities, featuring team races and family-friendly hikes at the Lac de Lalleyriat in Haut-Bugey territory.
- Forest'Cyclo Cyclosportive event held in partnership with ECAM (Espoir Cycliste Arbent Marchon), offering 85 km and 120 km road cycling routes.
- Espace VTT FFC Ain-Forestière Permanent network of 1,500 km of marked VTT, Gravel, Enduro, and electric VTT trails maintained year-round for family and group riding throughout the Ain and Jura region.
- Échappée Jurassienne An FFC-labeled VTT itinerary linking Dole to Saint-Claude, spanning 295 km with over 6,700 m D+, showcasing lakes, waterfalls, forests, vineyards, and viewpoints of the Jura region.
Quantifiable outcome
- La Forestière 2022 UCI Marathon 100 km won by Hugo Drechou in 4h42
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use The Forester
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Forester technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
Feature1 record
The Forester partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- OKTEOcoreOKTEO is a cooperative IT company present on 6 sites in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, specializing in agricultural and industrial IT solutions. They are the title partner of the Randos d'Or VTT events at La Forestière. The partnership reflects shared values between the organization and the cooperative, with OKTEO supporting the event's recreational cycling programs.
- Faiveley PlastcoreFaiveley Plast is an international group with 3 divisions (Industry, Pharma, Beauty) across 8 sites. Their Saint-Claude facility, in the heart of La Forestière's territory, has been a partner for over 10 years. In 2022, they became title partner of the UCI Marathon races (COURSES UCI MARATHON BY FAIVELEY PLAST). A Faiveley Plast team participates in the annual corporate challenge, and the company provides consistent financial and operational support.
- Jura Tourisme & AttractivitécoreJura Tourisme & Attractivité collaborated with La Forestière to establish the balisage (trail marking) of the Échappée Jurassienne — a 295 km FFC-labeled VTT itinerary linking Dole to Saint-Claude through the Jura's major sites. La Forestière contributed its trail expertise to develop this regional cycling tourism asset.
- Ville d'ArbentcoreThe city of Arbent has been a faithful partner of La Forestière since the inaugural 1991 edition. The Espace Loisirs d'Arbent serves as the main event venue. Mayor Philippe Cracchiolo has publicly endorsed the event as a source of pride for the city, providing municipal support, facilities, and logistical infrastructure.
- ECAM (Espoir Cycliste Arbent Marchon)coreECAM (Espoir Cycliste Arbent Marchon) is a local cycling development club. La Forestière partners with ECAM for the Forestcyclo cyclo-sportive event (85 km and 120 km routes), combining competitive and recreational cycling under the event umbrella.
- TV8 Mont BlancminorTV8 Mont Blanc provides live TV broadcast coverage of the UCI Marathon 100 km event. The broadcaster conducts pre-event reconnaissance rides and produces a 5-hour live stream with commentary by Eric Garcia and Lionel Beccarri, reaching a broad regional audience.
- Sports360minorSports360 provides on-site bike rental and equipment services for La Forestière events (e.g., Forest'Ride), including repair support during rides. They accompany participants as guides during group outings.
- Team BullsminorThe Team Bulls professional mountain bike team competes annually at La Forestière's UCI Marathon event. Team riders include Urs Huber (multiple winner and Swiss champion) and Simon Schneller (top-3 UCI ranking). The team represents the event at the highest competitive level.
- OverstimsminorOverstims provides nutritional products and energy supplements for La Forestière events, supporting rider nutrition and recovery during competitions.
- Cycles BurdetminorLocal cycling shop Cycles Burdet provides mechanical support and bike services for La Forestière events, contributing to rider logistics and equipment assistance during races.
- Domaine Foret (Official Winemaker of Forest'Cime)minorThe Domaine Foret vineyard serves as the official winemaker for Forest'Cime, providing Jura wine tastings during Stage 2 of the cyclo event, which traverses wine country including Salins-les-Bains, Arbois, Château-Chalon, and Baume-les-Messieurs.
- Immo FranceminorImmo France supported the 2024 edition by sponsoring the finisher diploma — a commemorative certificate awarded to all participants who complete the La Forestière VTT event, providing a tangible memento of their achievement.
- V'HéliosminorV'Hélios, a creator of 100% autonomous photovoltaic EV charging shelters made in the Ain department with French materials, provides free e-bike charging stations at La Forestière events, supporting the transition to electric mobility in cycling.
- MizenboiteminorMizenboite produces video content for La Forestière's corporate partners, creating retrospective films such as 'La culture d'entreprise ne se cultive pas qu'au bureau' shown during live TV broadcasts.
- Département du JuracoreThe Jura departmental council is a key institutional partner, supporting La Forestière's events through the PDIPR (Plan Départemental des Itinéraires de Promenade et de Randonnée) and co-developing regional cycling tourism assets including the Échappée Jurassienne trail.
- Département de l'AincoreThe Ain departmental council supports La Forestière events, contributing to the development and promotion of the Espace VTT FFC Ain-Forestière and cycling tourism in the region.
- Haut-Bugey AgglomérationcoreThe Haut-Bugey Agglomeration community provides institutional and logistical support for La Forestière events, particularly those centered in the Arbent area and surrounding Haut-Bugey territory.
- Région Auvergne-Rhône-AlpesminorThe Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional council provides funding and institutional backing for La Forestière as part of regional sports and tourism development initiatives.
- Région Bourgogne Franche-ComtéminorThe Bourgogne Franche-Comté regional council supports La Forestière as a cross-regional event spanning the Ain (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) and Jura (Bourgogne Franche-Comté) departments.
- Fédération Française de Cyclisme (FFC)coreThe FFC certifies La Forestière's randos through the Randos d'Or label and provides the regulatory framework for competitive VTT events (XCO, XCM, Enduro) including licensed race officials and event standards.
- ECAM Arbent (Youth cycling development)minorECAM Arbent provides volunteer motorcyclists and youth development support for La Forestière events, contributing to race marshaling and the nurturing of young cycling talent.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Forester competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Roc des Alpes: Multi-day Alpine mountain bike event in the French Pre-Alps. Comparable to La Forestière VTT as a French Alpine XCM/XCO event format, with a similar elite-plus-recreational rider mix.
Emerging players
- GFNY (Gran Fondo New York): Global gran fondo cycling event series with a strong amateur-competitive positioning. Comparable to Forest Gravel as a multi-destination amateur endurance cycling event brand, though with a more international and commercial orientation.
Broad incumbents
- Golazo Sports: Large European mass-participation sports organizer (including running and cycling events such as the Brussels Cycling Classic and numerous sportive formats). Comparable as a multi-event cycling organizer operating at greater scale across multiple countries.
- Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI): Global governing body of cycling that certifies events including La Forestière's UCI Marathon. Relevant as the regulator that defines the certification tier the company relies on, and as the convener of the MTB Alpine Cup.
- Fédération Française de Cyclisme (FFC): French national cycling federation that grants the Randos d'Or, FFC-label and Espace VTT certifications used by La Forestière's trail network and rando events. Relevant as the national federation partner whose standards shape the organization's product.
Direct peers
- L'Étape by Tour de France: ASO's mass-participation cyclosportive series staged on Tour de France routes worldwide. Directly comparable as a high-profile amateur French cycling event brand with multi-discipline community infrastructure.
- ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation): France's largest mass-participation and professional sports event organizer (Tour de France, Vuelta, marathon events). Directly comparable as a French/European cycling event organizer serving amateur and elite participants across multiple formats.
- Roc d'Azur: Iconic annual mountain biking festival held in Fréjus, France. Comparable as a major UCI-affiliated French mountain bike event combining competitive races, recreational rides, and an expo — a similar full-discipline cycling event model to La Forestière.
- La Marmotte: Legendary Alpine cyclosportive in the French Alps (174 km, multiple major climbs). Closely comparable to Forest'Cime as a multi-day / signature cyclosportive in the French Alpine mountain bike / road terrain category.
- Haute Route: Multi-stage cyclosportive series held in iconic Alpine and European mountain venues. Directly comparable to Forest'Cime as a multi-day amateur cycling event targeting enthusiast cyclists with tour-package-style delivery.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Forester social profiles
Digital presenceThe Forester compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
The Forester financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Forester leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
The Forester funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Forester M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Forester
What does The Forester do?
La Forestière organizes competitive and recreational cycling events (VTT/mountain biking, cyclo, gravel, e-bike, enduro, XCO) in the Jura and Ain departments of France. The organization operates four flagship annual events (La Forestière VTT UCI Marathon, Forest'Cime 3-stage cyclo challenge, Forest'Gravel, Ainvincible), free group outings (Forest'Ride), a cyclosportive (Forest'Cyclo), and maintains the permanent 1,500 km FFC-certified Espace VTT FFC Ain-Forestière trail network open year-round.
Is The Forester a public or private company?
The Forester is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Forester founded?
The Forester was founded in 1991. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The Forester based?
The Forester is headquartered in Arbent, France, in the Europe region.
How does The Forester make money?
One revenue line is on record: event registration fees.
Who are The Forester's main competitors?
Roc des Alpes is listed as a regional player. GFNY (Gran Fondo New York) is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Golazo Sports, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Fédération Française de Cyclisme (FFC). Direct peers are L'Étape by Tour de France, ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation), Roc d'Azur, La Marmotte and Haute Route.
Does The Forester have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Forester.
What industry is The Forester in?
The Forester's product category is Cycling Event Organization & Sports Tourism. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAKAIAC, Cycling Events (Road Races, Gran Fondos, Sportives), with a secondary code of THAAALAG, Cycling / MTB / E-Bike Guiding & Rentals. Its NAICS code is 56152 and its SIC code is 7900.