Day 1 – Friday, June 5: Margeride opens the 2026 Trèfle Lozérien AMV

Forty years after its creation, the Trèfle Lozérien AMV continues to thrill enduro riders from around the world. This anniversary edition got straight down to business on Friday with a demanding opening day across the high plateaus of Margeride.

A tricky opening day

Now attracting four times as many riders as it did at its inception, the Trèfle Lozérien AMV remains the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated classic in enduro. Whether amateur or professional, the off-road enthusiasts who gathered in Lozère this week had been waiting for one thing only: the start of three days of adventure.

On Friday morning, the field of 623 riders finally hit their favourite playground, facing a first loop of 211 kilometres and five special stages – already a serious challenge. The route featured grass, dirt and plenty of mud following the heavy rain that fell on Thursday.

The slippery conditions immediately caught out several competitors, but the Margeride loop rewarded riders with breathtaking scenery enhanced by the bright yellow broom flowers in bloom. A landscape that would invite most people to slow down and admire the view – though some competitors charged through it at full gaz!

Lunier leads, Tarroux close behind

After seeing his hopes dashed by a crash on the opening day last year, Killian Lunier wasted no time in showing his intentions. The local rider set the pace throughout the day, claiming victories in SP1 and SP3 while only conceding a handful of hundredths of a second to Valérian Debaud in SP2.

Less comfortable this afternoon, Lunier chose to manage his advantage, particularly in the final special stage where he played it safe and lost 2.2 seconds to Jérémy Tarroux.

An exciting duel is taking shape between the Lozère native and the rider from Tarn. Three years after claiming his first day win at the Trèfle, Lunier ends the opening day on top by just 0.157 seconds. Tarroux, however, has confirmed his excellent form and is clearly determined to add another victory to an already impressive Trèfle record.

A fierce battle throughout the top five

Hugo Blanjoue was the first rider onto the course under blue skies that had returned after Thursday’s rain. Aiming for victory, he built his day wisely, posting three consecutive fifth-fastest times before moving closer to the front in the final two special stages. He ends the day in fifth place, 8.6 seconds behind the leader.

Blanjoue remains within striking distance of his closest rivals: Jérémy Miroir, who enjoyed a strong and remarkably consistent day, and Valérian Debaud, whose eventful outing included an early crash, a stage win in SP2 and a near miss for another in SP4. Separated by only 1.2 seconds, the trio look set for a fierce battle over the remaining two days – not only for the podium, but perhaps even more.

Riders who also stood out on Day 1:

• Hamish Macdonald, 6th and remaining within reach of the leaders at just 20 seconds from the top.
• Antoine Magain, 7th right behind Macdonald, after he crashed twice in SP1, but bounced back with a stage win in SP4.
• Till de Clercq, 8th aboard his new Sherco and very close to the Macdonald-Magain duo.
• Mathis Juillard, 9th and impressive on his Elite-class debut before a few minor mistakes cost him ground.
• Romain Boucardey, 10th and frustrated by several setbacks during the day, but even more motivated for what lies ahead.

The legends are here

Some of enduro’s biggest names also entertained the crowds throughout the day. Recently retired from competition, Julien Gauthier dominated the Veterans category and even climbed into the overall top 15.

In the Super Veterans category, Laurent Charbonnel led the way before engaging in a memorable final showdown with Stéphane Peterhansel in La Vabre. The Mende native ends the day in an impressive 57th position overall, while “Peter” holds 70th place.

Aubrac awaits for another demanding day

The race continues tomorrow through more of Lozère’s spectacular landscapes. The main course awaiting the drivers promises to be a hearty one, with 232 kilometres to cover across the Aubrac region. As overnight leader, Killian Lunier will open the road – a position he has long dreamed of experiencing on home soil.

Come celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Trèfle Lozérien AMV!

On Saturday evening, fans are invited to the Fan Zone in Mende from 5:30 pm onwards. The programme includes autograph sessions, giveaways, interviews, a BMX Freestyle show and plenty of entertainment, all set to the soundtrack of a live DJ.

After all, turning 40 is something worth celebrating!