FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET
December 22 2025
As of December 2025, France holds the title of the team to beat for the 2026 World Endurance Championship.
France is currently the Reigning World Champion, having won the Team Gold at the most recent World Championship in Monpazier, France (September 2024), and successfully defending the title they won in Butheeb (UAE) in 2023.
Here is the detailed status of the French squad ("Groupe France") heading into the 2026 AlUla cycle:
1. Current Team Status: The "Gold Standard"
Under the leadership of Chef d'Equipe Jean-Michel Grimal, France arguably has the deepest bench of elite 160km horses in the world.
- Ranking: France is currently ranked #1 in the world for team depth.
- Recent Form: They dominated the 2024 World Championship on home soil (Monpazier) by focusing on high completion rates rather than just individual speed—a strategy Grimal is famous for instilling.
2. The Selection Process
As with the US and Argentina, the final team of 5 riders has not yet been selected. However, the French federation (FFE) operates a strict "Groupe 1" (Elite Squad) system. Riders must maintain consistent results to stay in this group.
The "AlFursan" Test (February 2026):
The most critical upcoming date for the French team is February 7-8, 2026.
- The AlFursan Endurance Cup in AlUla will serve as a de facto dress rehearsal.
- Jean-Michel Grimal is expected to send his top prospects here to test them against the specific Saudi desert terrain (deep sand and technical rock), which is vastly different from the wet/muddy conditions where they won Gold in 2024.
3. Key Contenders ("The Watch List")
The core of the 2026 team will likely be drawn from the 2024 Gold Medal squad, provided their horses remain sound.
- Virginie Atger: The anchor of the French team.
- Status: She finished 4th individually in 2024 on Cham de la Palud. She is widely considered one of the most technical and consistent riders in the world.
Mélody Théolissat:
- Status: Won Individual Bronze in 2024 on Yalla de Jalima. She is a lock for the long list if her horse is fit.
Clémentine Chaud:
- Status: A key member of the 2024 Gold team (riding Doha d'Artagnan AA).
- Philippe Tomas:
- Status: A veteran rider who is central to the team's strategy.
4. Strategic Outlook for AlUla
France's biggest challenge in 2026 will be acclimatization.
- The Challenge: In 2024, they won in heavy rain and mud (Monpazier). In 2026, they must switch back to desert tactics.
The Advantage: France also won the World Championship in 2023 in Butheeb (UAE), proving they can win in the desert. This versatility makes them the heavy favorites to retain their title in Saudi Arabia.