Day 3 – Rain and Mist in the Jura Range

The day began with rain, mist, and chilly temperatures. In the Jura range, it hovered around 10°C.

The route led riders through the Val-de-Travers, a region of breathtaking landscapes: dense pine forests, moorlands, open pastures, and a lake whose ever-shifting moods make it a paradise for nature lovers.

Val-de-Travers is also famous as the birthplace of Absinthe—the “Green Fairy.” This potent, herbal spirit is traditionally made from Grande Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), anise, fennel, and a variety of other herbs. Absinthe was first commercially distilled here in the late 18th century, and during the 19th and early 20th centuries, it gained cult status across Europe—especially among artists and writers like Van Gogh and Hemingway.

In 1910, Switzerland banned absinthe amid a wave of moral panic and health concerns (it was blamed for hallucinations and madness). The ban remained in place until 2005, when absinthe production was once again legalized. Today, Val-de-Travers is a vibrant hub for both traditional and modern absinthe distillers.

The region is also known for its extreme cold. La Brévine, often referred to as the “coldest place in Switzerland,” lies at around 1,040 m elevation. Tucked inside a long, sealed valley, it creates a natural cold-air basin where frigid air settles—especially on calm, clear nights. On January 12, 1987, a record low of −41.8 °C was recorded here—the coldest temperature ever registered in an inhabited area of Switzerland.

By afternoon, the rain stopped, and the views from Chasseral began to clear, though a strong wind swept across the ridge.

At the front of the race, Jay Jon reached Kunkels Pass at kilometer 900, with just 355 km remaining to the finish. The gap between Jay Jon and our “Lanterne Rouge”, Markus, has now grown to 300 km.

Photos: from the Jura range
Rider: Markus