HISTORY OF CANICROSS

From the Beginnings of Canicross to Its Rise

Since always, humans have enjoyed walking or running with their dogs, whether off-leash or attached.

1982 – Birth of Canicross in France

Gilles Pernoud, a young veterinary student and enthusiast, developed an innovative approach to help dog owners socialize their pets. He envisioned a race with dogs — a cross-country run with dogs — which he called “cross canin” or “canicross.”
The first canicross event was organized in Paris, at the Parc de Vincennes, with an educational purpose — not a sporting one. All participants started together. Some walked, others ran… No one used specialized equipment, as it didn’t exist yet: the leash was simply attached to the dog’s collar and held in the hand.

1984 – Gilles Pernoud continued his studies in Lyon and organized another event, again with the same educational spirit. This time, more participants ran than walked.

1986 – CANICROSS
Still driven by Gilles Pernoud, the activity took a more structured form with the creation of “Véto Racing.” A canicross event was organized near the veterinary school of Lyon, in La Croix Laval park. A sled dog equipment manufacturer, “Gens de la Montagne,” was present to sell harnesses. He also offered a kind of belt for humans, designed specifically for this purpose.
On July 14, 1986, a canicross was held in Saint Pierre d’Allevard (near Grenoble). This time, the event really took off: people were genuinely running, and a set of rules was introduced to ensure respect for the dog. The race had group starts. This was the first “real” canicross, with about a dozen participants.

That same year:
Rafael Nadal was born in the Balearic Islands – Maradona scored his famous “Hand of God” goal eliminating England from the World Cup – Armstrong became the first American to win the Tour de France.

1987 – Similar Discovery in Belgium
Belgium was unaware of the events in France. Coincidentally, a similar evolution took place there, led by Véronique Bourdon, a young, athletic veterinarian. She pursued the same educational goal: running with dogs to help socialize them. A training group was formed in Chimay.
She envisioned not just casual group outings but real timed races. To avoid the issues of mass starts, participants started individually. She quickly understood that holding a dog by its collar was not ideal. Instead, she cleverly attached the leash to an upside-down horse halter — ingenious, right?

1988 – Gilles Pernoud launched the “4’Pat CROSS” Challenge, consisting of 10 to 12 races per year.

1990 – BIKE-JÖRING or Cani-VTT
The first bikejöring event took place in the Czech Republic by chance. It was meant to replace a skijöring race that had been cancelled due to lack of snow. Participants decided to substitute skis with bicycles.
The goal was mainly to have fun, but above all, to provide dogs with a physical activity.

It developed and gained momentum.

France: As shown above, France can be credited as the origin of canicross.
Together with Belgium, they are considered the cradle of this discipline.

Belgium:
In 1988, Jean-Luc Bertichamps organized a canicross in Malonne as part of a dryland sleddog race, using the same course. He repeated the event in 1990 on the same circuit.
On September 22, 1991, the first independent canicross (not part of a sleddog event) was held in downtown Renaix, organized by Frenchman Jean-Luc Payre. It counted toward the French Challenge and featured 22 different dog breeds.

The Belgian Canicross Federation (FCB-BCF) was naturally formed in 1991 as an informal association, simply because there was a need to organize.
Fittingly, the president’s name was Jean Lechien (translates as “John Thedog”)!
Events were held in Markendaal, Morlanwelz, Chimay, Gembloux, Mont-St. Aldegonde, Loppem, Halleux, and Mouscron.

The formal establishment of the FCB-BCF as a non-profit organization (ASBL) was on February 13, 1997.
That same year, the official national challenge included 19 races.

Czech Republic:
The country quickly adopted the sport through skijöring. When snow was lacking, competitors would run with their dogs for training — or engage in bikejöring.

The first canicross in the Czech Republic was organized on September 18, 1993 by Franta Burda and Jarmila Slavatova, in collaboration with the Musher’s Klub Centrum, the Cesky Horsky Club (Czech Mountain Dog), and the Sportovni Klub Bering Praha.
It was a joint effort between a sports club, a dog club, and a musher’s club. The event was simply called “Running with Your Dog.”
The following year, the event was renamed “Hostivarsky Canicross,” as it was held in Hostivar — a large park near Prague.

Hungary was also an early adopter thanks to Istvan Sveda and Jozsef Babinyecz. A canicross event was scheduled in October 1996 during a dryland kart race in Domonyvölgy. The MCSE, Hungary’s canicross federation, was established in 1999. The first independent canicross and bikejöring competition — not part of a mushing race — was organized in 2000.

Switzerland quickly joined the movement, taking part in the early French competitions. Understandably so — Switzerland is not far from Lyon.
Starting in 1996, a few private individuals discreetly organized canicross events here and there. Daniel Brot, in the Yverdon region (Canton of Vaud), developed the concept.
From 1997, Willy Charmillot, assisted by his Association Sportive Cynologique (ASC), established eight annual rounds that formed the Swiss Championship.
In 2009, the ASC became the FSCS (Fédération Sportive Cynologique Suisse), effectively transforming from an association into a federation.

Netherlands: The adventure began only in October 2004. Martin Gaus and the VCF (Flemish Canicross Federation from Belgium) joined forces to organize the first canicross in the Netherlands, held in Bovenkarspel. The Stichting Canicross West-Friesland later took over organizing the event.
From 2009, Bianca Koole took the initiative to organize new competitions in Amsterdam and Hilversum. Under her leadership, and with the support of Marianne van de Linde, canicross grew significantly. The Canicross Nederland federation was founded in 2012.

Austria: The first canicross event was held in 2005 in Loosdorf by CBA (Canicross-Bikejöring Austria). Hungarian competitors also took part.

Ireland (Éire): Karen O’Connor, Suzanne Boikovky, Joan Boyd, and Tomas Ryan founded Canicross Ireland. Shortly after, Louise Jones joined the committee as secretary. Their first event was a small gathering in October 2015 at Finnamore Lakes, County Offaly, with participants in all three disciplines.

1994 – Cani-Trail:
The first “canirandos” (dog hikes) took place in France. However, the activity quickly faded as many dogs suffered from heatstroke. Very few events were held, such as La Clayette, the Raid du Morvan in Burgundy, and the Cani-Champenoise in Pierry-Epernay, which lasted until 2005.
It was a demanding race: 25 km on Saturday, 21 km on Sunday, on the steep and sunny slopes of vineyard hills. Its organizer, Bertrand Robinet, refreshed runners with champagne.
Note: During the early editions of the Cani Spa Weekend, Saturday’s start took place in the town center for a 16 km trail run in “triplets.”

1996:
Gilles Pernoud created the quarterly magazine “Sports et Chiens.”
To increase readership, he opened its pages to sleddog sports.
This marked a turning point — the sport began to explode in popularity.

1998 – Trophée des Montagnes (TDM):
Relentless in his passion, Gilles Pernoud created the Trophée des Montagnes, a 3-stage race in Valloire, Valmeinier, and Saint Pierre d’Allevard.
It was the first international event of its kind, held in summer but at altitude. Yvon Lasbleiz won the inaugural edition.
Several nations participated: France, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany.
This international aspect marked a major milestone in the development and recognition of canicross, and led to the creation of the ECF (European Canicross Federation).
Pernoud would go on to organize seven editions of the TDM, from 1998 to 2004.

1998 – EuroCanicross:
Just a few months after the TDM began, Jean-Luc Bertinchamps, supported by Daniel Deveaux, organized the first European Championship in Malonne (Belgium) under the name EuroCanicross.
Of the eleven nations invited, nine registered, and eight attended (the Netherlands did not show up).
Countries present:

• Germany (1)
• Belgium (25)
• France (45)
• Hungary (1)
• Luxembourg (1)
• Poland (4)
• Czech Republic (11)
• Switzerland (2)

France won both men’s and women’s titles with Evelyne Vernanchet and Yoann Lasbleiz (son of the future ICF President).
Bikejöring was not yet included, but relay races were.
Gilles Pernoud attended as a photographer and organizational assistant. In 1999, he organized the second European Championship in Parc de Gerland, Lyon.

2000 – Notable Athletes
Here are some competitors who were already active before the turn of the millennium and continued afterward:

AUSTRIA: Birgit & Thomas Szendi (bikejöring)

BELGIUM: Milly Caudron, Philippe Wéry, Marc Léonard, Magda Didier, Ingrid Van Achter, Jean-Pierre & Diana Talbot, Yves Claus…

FRANCE: Jacques Adam, Norbert Bodin, Anne & Olivier Bazot, Dominique Bureau, Delphine Coudurier, Yves Deborde, Jean-Philippe Deshayes, Maurice & Corine Duport, Philippe Fournis, Emmanuelle Grisius, Gaëlle Houitte, Yvon Lasbleiz, Jean Lupo, Séverine Marcoult, “Papy” Rousseau, David Renou, Elisabeth Riff, Nathalie Rossignol, Pascal Steinmetz…

HUNGARY: Jozsef Babinyecz, Istvan Sveda…

SWITZERLAND: Séverine Boillat, Daniel Brot, Thierry & Willy Charmillot, Patrick & Barbara Wirz, Franciska Deschamps, Dominik Crettenand

CZECH REPUBLIC: Jirina Heroudkova (Keltnerova), Vlastimil Keltner, Sonia Klikarova, Petr Smrka, Linda Sucha (Keltnerova), Juri Suchy, Peter Tomcar, Pavel & Michal Zenisek.
Also notable: Ivana Velkoborska, who began in 2001, but became very active in developing canicross in the Czech Republic.

2000 – Bikejöring Officially Recognized
Bikejöring was officially included in the European Championship for the first time, with a title awarded during the event held in Valeyres-sous-Rances, Switzerland.

October 8, 2004: Creation of the ECF

Since the creation of the first “Eurocanicross” in Malonne (Belgium) in 1998, the participating nations have been meeting during each edition to discuss the regulations and plan for the future. The European Canicross Federation (ECF) thus naturally emerged and gradually took shape, probably starting from the Pilsen Championship (2001), as an informal association. Annual meetings were held on the eve of the European Championship under the virtual presidency of Willy Charmillot (Switzerland).

Jean-Pierre Talbot proposed the idea of officially creating the ECF (European Canicross Federation) as a non-profit organization. The project was examined during a small committee meeting held in Moutier, Switzerland, on April 11, 2004.

Participants:

France, represented by Jean-Luc Payre and Jacques Adam

Switzerland, represented by Willy Charmillot and Pablo Cassina

Belgium, represented by Jean-Pierre Talbot and Jean-Luc Bertinchamps

These three nations collaborated to draft the statutes.

During the General Assembly held in Szilvasvarad (Hungary) on October 8, 2004, the project and statutes were unanimously approved. The name “Eurocanicross” was dropped. From then on, participants would compete in the “European Championship” and be officially awarded titles.

First Board of Directors:

President: Willy Charmillot (Switzerland)
Vice-President: Jean-Pierre Talbot (Belgium)
Secretary: Pablo Cassina (Switzerland)
Treasurer: Laurent Thibaudgeorges (Switzerland)
Board Members: Istvan Sveda (Hungary), Jacques Adam (France), Pietro Giovanni Guadagnini (Italy)

2005

Under the initiative of Jean-Pierre Talbot, Jean-Luc Bertinchamps, and American Tim White (then President of the IFSS), the FCB-BCF organized for the first time, in collaboration with Jean-Claude Bams and the Belgian Mushing Federation (FBMC), an IFSS Dryland World Championship in Maas Vallei, Belgium. Both sled dog teams and single-dog (monodog) disciplines were scheduled.

It was a smart collaboration: different tracks, each under its own regulations, and shared organization costs. It was the only time this happened — Tim White was not re-elected.

2007 – Germany

Karl-Heinz Raubuch, a highly talented photographer and sole editor of the monthly magazine “Schlittenhund”, created a German canicross federation affiliated with the ECF to expand his client base. He was tasked with organizing the European Championship in Völklingen. Unfortunately, his goal was profit. Multiple financial irregularities were discovered, and he disappeared, leaving the ECF with significant unpaid debts. As a result, the German organization was thrown into chaos.

From 2011 onward, several athletes, including Birgit Kostbahn, reorganized the sport under the VDSV led by Jürgen Lueber.

2007 – The TDM Resurrected

After a two-year hiatus, Alex Legrand revived the TDM (Trophée des Montagnes). The task was very demanding, and he managed to organize only two editions. Once again, the TDM was on the verge of disappearing after 2008.

2009 – The TDM Continues

The TDM was not meant to disappear! This time, Yvon Lasbleiz successfully took over its organization. He moved the event to the Oisans mountain resorts. The race is very demanding, taking place over mountains with significant elevation gain and lasting 9 days, including two weekends. Around 600 people and 1,000 dogs travel from station to station. More than 15 nations are represented. Finishing the TDM is a true feat. In 2024, the TDM was not held due to difficulties in reaching agreements with the resorts.

2012 – United Kingdom

Richard Cook appeared in 2007 at the Völklingen event. Very enterprising, he founded the UK canicross federation, officially affiliated with the ECF. He organized numerous events very successfully, and his number of affiliates grew considerably.

In 2012, the ECF entrusted him with organizing the European Championship in Cirencester. Democratic irregularities and multiple financial anomalies benefiting his company “Canix” were uncovered.

Following observations from the ECF Board and due to his attitude, Jean-Pierre Talbot, as ICF President, conducted an international vote via a bailiff outside of a General Assembly. On November 30, 2012, Richard Cook was excluded from the ECF by 90% of the voting nations.

The UK quickly restructured, thanks in particular to Kim Mazzucca, Cushla and Simon Lamen, and of course the BSSF led by John Carter.

2013 – Statute Updates

The statutes were amended and completed at the General Assembly held in Porrentruy, Switzerland, on May 11, 2013.

2014 – SCOOTER 1-dog:

The ESDRA temporarily ceases operations. Its activities are taken over by the IFSS, but the IFSS no longer includes the 1-dog scooter category in its European or World Championships. Logically, the ECF nations unanimously decide to “save” this discipline, which becomes its third solo-dog discipline.

The scooter (1-dog) was demonstrated in 2015 in Blairgowrie, Scotland, and official titles have been awarded since 2016 in Nové Město, Czech Republic.

April 16, 2016 – Birth of the International Canicross Federation (ICF):

By decision made at the General Assembly held on April 16, 2016, in Nové Město na Moravě (Czech Republic), the ECF changes its name to the International Canicross & Bike-Jöring Federation (ICF). No changes were made to the rules or statutes.

Board of Directors:
President: Jean-Pierre Talbot (Belgium)
Vice-President: Yvon Lasbleiz (France
Secretary (not elected, appointed by the President): Marianne van de Linde (Netherlands)
Treasurer: Willy Charmillot (Switzerland)
Chair of the Technical Committee: Miroslaw Piecko (Poland)
Board Member: Ivana Velkoborská

2017:
The “ICF” brand (discipline and logo) is registered worldwide under reference number 016629776.
The ICF applies for affiliation with the FCI to gain recognition from a higher governing body. At its next General Assembly, the FCI refuses to recognize the ICF.A

75 years old, Jean-Pierre Talbot withdraws from competition due to an injury to his dog. No longer a competitor, he feels it is appropriate to entrust the management of the ICF to someone more actively involved in the sport.

At the end of the European Championship held in Santa Maria Maggiore, he officially hands over the presidency of the ICF to Yvon Lasbleiz.

No General Assembly or vote takes place. The change is accepted without further formalities.

2018:

As the ECF had become the ICF, its annual championship logically transformed into a “World Championship.”
This first edition was organized by Poland in Bierawa (Lubieszów).
Few non-European nations were present, but it served as an excellent springboard for the future.

2019:

The European Championship takes place in Chevetogne (Belgium).
For the first time, non-European nations request to participate.
Brazil, Colombia, Palestine, Mexico, and Greece are admitted as “guest nations”, but their competitors are not eligible for titles.

This will be the last European Championship — next time, it’s time for a World Championship.
A mixed relay (involving three disciplines) is demonstrated.

2020–2021:

Interruption due to health concerns.
The Covid-19 pandemic imposes worldwide lockdowns.
A few “rogue” races take advantage of the situation to emerge.

2022 – PARA-SPORT:

At the first World Championship held in Plédran (France), the ICF introduces a Para-sport category, officially named “Adapted Sport.”
Notably present is Bruno Georges, already active and well-known for years in traditional categories, despite wearing a foot prosthesis.

2025 – A Magical Record Achieved:

The World Championship organized in Pardubice (Czech Republic) hosts 31 nations and 1,000 race starts — a new record.

Also in 2025, at the initiative of President Yvon Lasbleiz, the ICF appoints representatives or ambassadors in major regions of each continent, to support and promote the development of the sport globally.