On September 3, 2026, at a ceremony held in Bern, Freelap won the 2026 Prix Montagne. This national distinction recognizes an entrepreneurial journey that began in Fleurier and has grown over the years into an international benchmark in sports timing.
From Fleurier to training grounds around the world
Founded by Jean-Pierre Baumann, Freelap designs precise, easy-to-use electronic timing systems that are accessible to coaches, athletes, and sports clubs.
Athletics is now one of the company’s main markets, but Freelap solutions are also used across many other sports, including biking, alpine skiing, soccer, biathlon, speed skating, and, more recently, swimming.
Behind this international presence is a seven-person team responsible for the development, production, and distribution of Freelap timing systems from the company’s workshop in Fleurier.
This ability to develop technology in a mountain region, manufacture it locally, and export it around the world particularly impressed the jury.
Dario Cologna highlighted the work of an ambitious team led by an innovative entrepreneur, as well as its ability to develop high-quality products in the Val-de-Travers for users far beyond Switzerland’s borders.
A victory shared by the entire team
When he received the award in Bern, Jean-Pierre Baumann did not hide his emotion :
“I’m speechless. It’s simply fantastic to be able to bring this award home to the Val-de-Travers.”
This distinction highlights the vision and journey of Freelap’s founder, but it also recognizes the work carried out every day by the entire Freelap team.
Developing reliable technology is about more than simply imagining new products. It means designing, testing, improving, and adapting them to real-world training conditions. This close relationship with coaches, athletes, and sports clubs has been an essential part of Freelap’s identity since the very beginning.
The 2026 Prix Montagne therefore recognizes more than twenty years of innovation, precision, and commitment to making sports timing more accessible.
Swiss technology firmly rooted in its region
Freelap demonstrates that a technology company can remain deeply connected to its home region while building an international business.
From Fleurier, Freelap timing systems now support athletes of all levels, regional sports clubs, universities, federations, and professional coaches in countries around the world.
This success is built on a simple belief : technology must serve athletes and coaches in the field. It should make it possible to measure performance accurately without complicating training or slowing down sessions.
This combination of innovation, accessibility, local production, and global reach is precisely what the 2026 Prix Montagne recognizes.
New momentum for the future
This distinction marks an important milestone in Freelap’s history, but it also opens a new chapter.
The needs of coaches and athletes are evolving, new sports are embracing electronic timing, and the Freelap ecosystem continues to expand. The objective remains unchanged : to provide reliable, precise, and easy-to-use solutions that help everyone measure performance more effectively and keep improving.
The entire Freelap team would like to thank the Swiss Association for Mountain Regions, Swiss Mountain Aid, the members of the jury, and all the people, clubs, coaches, athletes, distributors, and partners who have supported the company over the years.
The 2026 Prix Montagne is a tremendous source of pride for Freelap, as well as for Fleurier and the entire Val-de-Travers region.
The journey continues, driven by the same passion for innovation, precision, and sport.
