Save the Date | Alps Epic 2016 – New MTB Stage Race in France

Stage Races like the Swiss Epic and many others are super popular nowadays in mountain biking. So it was just a matter of time until the cycling nation of France comes up with a stage race – the Alps Epic! Find out more about this event in the following press release.

In 2016, France will host the ALPS EPIC, a multi-day marathon stage race. The race format is similar to other international events, with racers competing in teams of 2. Each year, the Alps Epic will race a new section of the ‘Grande Traversée des Hautes-Alpes’. The route will consist of a prologue and 5 stages from 50-70km with 2-3000m of climbing and descending with the firm emphasis on quality singletrack.

The organisers are offering a race package that is truly top-notch, with all inclusive packages of the sort normally reserved for the top pros. The event will be an officially recognised ‘eco-event’ right from the start.

Two formulas are proposed for the first edition:

• The Blue Package, where racers enjoy the beautiful nature of the Hautes Alpes, sleeping in the Alps-Epic camp.
• The Black Package, where racers are lodged in the finest accommodation at each overnight stop and enjoy the best of the local produce, creating an experience full of charm, comfort and an authentic welcome.

Inaugural edition from 3-9th July 2016: For the 2016 edition, 250 racers, including 50 special guests, will have the honour of contesting a truly VIP edition. From 2017, the race will be open to more entrants and will feature a wider range of entry packages.

Some guest-entries will be awarded based on results, in accord with the ‘Objective Alps Epic’ which is a partnership with other illustrious events such as the Ultra Raid de la Meije and the TransMaurienne.

Canyon have already come on board as sponsors, with a focus on their marathon race bike the Exceed CF – the ideal weapon for the Alps Epic.

Squirtlube and the Mountain Bikers Foundation (MBF) are also partners, helping the Alps Epic to achieve its ‘Eco-Event’ status.

More Information at the Alps Epic Website.

Words & Photos: Alps Epic

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