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The Big Picture | Le Terroir: Six Days of the Trans-Provence

30.11.2014
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American Ty Hathaway ready to race Trans-Provence 2014.
American Ty Hathaway ready to race Trans-Provence 2014.

The word terroir roughly translates as, “a sense of place,” and refers to a distinct set of characteristics that makes a place different from all others. The Trans-Provence is hosted in the South of France by Ash Smith and a small army of regulars supporting no more than 80 riders on this annual six-day race. The topography of Alpes-Maritimes range is known for its height and severity, but the region is tempered by it’s proximity to the sea. The race starts in the rural Sasse Valley and winds through almost 300 Km of terrain to finish in Menton, a resort town on the edge of the Mediterranean. The trails, like the architecture, range from modern to ancient. Some of the routes were made by the Romans, others pass by abandoned bunkers from the second World War. Each factor contributes a piece to the experience that is the Trans-Provence and what can only be described as one of the most unique and challenging mountain races in the world.

ACRE / Mission Workshop team rider Ty Hathaway walked away as the top American finisher at the 2014 Trans Provence. Below are some images from his experience.

The long and winding road that is mountain biking takes you many places.
The long and winding road that is mountain biking takes you many places.
Francois Bailly-Maitre charging hard.
Francois Bailly-Maitre charging hard.
Wide open mountainside terrain.
Wide open mountainside terrain.
A grand landscape welcomes all visitors.
A grand landscape welcomes all visitors.
Although it appears at first glance to be soft wood this is actually sharp rock. Sections of the terrain in this part of France can be rough on the bike and body.
Although it appears at first glance to be soft wood this is actually sharp rock. Sections of the terrain in this part of France can be rough on the bike and body.
Ash Smith, the founder and director of the Trans-Provence, spends most of the year exploring the entire region for new trails. Every year the route changes to keep riders on top of their game.
Ash Smith, the founder and director of the Trans-Provence, spends most of the year exploring the entire region for new trails. Every year the route changes to keep riders on top of their game.
Each night dinner is provided for the riders; stories from the day are swapped, drinks are had, and introductions made between racers from all over the world.
Each night dinner is provided for the riders; stories from the day are swapped, drinks are had, and introductions made between racers from all over the world.
Nightly accommodations are rustic, but comfortable. After the riders are on their way, the entire camp is packed up and moved to the end of the next stage.
Nightly accommodations are rustic, but comfortable. After the riders are on their way, the entire camp is packed up and moved to the end of the next stage.
The race runs through several villages in between tracks of wilderness. Bringing riders out of the middle of nowhere into places that are centuries old.
The race runs through several villages in between tracks of wilderness. Bringing riders out of the middle of nowhere into places that are centuries old.
Riders have the opportunity to check out the local fare in between stages, mostly in the form of recovery beers and baguettes.
Riders have the opportunity to check out the local fare in between stages, mostly in the form of recovery beers and baguettes.
Race results are tallied daily, and a rider's overall ranking changes day-by-day.
Race results are tallied daily, and a rider’s overall ranking changes day-by-day.
Number plate for American Ty Hathaway.
Number plate for American Ty Hathaway.
Coming out of the shade of the forest into the light.
Coming out of the shade of the forest into the light.
The descents become a blur.
The descents become a blur.
As the racers approach the sea, the population density increases and sights of larger towns become more frequent.
As the racers approach the sea, the population density increases and sights of larger towns become more frequent.
Eventually, the finish in Menton comes into view, and the end of six days riding comes to a close right on the Mediterranean.
Eventually, the finish in Menton comes into view, and the end of six days riding comes to a close right on the Mediterranean.
The ocean appears, but don't be too quick to take in the view.
The ocean appears, but don’t be too quick to take in the view.
Mention, a modern and old city, loves it's mountain bikers.
Mention, a modern and old city, loves it’s mountain bikers.
With only minor mishaps rider Ty Hathaway timed in as the top American finisher at 16th place for the 2014 race.
With only minor mishaps rider Ty Hathaway timed in as the top American finisher at 16th place for the 2014 race.
And then the party, and the fun, really begins.
And then the party, and the fun, really begins.
Photos: Sven Martin, Duncan Philpott

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