Megavalanche Alpe d’Huez
Welcome to our Megavalanche Alpe d’Huez information site.
We have set up this website to provide a one stop information point on everything you need to know about the Megavalanche event that is held in Alpe d’Huez each year.
The event has been running now for over 10 years in Alpe d’Huez and makes up a series of events known as the Avalanche Trophy (official organisers website htp://www.avalanchetrophy.com) . The format of the race is to qualify in one of your heats on the Friday and then depending on your final qualifying position you will get to race on either the Saturday or Sunday in the main Megavalanche event.
Please post your comments advice or questions at the bottom of the pages. By doing so we can make this website even more informative.
Phil and Helen
N.B. This is not the official megavalanche website. Please visit htp://www.avalanchetrophy.com
Hi,
It my first year and I plan to cycle on a specialised enduro full suss with SPD pedals.
What do you think?
Dan JFDI
sounds perfect
Getting some practice on the snow here in Sierra Nevada right now, unpredictable to say the least. Really looking forward to the Mega in July, i’ll be on my Bionicon Supershuttle FR but still not sure whether it’s full body armour or keep it light with elbows and knees?
What do you think?
the first year i competed i did so with full body armour. I found it too hot as there is a load of pedalling sections and in July it will be warm. Also you are in a race situation. Ever since the first year i have just used arms and leg protection – i would go for full legs covering shins – and a full face helmet of course . If you feel happier wearing full body armour then I would use it. Bike will be perfect as well.
My first year too, riding an Iron Horse 6.4 and looking forward to it (and a little bit wary)
Where is the best place to stay, my partners coming along but she won’t be riding so will be doing cooking etc.
Looking for somewhere to stay with room for bike and gear etc, fairly standatd fare really.
Looking at comments above re body armour, has anyone tried the 661 sub gear, looks like it could be a happy medium but haven’t tried it myself yet.
Any thoughts on accomodation and tips for riding greatly apprciated.
Cheers
Hi Chris,
Ride Oisans have space up in Alpe d’Huez but this is not on a self catered basis. They have hotel accommodation or full hotel accommodation. Both have bike storage and not riders are very welcome. Why not give your partner a holiday as well and let someone else do the cooking
. We also have properties in Bourg d’Oisans but this would mean a drive up every morning but then there is more for you partner to do in Bourg d’Oisans
Phil
I also going with my GF and she isn’t biking either( well nit in megavalanche anyhow)
We are camping at a really good site not far from les deux an alp d huez, I camped there 2 years ago and had a blast.
Hi Dan,
Have you got the details of the campsite you stayed at?? I’m looking for somewhere to camp too.
Thanks
Matt
Hi Dan what was the name of your campsite thanks roger
I’m taking part for the first time too; I’m trying to find the best way to get to Alpe d’Huez from Scotland, does anyone have any advice?
I’ll be riding a specialised big hit so I don’t have to worry about the bike too much, although I think I might have to do a bit of pushing – was planning on full body armour, but the other comments about the heat are well worth considering, esp with a heavier bike.
Is it easy to get information on other riding in the area; I’m in town for the whole week, but only entered in the Mega, will obviously be practicing, but would like to make the most of the trip to see the area too.
You need to get to grenoble station from there there are regular buses upto Alpe d’Huez They are used to taking bikes on board. From Scotland to Grenoble flights to Lyon or Geneva and then bus to Grenoble. There are loads of marked routes in Alpe d’Huez itself so once here you can pick up a MTB map. They are all well sign posted. Ride Oisans are also offering transfers from Lyon to Alpe d’Huez on the 4th July for people staying with them. Unfortunately there return transfer is already fully booked for the 11th July though.
Can anyone else help with the Sotland to Alpe d’Huez part ?
I am going for the week and plan to travel back Tuesday after the meg.
Have not done it before but did les deux alpes an loved it.
I am driving over with a vw t5 kombi, with my girlfriend, my brother is also going but in his own Toyota hi lux. If you want a lift and only pay your fuel share and ferry then you could jump in with me at Ashford in Kent.
Dan,
Thanks for the reply; car sharing definitely looks like the way forward here.
May well take you up on your offer if someone else doesn’t jump in there first.
Was looking at getting the train down, and have to say crossing from Euston to St Pancras could be good practice!
Steve, I will book ferry / tunnel this week, if you are up for a share on the fuel etc let me know. Once I book the channel crossing it is quite hard to amend it. I plan to leave on Tuesday 5th and return on Tuesday 12th.
Dan.
All told the fuel cost me £230 and the tolls were about £160 (round trip) so you could get there fairly cheap
Dan
Dan,
Thanks very much for the offer, I’ve managed to find a car share from further north leaving earlier for more riding before the main event. Just got it sorted. My apologies if you’ve been waiting for me, have a good trip.
Steve
No problems, If you know anyone who is struggling to get there then get them to give me a shout.
Dan
Have you been there before? I’m going with my friend there for a first time… We gonna go with own car…. But just don’t wanna get lost or smth .. If you know the route, would be nice to join you .. We are going from Scotland – stirling …
This event is wicked. Only that, from where I come from, there is no such thing. Yet.
Just curious, would a 5″ or 5.5″ bike be suffice for an event like this?
either would be fine .
Hey guys, can anyone recommend a good campsite in/near Alpe d’Huez that will take a VW camper?
Really looking forward to the race!!!
Matt
Hi, I stayed at a place the year before last when I went to les deux alpes which was at the foot of the mountain between les deux and alpe de huez. It was nothing flash but was well placed with hot showers and a very clean pool. Nothing to do there buy camp and chill… For info I plan to stay at exactly the same site this year which is my first year for mega and guess what….. I also have a T5. Let me know if you still looking and I will dig out the name of it.
Dan – Ashford Kent.
Daniel could you send the name of campsite and the rates thanks roger
Damn, can’t make it this year. But I think I get some days off in Sept. There is another marathon Downhill in Italy, I’ll head there!
I was wandering they have been talking of a new course any info on that??
I have done it in the past once with heavy 2.5 minnions I was wandering if 2.35 dual ply wouldnt be enough? and is a granny ring really important or can i just keep my 36 single upfront?
i would use a dual ring upfront unless you plan to walk the hills. 2.35 dual ply are perfect
Is anybody going for the week, I’m off to watch on my motorbike.
I wondered if there is anyone from the midlands going? who could take my bike, if I paid towards the petrol?
John
Sorry, take my mountain bike
Hello,
I have a question regarding race licences. Will a provisional one from British Cycling be enough, or do you need a full one?
Thanks.
my understanding is you will need a full licence best get a medical certificate just in case
I am entered in this years mega and plan to have a health certificate from my doctor BUT, what is a licence? I have never heard this anywhere in my application?
Can someone please clarify the license situation? Do you need a race licence for mega?
you do not need a race licence. If you want to race without a licence then you need a doctors certificate to say you are fit and healthy
Hi folks, it will be my first Mega ride, there are three of us coming over for the week, can’t bloody wait.
I am riding an Orange 5 AM with Tallas 160′s, chain device, hope v2′s, I am worried if the 140 mm end will hold up, I have been used to a Remedy 8, what’s your thoughts?
Full light weight 661 body armour too! not only to protect you but to loose weight too!
Oh can anyone give advice on race insurance please, re; helicopter/hospital etc.
cheers guys.
I checked out the British Cycling website and found a good deal for insurance which covers you for events form a company they recommended – I am a member of BC by the way – you may need to join too. This is travel and medical insurance combined and very reasonable considering how much you might need to pay out if you hurt yourself. I also got a FREE E111 equivalent off the NHS which gives you reciprocal rights in the EU for medical treatment. Beware there are numerous websites that will charge you up to a tenner to get an E111; go direct.
Hi there, just wondering if anyone has an update on the top part of the course..? Is there actually any snow at all this year? If not, what’s the surface underneath.. just rubbly ski road I would guess? Be good to hear from anyone who has done it in years where there is no snow!
Just another point to add, I’ve heard that the provisional race licence from British Cycling is acceptable, and it’s free when you join so much cheaper than a £50 doctor’s note!
Hi there,
Dan, details of the campsite would be sweet if you have them.
Steve
Look out on here over this weekend for campsite details, I am still unsure I where to camp as ideally I would prefer not to have to drive to the resort every day. That said if I don’t find owt decent I will stay at the same place as I did before. Lime I said details will be on here sat/sun.
Dan
Anyone arriving at Geneva Airport on Saturday 2nd June? I am looking into transfers to Alpe de’Heuz…
Hi all,
Just wondering what sort of time people are heading over. Never been therefore before so don’t know the drive and all that.
On the 03.20 (bl**dy early) ferry from Dover on Monday 04 July.
Me and the bird are leaving Sunday pm on the eurostar. It’s an easy route down.
If you need any advice give me a shout.
Thanks Steve, I managed to get covered from DOGTAG Ins, they have a Megavalanche insurance cover on their extreme cover, only £31 for 10 days min cover too!
see you all there, 8 of us getting in to Alpe D’uez on Sunday evening!!!
I’m looking into it for next year and decided to get all the info I can possibly get.
I will be riding a orange patriot with 170mm boxer rides up front and a fox vanilla rc with about 6-7 inch on the back and flats (are clips better for this event?).
With all this about race licenses how do I get one and how much or is a doctors note better (do I need both?).
I will also be going with my partner and my 2yr old son (that will be his age at next year) and would like to know of any good camping or self catering around the area.
Cheers James
Good luck to all of you guys racing In this years
James, for your first time this is a good forgiving choice, which will allow you to ride anything in the area – you’re there for a week remember. You will find a lot of 150mm bikes there, but mostly ridden by folks who have been before. I rode first time last year on a 170 / 160mm single crown downhill frame, which was over specced and a bit heavy, but I had no mechanicals and by squeezing a double chainring and bash on, managed to ride the whole route. It’s a compromise between having a bike that will survive and look after you at the same time so you can enjoy yourself, or getting the lightest bike you can and going for the quickest time. I think you’ve got a good ride to have a good time.
As for Licences – I paid £95 for a full racing licence as I thought I’d use it during the rest of the year, but queued to register with a bunch of people who just had doctor’s notes. Last time I went to my GP for this I got one for free – I’d go that route if I was you.
There was free camping at the top of the village last year, but it is pretty basic although 30 seconds from town and the first uplift. If you’re taking your family, there is a proper campsite in Allermont at the bottom, you will have to get up the hill in the mornings which means a slightly earlier start, but it’s a compromise. I’m not sure of the transport situation: I know that later in the week last year there was a free bus transfer to Oz from the bottom of the Mega track in Allermont, and from there with your lift pass you could get up and over with a short fun run into Alpe d’Huez, but I’m not sure when it started. It was certainly very easy rough camping and rolling into the queue, but not necessarily what you want with the family. The free camping was friendly, but elbow to elbow, and relied on portaloos mostly.
Have a great time.
Hi, A few of us are wanting to do the mega next year and will be stoping for a week. Do you know of any good places to stop? we stoped in morzine last year with a place called Riders Refuge, basicaly it was a self catering lodge but they cooked for us, it was exellent and run by a top English couple, somewhere like this would be good. Also what do you ask for from the doctor? we did the passportes de solie last year and didnt need any licence or doctors note.
When they release the enteries do you have to get in there fast before they all go? how limited are the places? with the passportes you had to get them as soon as they were released or you’d blown it.
Hi Mat,
We use a hotel for our accommodation this year we are using the BeauSoliel right next to the main lifts have a look here
http://www.polkadotstop.com/megavalanche.asp
We used to do a chalet but we just have too many guests wanting to stay with us so we have switched to the hotel
Entries tend to go fairly steadily but in past years you have not needed to get them on the day
Phil
Ride Oisans
Hi! Do you have to qualify within a certain number to take part in actual race or does the qualifyng just place you in start groups?
Where you qualify determines where you start either in the Pro Race the Second Race or the Infinity Race. Either way you get to do the race itself. The faster you qualify the closer to the front you will be.
Phil
http://www.rideoisans.com/megavalanche.asp
You are set off in groups of approx 200 for the qualifier. Where you come in your group then determines what you ride (and which day) on the main event. There is the Mega for the fastest qualifiers, then the Mega amateurs and the Mega challengers, which are still the full group start on the Megavalanche track. Last year was my first year, and I didn’t qualify for these in my group, and was in the MegaAffinity, which is split over two days. MegaAffinity is a timed run down the whole Mega Track but without the mass start. I really enjoyed it, and reading the mags later realised that I got a similar time to one of the riders for MBUK, although he got a mechanical while racing others, and I rode without that pressure – still overtook and got overtook, but good fun. As an aside, there were several people who I met who stayed where I was, who had arranged to leave on the sunday, thinking all the races were on saturday, but in fact half of the events occur on the sunday, so they had to go home, having not ridden.
would a 100mm hardtail (4x style) be able to handle this ?
or is that pushing it a bit ?
depends how good a rider you are
Hello, I’m planning to attend in Megavalanche this year. I’m 53 age, is there any catagory for my age group?
I’ve been looking at different sites here and am wondering what the entry fee for the mega is? also prices for a package of accomadation etc all in. have spent to long looking now and have confused myself.
Visit the official website to enter it should not cost more than 100 euros. Ride Oisans sell accommodation through http://www.polkadotstop.com/megavalanche.asp
What is the entry fee for the mega?
Another “is my bike good enough” question….sooo…..does anyone who’s ridden Megavalanche before think a Cannondale Prophet with coil Pikes would be okay?
yep probably an ideal bike
Another “depends how good a rider you are answer” from me. I rode my Prophet with Coil Pikes on the qualifier track last year. It would have been fine on the event but I rode a burlier bike on both qualifier (becasue it was so rough), and mega track because I wanted some more margin for error on the long track. Bottom line for me was that my Prophet is my ‘baby’ and I didn’t want to put it through all that – if you’re not so sentimental then you’ll be fine. One advantage I hadn’t counted on of the bike I rode was that it was a Specialized with FSR suspension, which allowed me to brake on braking bumps where the Cannondale with its single pivot would have bucked about, and by the time you’re into the woods on the Mega track, some of the braking bumps start 20-30 metres before the bends! Bottom line; if you are not too heavy on your bike and not sentimentally attached to it – I would have to agree with rideoisans as it is light and capable of taking the hits.
Hi, can anyone tell me if its possible to register for other people, as there are 4 in our group.
Hi, after my first ride in the 2011 Mega it’s all go this year, what a fantastic place it is, hope to catch up with you all if your going this year, race tickets available to book on Monday 16th Jan….yeeee hawwwwww!
Hello all this will be my 3rd year in the Mega but this year i see no Avalanche cup down to Oz is it still going ahead ???? Cheers for any info.
Hi, Ive booked in the mega for the first time and Im wondering about the qualifiers, are they on the thursday/friday? as we wont arrive till late on wednesday, if so what do you have to do to get sorted for them.
Also we have booked in the hotel ride oisans is using , will there be anyone working there who will be able to help us out with where to go and what to do for the qualifiers and race?
Sorry for all the questions but I would rather know what im doing before I get there.
Cheers Mat
The Megavalanche website will post a timetable fairly soon I would expect.
I understand if you are time/funds limited, but I rode the Mega for the first time last year and camped for the start of the week at the ‘free’ site under the cablecar station at the top of town in Alpe D’Huez so that I could ride in the area and ride all the tracks a few times before the events. I found this to be massively beneficial (not least for getting used to the altitude), and for a first time I would thoroughly recommend this – there’s enough going on (esp on the quali) without not being sure what’s round the next bend! I moved into a hotel for the last few days so I got a good night’s sleep.
I found I was ahead of the game a little in comparison to those people who arrived fresh at the end of the week just for the events.
As for the arrangements, initial stuff will be on the site before you go, and once you are there it is all very well organised indeed – on registering you will get a timetable.
Thanks Steve, thats very helpfull. I was planning on going for the week but the lads Im going with cant do a full week, and we are car sharing, so we will have to dive in at the deep end.
do you need full suss and is there a age limit so me and my dad can do it
Howdy
Im coming from Ireland. I m trying to find any one else doing it from Ireland as well so I could split driving costs
Hi
My husband is entering for the first time this year so can anyone recommend a good campsite to stay at?
Thanks
Taryn
Hi,
I have full race licence, will I need a doctors note as well?
Ian
no the full race licence should be fine
Hi, I am doing this years Mega and will be there with my family. We will be in a motor home and probably staying down in Bourg d’oisans. Is there a shuttle service up to Alpe d’Huez?
There is no shuttle service from Bourg d’Oisans just Allemont where the race finishes
Loads of great info, thanks!
just one thing, how do you recommend getting there? Flight, drive, Coach?
Any tips much appreciated!
Hi i lost my record of the entry to this years megavalance how do i find prof of my entry road runner
hi guys anyone from ireland heading over?
Looking to race next year and wondering if you know of anyone who can arrange some type of package deal including Airfare, hotel & possibly train or car rental. I’m sure it will cost more, but may eliminate some stress. Thanks!
Hi Fellas, Having a nightmare trying to amend my entry as one of my party cannot attend and so I would like to swap him for someone else. When I contact Actice.com they say I should contact the event organisers, when I contact megaavalanchecup.com they never reply on any of their support numbers. Has anyone got a phone number or another way of getting hold of them. It’s one month to go and I am getting worried. Roger
After much searching and the help of a French friend I found out that there is a regular bus service from Bourg d’Oisans up to Alpe d’huez, so we will now stay down in the valley – it is service number 3020
For the doctors letter, does anyone know just what the doctor is supposed to write?
Hi Ed The bus service is not that regualar probably ony 3 times a day max. It certainly wont be early enough for race day
PHIL
Edward, if it helps I have this link to a medical certificate template from the Etape du Tour website – http://www.letapedutour.com/ET1/docs/CertificatMedical_FR.pdf
Be prepared for quite a few uphill sections and, if the weather’s good, it WILL be hot. Good luck to everyone!
I should think the same would be fine for the Mega.
BTW, I’ve never done the actual Mega but rode the course a few years ago, including the glacier, on a Turner Flux with no body armour, XC helmet and 2.1″ XC tyres and 120mm fr and rr – was totally awesome, pretty technical in places but just amazing. The French downhillers who showed us the way thought we were crazy dressed in lycra as we were
We have a spare place (car and apartment) to go to the mega in alpe dhuez, 14th july to 22nd july inclused travel fuel, ferry, apartment and tolls, it will be around £400
call Anton 07852140440 for details, no nutters! 6pm to 8pm cheers.
forgot to say we will be traveling from Sheffield!!!!
Have entered Mega for the first time with my 16 year old son. The entry confirmation asks for Doctors letter if you dont have Mtb membership.
My Gp wasnt sure exactly what was required.
Any advise on what I need to get from GP
Cheers Mark
Hi I have a provisional race licence. Would that be enough or do i need the full liceance?
I think you need a full licence best check with the organisers
Hi, is anyone travelling out on the 16th of July? And driving straight out to alpe duez, looking for a lift, Will be able to leave straight after work, on the Monday?? Can pay my share of tolls, ferry and fuel, I have accompdation for the week, let me know cheers!
Hi Rhys, Im travelling down on the 13th (Friday evening) if thats any good to you. I’ve still got an empty van so I’ve plenty of room.
I leaving Monday ferry at 14.00 I’m travelling from Manchester area if it helps
If anyone needs a lift im travelling on the chunnel Friday 13th 8.20pm and travelling back on the 23rd. I am staying with friends in Chamonix for a few days but I dont mind dropping you off stright at Alpe Duez. At the moment Its only me travelling down in my T4 so there is plenty of room.
Hi tony, give me a text, 07964894896 and I’ll ring you back, I’m going to see if I can get an extra day off work and leave on the Friday, will try and let you know tomorrow, cheers
Does anyone know what is expected on the doctoes note? I went to see my doctor and he just wrote a confirmation that I am fit and healthy on a A4 sheet of paper and then put his stamp on. Is this good enough?
Hi I had posted earlier on same subject but no replies. There was a pdf download for a “similar” french bike race that was a you described. I ended up with a headed letter saying that didnt know any reason not to. I too am hoping this is enough as am leaving for family hols to paris wednesday before AlpDhuez so it better be ok.
Yes I hope its ok also, my doctor told me he had done the same for other people doing sporting events in france before, but it would be good if someone could confirm though.
Mat chased up with Race organisers and got this reply
Dear Mark,
Your medical certificate will need to state that you are fit to compete a MTB race. We will require one certificate per person (your name and surname have to figure on it). For your 16 years old son, we will also ask you to write a short letter (parental authorization) stating that you’re allow your son to take part in the race.
Kind Regards
Alexandra Dardevet
So basic letter should be fine !!
PS it does say compete not complete.! Good luck and hope that helps
I am leaving Monday from Manchester aiming to arrive Tuesday am.
Does anyone need a lift? Some diesel money would help.
Get in touch danwatsonuk@yahoo.co.uk
Hey, looking for a ride from Geneva Friday the 20th if anyone knows anyone that’s heading up for the main races on Sat and Sun. I’m from Williams Lake, British Columbia and my flight gets in at 10:00 am Friday mornin, so anytime after that. Could also take a train to Grenoble if anyone is leaving from there either. Thanks!
hi i am thinking of entering next year and was wonderring if my 2004 kon a stab primo with 09 888 and mavic 823 wheels is to much bike to race on what do you guys think ?
Raced this year and saw a whole range of bikes from cotic hardtail to 120mm trail bikes up to a weird contraption that must have had a 14″ front fork. If you look at the race as a weeks holiday then from alp dhuez there are all the standard downhill runs best ridden with a dh bike and some great rides from Oz. However there is also plenty of great xc riding aswell.
For the quals the race is in 3 sections. The middle section is by far the most demanding on the bike and is a black DH run. The first section is a bit more pedal with tighter turns and some short out of the seat type climbs followed by a long section of shallow descent on fireroad. the last section has some easy flattish riding and fast easy fun descent. There is not much pedalling up. its just those short little climbs and keeping speed on the flatter sections. There are no big drops the worst being about hip height (ish)
The main race goes on forever. The snow is a fight all the way down ( a long way) to try and keep upright and keep front wheel tracking straight. the next constant little rock step downs, steep at times and rutted or rock strewn followed by sections of climb. Nothing is a steep climb and not technical but longish no one on a dh bike was even trying to pedal. you are already exhausted and its 30 degrees. The last section through the woods is classic riding with loads of dusty berms and switch backs and steep fast track into woods and roots. By that point it was all i could do just to hold onto the bars. Plenty of ruts and braking bumps.
On the qual you will benefit from a DH bike but on the main race suffer.
I rode a nukeproof mega with a 160 coil lyrik which was about perfect compromise. The only thing i would say is take as much rotor as you can strap to the fork. Its steep goes on forever and there are always people to crash into. A dropper post and biggest toughest tyres. I had 2.4 / 2.2 tubeless conti rubber queens which sprung a slow leek. Loads of people suffered punctures . its not bike park smooth and a lot of the rock is super sharp so dh 2.5′s with more air pressure than normal used hope hoops with stands rims and these were absolutely solid.
I wouldn’t worry too much about what bike, one guy was riding a hard tail dirt jump bike. In fact the most important thing about your bike is be prepared to brake it. There were loads of blown shock, snapped frames wheels and handlebars. There is a massive adrenalin rush and along with being shagged you tend to hit everything twice as fast as normal.
Just get entered It is definitely a bucket list trip. best week of riding I have had and plenty of opportunity for a suntan and a beer thrown in
when mega 2013 thenn ? dateees?
excited
HI there, I feel pretty confident so I’m planning to do MEG 2013 but don’t know what to ride as I have snapped my Specialized big hit, probably will get exactly the same frame as they are really good to ride for me or will chose another similar frame. Do you think it’s good enough for MEG
The only thing I worry about is getting there + the accommodation. Don’t know how to start preparing my self ( planning the journey + accommodation) I’ll probably be going on my own as my friends ride BMX and DJ. I’m from UK (West Midlands) So if any body knows people or company that are organizing a trip to MEG 2013 let me know + give me some advice
Contact me by email kolbi12212@wp.pl
Cheers Greg
so i want to do this- not much snow to train on in western australia but anyway need to know if anyone can tell me how to enter..the website does not seem to have any details on entry..?/?.have to book flights aand all the other stuff….when should i get into town to get the full vibe etc….
You probably want to get in to town from Monday or Tuesday before the event. Entries go online mid january usually. We recommend using Polkadotstop.com. They have a hotel right next to the main lift station and the hotel will be full of riders doing the Megavalanche
Hi, does anyone know what the minimum age is please, as my 15 year old son fancys doing it. And how do you sign up for the event? Thanks Garry.
I think it is 18 but not sure. Check on the official website to get your entries mid january 2013
Hi the entry is online and website goes live in January I think. The entry requirements have a minimum date of birth on race day. Last year it was 16yrs. Rode it with my son last year and he turned 16 in the march.
It’s very friendly and well organised but still pretty intimidating if he is not used to the race scene. On the quals you are entered in alphabetical order so if you register with the same surname then you will both likely not only have the same start time but be next to each other in the line. After that it is a massed bundle and the next time you meet up is likely in alp dhuez. Most important for young riders is upper body strength and forearm grip. It is relentless and tiredness is most likely cause for an off. My son beat me in quals and turned out he was more up for it than I was. For race day he volunteered to drop back to my race which is a big point. The logistics of getting to the race is hard with early starts. The organisers are very cool about this if you don’t qualify for main race.
would a santa cruz bullit with marzocchi fornt forks+5th element rear shock be good enough for this event?
This really looks like a great event and myself and friends are looking at coming over for the race next year. We have no experience in the alps but have done plenty of runs at cwmcarn in Wales which I hope would prepare us a bit? I use a kona dawg with fox single crown forks with 8inchs of travel do you think this will be fine? How much would you estimate at a total cost to travel from the uk for a week?
Do you need a race license to enter
no, Just a letter from your GP saying you are fit to take part.
Gday
Looking to come over with a group of eleven riders and need some better info as ive been emaling and getting no response.
Can someone please tell me:
How much is lift pass and race entry for the week?
Is it better to get to Alpe d’Huez from Switzerland airport or Grenoble airport?
Ive emailed to find out about paying a deposit on accom for my group but got no reply, how do I find out how to book for eleven close to the chair lift?
Any help appreciated.
Hi Benny
Price is about 100 euros for the week including entry and liftpass. Entries go on sale January.
There are not many flights into Grenoble airport so your best bet is Lyon or Geneva.
You can book accommodation directly online at polkadotstop.com this is right next to the main lift station and the best place to be based
Phil
do you enter or get invited just me and a friend dancy doing this in a few years
Im going to enter my first mega this coming year and my girlfriend is coming too but wont be riding, where would be the best place for accommodation where she wont get bored while im out riding but is still close enough to the event.
Hi Aiden
If you stay with our partners hotel in Alpe d’Huez you will be right next to the main lift station and central attractions
http://www.polkadotstop.com/megavalanche.asp
Phil
Hi Aidan
There is a pool just down the road from the hotel where there were families just chilling and sunbathing last year. Be warned guys aren’t allowed in wear board shorts, so take some old fashioned swimwers if you want to hang by the pool with her. last year it was sunny every day. Fingers crossed for 2013.
I don’t suppose anybody would have a rough idea about costs? I.e. entry fees, hotel costs and flights from the uk?
Hi I have also been looking at the website for lots of details but most of which seems to be in French, any ideas of how I can get past this
Hi Craig.
Entry fees last year were under £80 if I remember right, this included the weeks lift pass, in my view a bargain. When you get there you can buy extra insurance for the race days, so just bear that cost in mind to. We bought insurance for the whole week including kit which was about £90. Use the polkadotstop link for accommodation. I drove which was 5 tanks there and back (petrol) plus toll roads. Probably more to drive but took all my tools with me, we had to do some form of repair every day. I am budgeting accom £450, insurance £80, transport £160, lift pass £80, beers, snaks and energy £50, pads and tubes £25…. + breakages. Last year I had to have my forks rebuilt out there and I lost the entire contents of my seat pack
See u there
That’s great thank you ill also be driving in my van with 2 others so that should spread the cost. It looks like ill be seeing you there
http://www.facebook.com/events/322189297886042/permalink/322189304552708/?notif_t=like
any1?
okay just about to register for my first mega but the website is slightly confussing taking anyone able to help. Also taking my girlfriend and driving down.
I’m having trouble creating an account. It just comes up with an error. Are u having the same trouble?
What’s the companion package for? Do we need that if we are taking people with us
Hi, it’s also my first year taking part in the Mega.
Is health insurance a necessity for registration? I understand its advisable but can you enter without it?
Thanks
What are peoples views on riding a Hard tail with 160mm at the front?
Ab wievielen jahren darf man fahren
The age to ride?
Is there anyone who wants to share accommodation for the week?
Hi Ben,at present im travelling on my own,what dates and accomodation are you looking at.
Hi Gary, Thanks for the offer. i have managed to find someone to go with now. See you at Alpe D’Huez!
Whats the ELECTRO AVALANCHE all about first time ive seen it??
So confusing entering this year,the translatation doesn’t make sense. Well I have paid for something so just wait and see I guess…..had no confirmation email or anything.cost £111 with cancellation insurance inc.
Second the last message. I would like to know more about it, however i believe it is a road race.
Ok thanks James, i agree with Beevo above, what the hell is going on with entering its a joke lol, it was so much easyier when active.com ran the sign up. i could be signing my life away for all i know lol,
Hi all, keen to participate, but how do i enter???