- Yann Chaptal wins the Continental Gravel Roc (77.4 km), Lilian Calmejane finishing fifth
- Roc d’Azur CIC (55 km) record holder Jordan Sarrou is chasing a sixth victory on Sunday against a strong Italian contingent
- The Roc d’Azur CIC will be broadcast live on L’Équipe and HBO Max
- Michelin-starred chef Jean Sulpice swaps the kitchen for the trails
- Shows, activities and delighted visitors at the event village
- Ecologic gives bicycles a second life
Today on the Roc d'Azur CIC
“Coming to the Roc d’Azur CIC was a dream”
Saturday highlighted the diversity of Roc d’Azur CIC participants. Setting off from the Base Nature in Fréjus, people of all ages took part in a wide range of rides and shorter events: competitors, families with children and groups of friends. Some travelled across France to experience the Roc, seeking a new challenge, a rush of adrenaline or simply an enjoyable moment amid the ochre-coloured, wooded Mediterranean landscapes of the Var region and its partner towns: Fréjus, Roquebrune-sur-Argens and Saint-Raphaël.
A group of around ten friends from Thouaré-sur-Loire, near Nantes in Loire-Atlantique, travelled more than 1,000 kilometres to be here. “It was a dream to come to the Roc and take part in a legendary event,” said Stéphane after crossing the Rando Noire finish line. “I signed up very quickly, but I didn’t know what I was getting into. It was tough, but it was clearly the best ride of my life,” added Mickaël.
Yann Chaptal and Giorgia Marchet win the Continental Gravel Roc
France’s Yann Chaptal won the Continental Gravel Roc (77.4 km), the day’s main competitive event, in 2h45'19'', just five seconds ahead of fellow Frenchman Jean-Louis Le Ny. In the women’s race, Italian Giorgia Marchet, a familiar face at the Roc, won in 3h08'39''. The 2025 Roc d’Azur CIC (55 km) winner will also compete in Sunday’s flagship event.
“I set a fast pace from the start, then managed my effort on a very technical course without taking too many risks. I managed to put down some power on certain sections to take the win. Tomorrow, I’ll try to win again. That’s my goal. I hope I have the legs for it,” explained the 28-year-old woman.
Lilian Calmejane, a Tour de France stage winner, finished fifth in this event (70.2 km). “I first came here when I was 12. Mountain biking and the Roc d’Azur CIC were among my first loves. I went a bit wild at the front early on, and the first big climb quickly put me back in my place. The course is really difficult and very demanding,” said the former professional rider.
Jean Sulpice, a Michelin-starred chef on the bike
A keen cyclist, Jean Sulpice, a Scott ambassador, is taking part in the Roc d’Azur CIC (55 km) for the second consecutive year. He has brought his whole family to Frejus for the weekend.
“Today, I rode a large part of the Alltricks Rando Gravel 140K for fun, but I didn’t want to tire myself out too much. I discovered the Roc d’Azur CIC last year. I love this celebration of cycling: the organisation, the atmosphere, the participants’ energy and the quality of the stands run by the different brands. The course is magnificent and perfect for having a great time. I also enjoy meeting the people who follow me. I want to show that you can have a job that demands energy and commitment while still enjoying a sport you’re passionate about,” said Sulpice.
Sulpice, who likes to follow “the rhythm of the seasons and the landscapes”, rides road bikes, mountain bikes and gravel bikes. A sign that the Roc can spark a passion: his daughter took part in the Kid Roc Benjamins on Saturday afternoon.
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Tomorrow's highlight
A stellar field for the Roc d’Azur CIC
The legendary and eagerly awaited Roc d’Azur CIC takes place this Sunday, 11 October, on the final day of the 42nd edition. Nearly 1,500 mountain bikers will start the event’s flagship race. The field is particularly strong, led by the race’s record winner, Jordan Sarrou. Already victorious in 2014, 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2024, the 33-year-old Frenchman wants to add his name to the roll of honour once again.
Competition is expected to be fierce, particularly from the Italians, who have again shown impressive form. Last year’s winner Jakob Dorigini has ultimately decided to defend his title. On Friday, Davide Foccoli produced a commanding performance in the Roc Marathon by Skoda and will look to carry that form into Sunday, as will runner-up Stefano Goria. Other riders to watch include Italian Gioele De Cosmo, second in the 2025 Roc d’Azur CIC, and Colombian Hector Leonardo Paez Leon, third last year. Among the French contenders, Joshua Dubau, who reached the podium two years ago, is another strong prospect. European time trial silver medallist Bruno Armirail, of Team Visma-Lease a Bike, will also be among the headline names.
The women’s race looks equally open. Defending champion Giorgia Marchet will return, as will Chiara Gualandi, third in 2025. French rider Léna Gérault, who impressed in Friday’s Roc Marathon by Skoda, is also expected to compete, although how fresh she feels will determine her ambitions. Mountain Bike Marathon world champion Anna Weinbeer hopes to be among the leading contenders.
The race live on L’Équipe and HBO Max
To follow the flagship race, tune in to L’Équipe, which will broadcast it live on Sunday from 8:05 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Charles-Antoine Nora and former professional rider Pierre Rolland will provide commentary on the 55 km course, which passes iconic locations including the Fournel and the Col du Bougnon, with gradients exceeding 20%. HBO Max will also broadcast the event starting at 8:05 a.m.
Trail running takes over the Massif des Maures
The Roc d’Azur makes the most of all the landscapes the area has to offer. After Saturday’s events in the Estérel, trail runners will be back in action in three races, this time in the heart of the Massif des Maures: the Roc Trail 14K, Roc Trail 25K and Roc Trail 42K. Canyon ambassador Yoann Stuck will line up for the iconic marathon distance, a particularly demanding course with 1,270 metres of elevation gain.
The Village
Champions continue to appear at the Roc d’Azur CIC exhibition. On Saturday, the first day of the weekend, thousands of people explored the stands and enjoyed the activities. Some visitors watched in amazement as Aurelien Fontenoy, a member of Team Ekoï, performed his mountain bike trials show on the main stage: a display as technically impressive as it was spectacular.
For the multiple world champion, the Roc d’Azur CIC is unmissable. “It’s the event of the year. There’s no pressure, it’s in the south and the atmosphere is relaxed. It’s a chance to see all my partners — Ekoï, Abus and Continental — and meet the people who follow me on social media. With this trials show, I want to be close to the crowd: they surround me and spur me on. We have a great time,” he said. Children and parents even did a Mexican wave to celebrate his backflip. Fontenoy had also hidden “Golden Tickets” around the exhibition, giving visitors the chance to win Ekoï gifts.
“Destination France à vélo”
At the Roc d’Azur CIC 2026, an event showcased the winners of the “Destination France à vélo” call for expressions of interest, launched by the Directorate General for Enterprise, France Vélo and the Réseau vélo et marche to develop outstanding cycling tourism destinations. Selected on criteria including sporting excellence, the range of activities on offer and the involvement of local stakeholders, several winners spoke about their commitment to making cycling varied, well supported and accessible to all.
Ecologic: giving bicycles a second life
Ecologic, a government-approved organisation for the sports and leisure equipment sector, donated 15 refurbished bicycles to the town of Fréjus. Restored by La Courtoise Ressourcerie, they will be used for the “Savoir Rouler à Vélo” cycling skills programme, following the donation of 100 bicycles last year. The initiative is part of a three-year partnership between Ecologic and nine cycling events, including the Roc d’Azur CIC, to encourage bicycle reuse.
Stat of the day
24
The number of events held at the Roc d’Azur CIC on Saturday
Known for the quality of its competitive field, the Roc d’Azur CIC also stands out for the breadth of its programme, which grows each year. Alongside mountain biking, it features gravel, trail running, road running, walking and even canicross: eight event categories and 70 races in total over five days.
Saturday is the busiest day. Twenty-four events took place at the Roc d’Azur CIC today, from the first start at 7 a.m. for the Alltricks Rando Gravel 140K to the last at 5:45 p.m. for the Thule Roc Cani Cros, which pairs a runner with their dog.