The Roc d'Ardenne is back in Houffalize from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 April 2023 for a weekend of mountain biking escapades. Get ready for a wide range of trails in and around Houffalize, the hub of mountain biking in the Belgian Ardennes. Anyone can join the fun in the Roc d'Ardenne, an exciting event with something for everyone!
The programme of the Roc d'Azur now features a hike.
Now more than ever, the Roc is for everyone. For the first time, you can pick any one of 4 hiking routes (5 km, 8 km, 13 km and 22 km) as long as you are 18 or older. Sunday 8 October is the perfect opportunity to share a friendly sporting experience in a breathtaking landscape!
If you think the Roc d'Azur is all about competition, you're in luck! The Ford Roc Marathon, Roc Trophy and Roc d'Azur are just the ticket. If you're feeling adventurous, sign up for the Multi-Roc Challenge, our big new event for 2023: race the Tri Roc on Thursday, the Ford Roc Marathon on Friday, the Roc Trail (32 km) on Saturday and, to cap it all, the Roc d'Azur on Sunday. The winner will be the one with the best overall performance.
Come and join us on Saturday for the colour rides. You can pick your route from four options, each with a different level of difficulty (green, blue, red and black). Whether you're on an electric-assist MTB or a regular one, you'll have a blast exploring the Massif des Maures. There's no ranking, so just enjoy the ride!
This year, the Roc Trail will boast an extra distance! You can now take part over 22 km, in addition to the 3 other distances already on the programme last year (16 km, 32 km and 43 km).
After opening its doors to triathletes with the Tri Roc in 2012 then to trail runners last year, Roc d’Azur will be welcoming hikers in 2023! Four different hike routes (5 km, 8 km, 13 km and 22 km) will be on the programme on Sunday 8th October.
Finally, why settle for one discipline at Roc d’Azur when the programme offers so many possibilities? If you are a fan of outdoor pursuits as a whole, you will find plenty to satisfy your desire for diversity with the Multi-Roc Challenge. The principle of this veritable sporting challenge is to participate in the Tri Roc on Thursday, the Ford Roc Marathon on Friday, the Roc Trail (32 km) on Saturday and, naturally, the Roc d’Azur on Sunday. The final classification will take account of performances over all the races! So, are you ready to meet the challenge?
The 39th edition of the Roc d’Azur will take place between 4th and 8th October in Fréjus, which will be the host city to the event until 2027.
A wealth of races and rides allows everyone to find something that suits them.New this year: new mountain bike rides, hikes, the Multi-Roc Challenge and a new distance on the Roc Trail (22 km).
Do not miss the exhibitors’ fair, to try activities, discover new products and enjoy sharing your passion with likeminded people.
Registration is now open!
Following their popularity during the previous edition where they broadened the horizon of the Roc d’Azur towards the Estérel Mountains, the Rando Estérel, Rando Électrique Estérel and Canyon Gravel Estérel, winding through the heights above Saint-Raphaël, will again make it possible to enjoy the sublime landscape with its ochre-coloured rocks and spectacular views of the Mediterranean. Starting from the Cap Estérel village in Saint-Raphaël and finishing in Agay, mountain bikers will have the choice between 4 distances, from 24 to 56 km (and 49 to 70 km for the gravel), on routes technically accessible to all.
The Roc Trail, on the programme for Saturday 7th October, is also expanding with an extra distance. There are now four different lengths (16 km, 22 km, 32 km and 43 km) starting from Roquebrune-sur-Argens with the privilege of seeing the magnificent Rocher de Roquebrune mount rising above the Argens plain.
After opening its doors to triathletes with the Tri Roc in 2012 and then to trail runners last year, the Roc d’Azur will this year be offering four different routes for hikes (5 km, 8 km, 13 km and 22 km) to hiking enthusiasts on Sunday 8th October.
Well, why settle for one discipline on the Roc d’Azur when the programme offers so many possibilities? Fans of outdoor pursuits as a whole will find plenty to satisfy their desire for diversity with the Multi-Roc Challenge. The principle of this veritable sporting challenge is to participate in the Tri Roc on Thursday, the Ford Roc Marathon on Friday, the Roc Trail (32 km) on Saturday and obviously the Roc d’Azur on Sunday. The classification will take account of performances over all the races, no doubt a source of fun for some!
Over time and from one edition to the next, certain races and rides have become essential points for all those who come to Fréjus each year to extend their summer. As a result, participants will again be able to enjoy the traditional Rallye Roc XC and Roc Trophy (a race per day over five days) starting on Wednesday, the Tri Roc on Thursday, the Ford Roc Marathon, the Enduroc and the Roc Ruelles in Fréjus on Friday, the Rando Noire, the fancy-dress Rando Déguisée, the Canyon Gravel Roc, and also the Kid Roc for the youngest riders on Saturday. Not forgetting, of course, the Roc d’Azur on Sunday with its internationally-renowned stars.
Strolling down the rows of the village, discovering all the new products, enjoying a wealth of hints and tips from pour partners and all the exhibitors, meeting champions and taking advantage of many activities are all reasons to come with your family or friends to the Roc d’Azur! In total, there will be almost 300 exhibitors in attendance to offer a comprehensive Roc d’Azur experience!
Registrations for the 39th edition of the Roc d'Azur will open on Wednesday, February 8 on timeto at 12:00. Don't miss the preferential rates in February and reserve your number quickly for the unmissable mountain bike festival!
More info to come very soon on the new 2023 events.
The day after winning the world gravel title in Italy, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot won the Roc d'Azur this Sunday in Fréjus (Var). In the men's race, Jordan Sarrou set a Roc d'Azur record with his fourth win. A genuine French spectacle in the 38th edition that was hailed by all.
The life of a champion is not easy, especially when your name is Pauline Ferrand-Prévot. The last 24 hours are proof of that. On Saturday afternoon, in Veneto, in the north-east of Italy, she won a UCI gravel world champion title, the first in the history of the discipline, and her fourth in two months after those of the XCO cross-country, the short track and the XCO marathon. Once the various demands and obligations were over, it was off to the car for a six-hour and thirty-minute journey, to bed at 2:30 am, to wake up at 5:30 am and to be on the starting line of the Roc d'Azur at 8:30 am. And less than three hours later, a triumph on the Roc d'Azur, her second after the one in 2017, without ever being troubled! "It was important for me to be at the Roc d'Azur to thank the French public," she explains. "I really wanted to race on my training tracks with this world champion's jersey. It was a challenge to be there at the start, but I had prepared myself mentally for it. I started in the middle of the pack to see how my legs were feeling. And on the first climb, I went to the front. I am on cloud nine, I feel so good these days, and I just do what I do.” Italian riders Martina Berta and Giada Specia were respectively second and third, nearly ten minutes behind.
And 1, and 2, and 3… and 4 for Jordan Sarrou
This was also a historic edition in the men's category, with Jordan Sarrou's fourth title after those won in 2014, 2016 and 2019. The 2020 world champion, 6th in the recent world championships, also led for most of the race. "Winning the Roc d'Azur for the fourth time is mountain bike history," he says. "It was my objective for the end of the season. I pushed hard early in the race. After Fournel, I accelerated hard. The gap was created, and I didn't let up. Even though it was raining, the tracks were sandy, so it wasn't slippery, and we had good traction. I had a blast, and it's awesome to finish like this.” In 2h25:05 seconds, he finished two minutes ahead of his compatriot Hugo Drechou, winner on Friday of the Ford Roc Marathon (92 km) and leader in the UCI Marathon series, Germany's Andreas Seewald. The third-highest-finishing French rider, Thibaud Saint-Guilhem, took a fine 8th place.
Romain Bardet: "I so much enjoyed the Roc d'Azur"
Romain Bardet also travelled from Italy during the night after finishing 9th in the Giro di Lombardia, and he too had a big smile on his face at the finish line when he was toasting with a friend. "Unlike last year when I rode hard, this year I took my time”, explained the DSM rider. "I enjoyed myself a little bit on the first climb by coming back to the front, but then I changed my approach. We stopped at the refreshment station. I had a great time on the Roc d'Azur.” Last but not least, in the Roc Trophy (one race each day since Wednesday), the victories of Norway’s Martin Røste Omdahl and French multi-sport raid rider Pauline Queval.
More than ever, this Saturday in Fréjus, Roc d’Azur has demonstrated that it is the event not to be missed by all outdoor sports enthusiasts, regardless of their objectives, age, level of expertise and discipline. This Sunday, with the presence of some of the world’s leading names in the discipline and more than 3,000 participants, the Roc d’Azur race holds some spectacular sport in store.
Roc d’Azur can legitimately lay the claim to being the gathering of choice for all of the outdoor sports families. This Saturday’s programme was a fine illustration, including mountain biking, naturally, on a day largely devoted to rides with, amongst others, the Alltricks.com Rando Roc Noire, the Ford Kid Roc for the youngest riders, electrically assisted bike rides thanks to the Shimano Rando Roc Électrique Noire, Gravel riding in the form of the Canyon Gravel Roc and, for the first time, trail running in the Argens valley.
With a start before dawn, the participants in the Canyon Roc Gravel were able to enjoy their favourite discipline, midway between mountain biking and road cycling, in the very best conditions. On completion of the 65.3-km course, Belgian Pierre de Froidmont, a regular on the mountain biking cross-country world cup circuit (and 8th place in the overall rankings this season) triumphed in front of Loan Cheneval and Gilles Mottiez. In the women’s race, Morgane Coston (45th on the Tour de France femmes with Zwift this summer) was victorious, ahead of German Hannah Fandel and Laurianne Plaçais. Romain Debord (Roc Juniors Hommes), Valentin Revaux and Rémy Bourdon (Roc Tandem) were the day’s other mountain biking winners.
This Sunday, the Roc d’Azur and its 54.5 km of tracks through the Maures Mountains will provide a major extravaganza for its 3,000 participants with the Fournel descent, the Col du Bougnon pass and its thousands of enthusiastic spectators, the Sentier des douaniers path along the Mediterranean coast, the Plage de la Galiote beach and many other legendary sites that make the race unique. In the battle for the title, Jordan Sarrou, the three times winner in 2014, 2016 and 2019, and world champion in 2020, has made it clear that he is aiming for a fourth success to become the sole record holder for the event, which he currently shares with Miguel Martinez (1997, 2004 and 2013) who, at the age of 46 years, will also be present. Sarrou’s sixth place at the world championships in Les Gets this summer shows that his objective is arguably within reach. With the status of being Friday’s winner on the Ford Roc Marathon and also in impressive form over the last few weeks, Hugo Drechou will be tackling the race full of confidence. “Some riders have managed to do the double or achieve two podiums, but this year the marathon was longer than before,” he confided. “It will have an impact on Sunday and will no doubt be harder on the legs”. The Gallic clan will also be able to count on Joshua and Lucas Dubau or also Mathis Azzaro. The rivals for the French will include Switzerland’s Filippo Colombo, the title holder and 4th on Friday on the Ford Roc Marathon, as well as Italian Luca Braidot, who was 3rd at the last world championships. Having arrived directly from the Tour of Lombardy, watchful eyes should also be cast on Romain Bardet. Last year, following an identical nocturnal journey between Italy and Fréjus, the road racer finished in 11th place
The first appearance of trail running at Roc d’Azur proved to be a fruitful first time as it attracted fans of running in nature with almost 700 participants over the three distances on the menu for the Roc Trail (16 km, 32 km and 42 km). Setting off from Roquebrune-sur-Argens, the runners initially headed towards the Domaine de la Bergerie before climbing the Col de Valdingarde pass, the summit of the race, and then tackling the ascent up the Rocher de Roquebrune peak, before finally returning via the Aqueduc des 25 ponts. There was just over 1,500 metres of climbing on the longest race (compared with 515 metres on the 16-km distance and 880 metres over the 32-km course) but most importantly it included the delight of exploring new horizons. History will record the first winners as Alexis Poullot and Laurie Maleysson over 16 km; Julien Chorier, victorious on many ultra-trails throughout the world and twice on the Grand Raid de la Réunion or the Mont Fuji Ultra Trail, and Swiss runner Emma Bilham, a world-renowned triathlete, over 32 km; and finally, over 42 km, Spaniard Pau Zamora Peres and Manon Gras, a winner of major trails in France in recent months. “Honestly, I’m amazed,” admitted Chorier, who will be taking part in the Diagonale des Fous in La Réunion (170 km) in two weeks’ time. “It’s my first time at Roc d’Azur and I even tried out the Canyon Roc Gravel Estérel on Friday. It’s crazy how well organised it is with all these volunteers in the right place at the right time and everything marked out perfectly. The trail route was demanding with a fair share of upturns. You really had to run. It was nice to discover and trail running well and truly has its place in this event”.
For the first time in its history, Roc d’Azur has offered its participants three rides winding through the splendid Estérel Mountains (with distances of 21.9 km, 28.6 km and 45.1 km), starting from the Cap Estérel village in Agay Saint-Raphaël. It was a pleasure for all the participants to discover the broad panoramas on exiting a bend and the colour palette so typical of these Estérel Mountains, with the blue of the Mediterranean on the horizon, the sparkling of the sun’s rays, the ochre-coloured earthen tracks under their wheels and the intense green of the trees just in front of them. To enable them to enjoy an ideal experience, the participants were also free to adapt their distance along the way. In the heart of the pack, some were even fortunate enough to share part of the route with biathlon champion Émilien Jacquelin (who already participated in the Étape du Tour de France in July between Briançon and Alpe d’Huez).
Loana Lecomte: “It was really cool to ride through the Estérel Mountains”
The Canyon Rando Roc Gravel Estérel also allowed participants in this discipline midway between mountain biking and road cycling to get a good taste of the Estérel Mountains. Loana Lecomte, XC French and European champion this summer, as well as overall winner of the World Cup in 2021, and Renaud Lavillenie, pole vault Olympic Champion in 2012 and former record holder in the discipline, did not miss the opportunity to take part in this major first, also enjoying the spectacular setting, without the pressure of racing against the clock. “I was familiar with the Estérel Mountains on a mountain bike thanks to training blocks with the French team in Boullouris, which involved riding in that area,” revealed Loana. “I couldn’t wait to discover it in a gravel race and it was really cool to ride through these mountains. The arid landscape, the red rocks, the vegetation, etc., is a real change of scenery and it does you good. This is also why we enjoy mountain biking or gravel riding, to discover new landscapes, marvel at nature and enjoy the outdoors. It’s what makes this sport so magical”.
This Friday in Fréjus, Hugo Drechou and Léna Gérault won the Ford Roc Marathon, the high point of the third day at Roc d’Azur and the last stage of the UCI Marathon World Cup. The first editions of the Rando Roc Estérel and Canyon Roc Gravel Estérel winding through the Estérel Mountains also opened new horizons for Roc d’Azur.
With one final effort, one last thrust for a bike throw on the finishing line at the end of a long sprint finish against Italian Fabian Rabensteiner, Hugo Drechou achieved a superb success on the Ford Roc Marathon, the final stage of the UCI MTB Marathon Series. With a time of 4:3’51’’, the 31-year-old Frenchman obtained a fantastic victory on the 92.3-km circuit winding through the Maures Mountains, including 2,440 metres of climbing. “It’s quite incredible, because it’s my fifth victory in five weeks,” rejoiced the Buff-Megamo team’s French rider. “Roc d’Azur is the major event in the world in terms of atmosphere and participants. It’s one of the biggest marathons of the year. What’s more, it’s the race which launched my career, because in the junior 1 class, when I started mountain biking, I finished on the podium, enabling me to take part in a training group with the French team. This morning, my team-mates got me going a bit, telling me that a Frenchman should win in France. During the first two hours, I was in unbelievable form, but after that my legs started to feel heavier for about an hour. However, my team-mates (Estonian Peeter Pruus, who finished 5th, and Dutchman Hans Becking, who finished 9th) really helped me by controlling the pace allowing me to get back into gear. It’s really only my first year on the Marathon. Joining this team has rejuvenated me”. Enough to tackle the Roc d’Azur on Sunday full of optimism?
The Frenchman beat Italian Fabian Rabensteiner, also 2nd last year, and Germany’s European champion Andreas Seewald, the title holder and world number 1 in the Marathon discipline. As for the other French riders, Axel Roudil-Cortinat (3rd last year) finished 6th whilst Stéphane Tempier, riding his last race, exited the contest prematurely.
In the women’s race, 27-year-old Léna Gérault was more than worthy of her French champion’s jersey. She was at the front of the pack for a long time with her countrywoman Estelle Morel, before breaking away on the second half of the race to win with a time of 4:51’28’’, four minutes in front of Morel and almost nine minutes ahead of Italian Giada Specia. “It’s been one hell of a morning with almost five hours of racing,” she panted. “Three years ago, I had to drop out due to mechanical problems so it’s the first time I’ve finished this race. The circuit through the Maures Mountains is absolutely magnificent with a wealth of different terrains. It’s even more of a pleasure to win whilst wearing the blue, white and red jersey. I’ve been coming to Roc d’Azur since I was a small child. I even raced the Kid Roc, which I won at under-8 and under-12 level. It’s a genuine cycling festival and the opportunity to end the season on a high note, at the seaside”.
Jules Dumas and Emma Ducreux enjoyed their first success on the Tri Roc, the climax of a day also marked by the large attendance at the expo. With the first rounds of the Roc d'Azur in the Estérel range and an impressive level of competition on the Ford Roc Marathon, Friday will produce a fantastic spectacle.
The festivities are well underway. The aisles of the expo are booming. And it is only the opening day! The displays and activities are a huge hit with large crowds. And, of course, world-class sport: the 38th edition of the Roc d'Azur has started with a bang. The promise of memorable moments through to Sunday, on the Fréjus (Var) nature base and on all the tracks to be used for the 38 scheduled events makes the Roc d'Azur special. In the Tri Roc, the biggest event of the day, at the end of the 1,500 m swim, the 20.6 km of mountain biking in the Maures range and the 11 km run at the nature base, 21-year-old Jules Dumas claimed his first triumph on the Tri Roc. "I hope that everyone had as much fun as I did," says the Montpellier triathlon member, who finished 16th in the Xterra World Championships held last weekend in Italy. "I like the idea of finishing the season with a win. Even more so at the Roc d'Azur. Even though I am the European Championship runner-up and finished second in the U23 world cross-triathlon championship, it is hard to get exposure and find partners. We know that winning the Roc d'Azur has a profound impact at this level." He finished almost two minutes ahead of title holder Maxime Chané, winner of the world short track series and seventh of the Xterra world championship last Sunday. Luuk Chambeyron, the 20-24-year-old Xterra World Champion, completes the podium. Former professional cyclist Sylvain Chavanel did himself proud, finishing in 35th place. "I came mainly to have a good time with a friend and all the enthusiasts, whether they swim, mountain bike or run," he explains. "I got into the sport just two years ago. I am a good swimmer, but I don't take any chances on mountain bike downhill runs. It was very nice, but for me, it was too physical. I have become a diesel."
In the women's race, Emma Ducreux, a division 1 triathlete in the Liévin colours, was never troubled, even coming out of the water in the top 5 overall. "I came to the Roc d'Azur when I was a youngster", she remembers. «It was my first natural triathlon. It was a terrific course, and I had a lot of fun. It's a small sample, and why not move on to this type of race later? What is certain is that I will be back." Marie Chipier and Cindy Lüthi accompanied Emma on the podium.
Valentin Remondet and Élodie Python on the Roc Light, the Netherland's Demiz Hebing and Ema Fouchard on the Mid Roc, Switzerland's Nicolas Lüthi (four-time world champion masters) and Sabrina Enaux (winner of the Roc d'Azur in 2018) on the Masters Roc, are the other victors of the day.
A battle of titans this Friday on the Ford Roc Marathon
On Friday, the Ford Roc Marathon competitors will set off on a 92.3 km adventure with 2,440 m of positive altitude change. As the last stage of the UCI Mountain Bike Marathon Series season, the event has attracted an incredibly strong field. The 2021 winner, Andreas Seewald, will defend his title. French Marathon Champion Stéphane Tempier (winner of the Roc d'Azur in 2012 and 2018) also wants to wear his tricolour jersey before retiring from the sport. He will face fellow Frenchmen Axel Roudil Cortinat (3rd last year and best Frenchman of the World Marathon Championships in Haderslev, 9th), Hugo Drechou (19th at the Worlds), Lucas Dubau or Mathis Azzaro. The foreign contingent includes Germany's Simon Schneller and Georg Egger, Colombia's Leon Hector Paez, Austria’s Alban Lakata, Switzerland's Urs Hüber and Filippo Colombo, Estonia's Peter Pruus and of course Italy's Fabian Rabensteiner (second last year) and Samuele Porro. In the girls' category, Margot Moschetti, winner last weekend in Italy of the difficult Transvésubienne, should be at the sharp end of the order. Fifth last year (5th) and 19th of the most recent World Championships, Estelle Morel will be at her side on the start line with the 2012 Olympic champion Julie Bresset, winner of the Roc d'Azur 2015. Also, to be kept a close eye on is Italy's Constanza Fazolis (3rd in the marathon last year), her compatriots Martina Berta and Claudia Peretti (world n°6 marathon runner), and Switzerland's Janina Wüst (world n°4).
Loana Lecomte, Renaud Lavillenie, Emilien Jacquelin in the Estérel
For the first time in its history, the Roc d'Azur is offering new itineraries in the splendid Estérel range with three hikes of 21.9 km, 28.6 km and 45.1 km, starting from the village of Cap Estérel in Agay Saint-Raphaël. Participants can choose their distance along the way, depending on their desire and form. Among them is biathlon champion Emilien Jacquelin, a talented cyclist (he took part in the Tour de France stage in July between Briançon and Alpe d'Huez).
Gravel enthusiasts are too welcome to take in the Estérel scenery thanks to the Canyon Rando Roc Gravel Estérel. And it is difficult to imagine better ambassadors than Loana Lecomte, French and European champion this summer, winner of the general classification of the 2021 World Cup and Renaud Lavillenie, 2012 Olympic champion and former pole vault record holder, who is a mountain bike enthusiast and who will take part in one event each day until Sunday (Canyon Rando Roc Gravel Estérel, Friday; Shimano Rando Roc Electrique Noire, Saturday; Roc d'Azur, Sunday).
The day will conclude with the traditional Roc Ruelles Fréjus and its ultra-spectacular format in the streets of old Fréjus at the foot of the cathedral.
The expo is free and open to all! As a reminder, the expo's hours:
Starting this Wednesday, the 38th edition of Roc d’Azur will take place until Sunday 9th October, in Fréjus (Var). It will bring together 18,500 participants on the traditional tracks of the Maures Mountains but also, for the first time, races that will wind through the Estérel range. Another new feature is the inclusion in the Roc d’Azur family of trail runners, who will also be delighted to extend their summer with family or friends as well as enjoying the exhibition and all its activities.
The nature base in Fréjus (Var) is superbly decked out in the colours of Roc d’Azur. Following the first pedal strokes this Wednesday and the traditional opening of the festival by the Generation Roc Sport for All in the presence of Christophe Laporte, the only French stage winner on the Tour de France this summer, then by the participants in the Rallye Roc XC (the first of the 5 Roc Trophy races), the rhythm of the races will continue at pace until Sunday. On the programme are 38 races through the splendid landscapes of the Maures Mountains, with the traditional events such as the Ford Roc Marathon (on Friday), the Roc Tandem (on Saturday), the Canyon Gravel Roc (also on Saturday), the Roc d’Azur (on Sunday) and many others (Shimano Rando Roc Électrique Noire, Alltricks.com Rando Roc Noire, the fancy dress Rando Roc Déguisée, etc.), not forgetting the Ford Kid Roc (on Saturday and Sunday) for the youngest riders.
New in 2022: the Estérel Mountains and trail running
This 38th edition will also be marked by new routes through the Estérel Mountains with three races on Friday, including the Canyon Rando Roc Gravel Estérel, to discover new horizons and the possibility for each participant to choose his or her distance as the day goes by, depending on desires and form.
Trail running, an outdoor discipline which shares the same values as mountain biking, will also be joining the Roc d’Azur family, following the Tri Roc in 2012 and the Gravel Roc in 2016. On Saturday, starting in Roquebrune-sur-Argens, the first Roc d’Azur trail runners will set off for 16, 31 or 42 km along the tracks of the Argens plain around the magnificent Rocher de Roquebrune peak.
The Tri Roc will be the high point on Thursday
On Thursday, the races will start as early as 8.00 (Roc Light) and will be followed by the Mid Roc, the second of the Roc Trophy races. Fans of threefold sporting feats will no doubt be ready and waiting at 13.30 on the beach of the François-Léotard nature base for the Tri Roc and Tri Roc Relay. These races will be made up of 1,500 metres of swimming in the blue waters of the Mediterranean, 20.6 km of mountain biking and finally 11 km of running. The best competitors will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Maxime Chané and Alysée Paties, winners of the last edition.
All results are available via the link below or directly on your time to account. Don't wait to check them out!
The winning protocols will take place on the Base Nature central podium at the following times:
“SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS”:
The Roc D'azur programme is now available for download. This support is only digital so save it now in your favourites!
Anticipation is the key! Make sure you know where all the car parks and access points are so you can come without worrying!
I am anticipating my attendance
Come check out the brands' latest models and innovations while getting advice from professionals! Many exhibitors will be present, find out now who will be there!
I will check out the exhibitors
This year again no cups will be distributed at the feed stations, use your water bottle! There will be Coca-Cola available at the feed stations, so don't hesitate to bring your own sweet/energy drink if you need it.
Shimano will be at your service during the Roc thanks to the presence of a technical support team in the village centre for the duration of the event.
In addition, the INCM mechanical support will once again be available near the start and on the course (5 assistance points listed).
It is highly recommended to do a complete overhaul of your bike before each race.
Become part of the Roc d'Azur history and participate in the 1st edition of the Roc Trail in the heart of the Massif de l'Estérel. 3 distances to choose from: 16km, 32km and 44km. The choice is yours!
33.1 km and 430 m of climbing await anyone who has registered for the Mid Roc! This race is more demanding than the Roc Light and will pass through the legendary spots of the Maures Mountains: Le Fournel, Le Bougnon and the Plage de la Galiote beach, in ideal way to start your Roc d’Azur and fill up on energy for the rest of the week.
Roc Light is the ideal race to start Roc week and warm-up your legs without the pressure of racing against the clock, allowing you to enjoy the scenery. On the programme are 21.8 km and 350 m of climbing with some narrow passages at the midway point.
You too can join us to ride or run along the beautiful trails of the Maures and Estérel Mountains! Come and enjoy a sunny long weekend in the south of France.
There are only two months to go before Roc d’Azur 2022!
We hope that your preparation is going well during the holidays and that you will be ready for your race!
If you have not registered yet, then click here:
There really is an urban team race! This night-time event that tests how well competitors can steer through the streets of Fréjus puts on a genuine show throughout the town’s historical centre.
If you like adrenaline and riding in a crazy atmosphere, then this race is the one for you! You can even share the experience with a family member or friend.
Roc d’Azur totals 38 races and 6 sporting disciplines. To help you make your choice, take a look at the decision tree and choose the race or races which suit you the best. An information sheet for each race is also available on the Roc d’Azur web site.
The holidays are here and people are flocking to the tracks on their mountain bikes. How about you? Have you started to prepare for Roc d’Azur?
We propose 2 training plans to help you achieve your objectives on the various races. So, which team do you want to join? Challenge or performance?
Get ready!!
A mountain bike ride is good, but a fancy-dress mountain bike ride is even better! Register to enjoy a moment of relaxation and pleasure on this magnificent 18-km route around Fréjus. It is not for sensitive souls, but if you are not scared by riding around dressed as a pink rabbit, Shrek or a cow, then this event is made for you!
And what if the Roc d'Azur gave you the opportunity to try a cross triathlon? You can take the challenge on your own or in a relay team of 2 or 3 people! No need to choose, on Thursday 6th October you can combine swimming, mountain biking and running.
Don’t delay, register HERE today!
Good coordination is necessary to tackle this technical route on a tandem! 42 km of tracks under the sunshine of the French Riviera on the Mediterranean coast AND on a tandem mountain bike - there is no better way to create unforgettable memories for two. Sensations and pleasure guaranteed!
A new discipline on the programme! You can take part in the very first edition of the Roc Trail. There are 3 distances on offer through the sumptuous Massif de l’Estérel mountains: 16 km, 32 km or 44 km. All you need to do is put on your sports shoes and get stuck in!
Not yet registered? Come and discover the tracks of the Massif des Maures and Massif de l’Estérel mountains. Never mind your level, your category or objectives, Roc d’Azur is the leading mountain-biking event in the world where friendliness and passion for cycling are the watchwords.
Make sure you are there to enjoy a unique adventure.
Discover the sporting programme
Are you still making up your mind about entering the 2022 edition? Have you registered for a race but are still unsure how to round off your stay? Hurry up and sign up at the early-bird rate before the prices change in a few hours!
Sign up in February to benefit from early-bird rates! Hurry up and book your race number to discover the Esterel Massif or take up the challenge of the brand-new trail running courses leading to the Rocher de Roquebrune!
Races, recreational rides, gravel grinders, e-races, triathlon, trail running, children's races… The Roc has something for all tastes and levels!
In 2022, the Roc d'Azur is inviting you to explore the Esterel Massif during an e-bike ride, a muscle ride or a gravel ride. Whatever you choose, you will get to discover the red rocks and rugged terrain of this splendid massif!
If new sensations is what you are looking for, now is the time to take up the challenge of our brand-new trail races. There are three distances to choose from, 16, 32 or 44 km, but they will all show you the Roc d'Azur in a different light.
No, the Roc is not leaving Les Maures Massif, but it is serving up the opportunity to discover the Esterel Massif as a bonus track!
Red rock, rugged terrain, the deep, blue sea glistening at its feet… While the Esterel Massif is just fifteen kilometres from Les Maures Massif as the crow flies, it has its own distinct flavour. One thing that the two massifs do have in common are mind-blowing landscapes.
The Roc d'Azur stands ready to take you into wholly uncharted territory on Friday 7 October! The programme features an e-bike ride, a muscle ride and a gravel ride held on wide tracks that are less technically challenging than those in Les Maures Massif but venture into equally breathtaking landscapes! A real treat.
The format of these rides, which is unprecedented in the Roc d'Azur, lets you choose from among three distances. Depending on how strong and motivated you feel when the big day comes, you get to pick from among 22, 29 and 38 km for the XC rides and among 47, 50 and 58 km for the gravel ride.
Good things come in pairs: trail running now in the Roc d'Azur!
After triathlon in 2012 and gravel grinders in 2016, a new sport is joining the roster of the Roc d'Azur! Starting and finishing in the heart of the exceptional village of Roquebrune-sur-Argens, the three courses (16, 32 or 44 km) will take riders through Les Maures Massif. The medium and long courses will even cross the splendid Rocher de Roquebrune! Against this picture-postcard background, the Roc Trail will be a real pleasure for specialists, who will get their first taste of the Roc d'Azur through their favourite sport, and Roc regulars, who will discover a new one.
Registration for the 38th edition of the Roc d'Azur opens on timeto at noon on Wednesday 16 February. Get your race number for the leading festival of mountain biking in February to benefit from early-bird rates!
Further details on all the new things we have in store for 2022 are coming very soon.
In the meantime, relive the best of 2021!
Filippo Colombo wrapped up the 37th edition of the Roc d'Azur with a sprint victory in Fréjus (Var) on Sunday, denying runner-up Jordan Sarrou what would have been a record fourth triumph. Fresh off Il Lombardia, Romain Bardet posted a rock-solid performance in 11th place. Kataržina Sosna scored her first win in the women's race two days after claiming the Canyon Roc Marathon.
Key points :
One more heave, one last sprint and a taste of glory at the end of the short home straight. Filippo Colombo added his name to the honour roll of the Roc d'Azur for the first time at the tender age of 23. Twelfth in the Tokyo Olympics, a bronze medallist in the recent European Championships and ninth in the Worlds, the Swiss rider claimed a prestigious win at the end of the 49.8 km course around Fréjus (2 h 03′42″). "The Roc d'Azur is a historic race", he pants. "It's really amazing to win today. I've had a difficult season. I broke my pelvis in a World Cup leg in May and things only got worse from there. We started at a high pace and a five-man group formed after the first climb. Jordan and I worked well together. I was runner-up in the Junior race once, but winning the big one feels great." The Swiss, who rides for Team Julien Absalon, blew his manager away. "It's wonderful for him to win here because he's had an awful season so far", explains Absalon. "It's nice because he'd never entered the elite race before. Going up against Jordan Sarrou, who knows the circuit and the tactical possibilities in this specific finish by heart, he bossed it out there. Filippo is a huge talent. People call him the 'Swiss Bull'' for his tremendous raw power and explosiveness. He still has to learn to focus all that energy, but the potential is there."
Jordan Sarrou, a three-time winner at the Nature Base in Fréjus (2014, 2016 and 2019), had made no secret of his ambition to go and grab his fourth triumph in the race, which would have made him the undisputed record holder of the Roc d'Azur. However, he came up short in the sprint, leaving him tied with Miguel Martinez (1997, 2004 and 2013) for at least another year. "Being the favourite made me a marked man, but that's the way it is", spells out the 2020 world champion. "But I still made my presence felt in the Roc with another podium place. Sure, I would've loved to win today, but second is pretty good too. On top of that, I really appreciated the atmosphere, with all the supporters on Le Bougnon." The bottom step of the podium went to the Pole Krzysztof Łukasik, who finished a few seconds clear of Maxime Marotte. Although the French champion didn't really fancy his chances at the start after enjoying "a few nights out since the beginning of the week", in the end it was a mechanical near the start of the race that dashed his hopes of vying for victory.
Not too far behind the lead group, Romain Bardet, a superb eighth in last Saturday's Il Lombardia, jumped into his car to be able to start the Roc d'Azur at 8:30 am on Sunday. "The season drew to a close yesterday and I really wanted to come here and have some fun", he admits. "Unfortunately, the calendar leaves us precious little time to enter mountain biking races. I'll try to hold on to the best to go over Le Fournel with them and after that I'll let them go. My goal is to get there in time for some drinks before lunch!" Mission accomplished for Bardet, who finished a rock-solid eleventh, under 6 minutes behind the winner. "It was cool! I'm knackered, my legs felt like wood after Il Lombardia, but I had a blast. I started in the lead group. I yo-yoed off the back of the group for a while, but after that it got even harder. I don't really do a lot of mountain biking during the season, even though I love it. There were some tricky stairs near the end. I simply went up on foot and lost loads of time. I also flew over my handlebars after hitting a rut in the track. But, again, it was really cool. I wasn't expecting to finish so high up. I didn't know the course, so I didn't cut it too close. But it planted some ideas in my mind…" Another distinguished guest, Olympic pole vault gold medallist Renaud Lavillenie, made his debut in the elite race after several years taking part in other Roc d'Azur events. "I've been coming here for several years to race in the Rando Roc Noire and the Tri Roc Relais", recalls the Clermont-based athlete. "It was time to have a crack at the Roc d'Azur." And that he did, finishing in a time of 3 h 02′33″.
The 30-year-old Lithuanian Kataržina Sosna, the winner of the Women's Roc d'Azur, held over the same distance and with the same prize purse as the men's race, struggled to hold back her emotions on the finish line. Fresh off her triumph in Friday's Canyon Roc Marathon, she took her first victory in the Women's Roc d'Azur (2 h 29′26″) and exacted revenge after missing out by a matter of inches in 2019. "It's simply unbelievable", she blurts out. "After the start, it didn't take me long to power away with an Italian, but she had a flat and I found myself alone at the front. The Roc d'Azur is an incredible race and winning here is an incredible feeling. A big thank you to everyone." Sosna, who will now travel to South Africa for the Cape Epic, became the first Lithuanian winner of the Roc d'Azur, beating the previous title holder, Margot Moschetti from France, by over 7 minutes. "Honestly, I'm pleased with second place", said the local girl. "Finishing on the podium of the Roc d'Azur can never be a disappointment. Sosna is a top athlete and finishing second to her is a real source of satisfaction." Belgian champion Émeline Detilleux took the bottom step of the podium. "Racing amid the men makes it a bit more complex, but it also means we get to enjoy the atmosphere even more and climb Le Bougnon with massive crowds cheering us on, it was quite something", she stressed.
Over 3,000 participants enjoyed the ride far behind the world elite. Le Fournel, the Col du Bougnon, the Sentier des Douaniers and La Galiote beach have become hallowed ground for mountain bikers over the years, places where passionate fans struggle and suffer yet want to come back for more next year. Time to mark 5 to 9 October 2022, the dates of the 38th edition, on the calendar.
The curtain came down on the Roc d'Azur on Sunday after five days of celebrations on the tracks of Les Maures Massif and the aisles of the Show. There were high-stakes sporting duels, but it also signified the return of the atmosphere that has made the Roc d'Azur a unique crowd-puller for decades.
"Six months ago, it was hard to imagine so many participants and spectators", says an elated Pascal Quatrehomme, the director of the Roc d'Azur."It feels good. This is what we live and work for. After going without for a year and a half, we were really looking forward to it. It gives us goosebumps. It's always a pleasure, but this time, coming after a year and a half without, it was even more intense. Seeing happy competitors with smiles on their faces, witnessing their joy on the finish line and watching them mingle again was fantastic. Our job is to make people happy, and I think we did it this year. The Show also went well. Even with the economic context and the financial difficulties faced by certain brands, we filled 80% of our slots. We have no doubt that they'll be back. The aisles are packed and the exhibitors and partners are pleased."
Fun activities and families hogged all the attention in the Roc d'Azur on the eve of Sunday's elite race, in which Jordan Sarrou will be gunning for a fourth win in Fréjus. From recreational rides for cyclists of all levels and genres to races for children as young as 3, the Nature Base in Fréjus (Var) once again went wild with the passionate fans who flocked there to push the pedals or visit the Show.
Key points:
A super-sized snake with cavemen and cavewomen in it —welcome to the Roc d'Azur! Once again, participants in the Rando Roc déguisée kept the tradition going. Apart from thrilling races, the Roc d'Azur is also about entertaining moments in which timers and stopwatches are reduced to mere baubles and trinkets. The goal was exactly the same for the Shimano Rando Roc Électrique noire (45.4 km), the Alltricks.com Rando Roc noire (45.4 km) and the Rando Roc famille (8 km): having a blast in the heart of Les Maures Massif. The atmosphere was identical in the Kid Roc (a series of races of varying lengths depending on the age of the children), which wrapped up the day on Saturday. While the kids felt the enthusiasm and passion for mountain biking light up inside them, their parents also put on a real show, going wild with each of their scions' moves.
Although recreational rides, children and families were the protagonists of the Saturday programme, there were also several competitive races. Gravel grinding, a booming genre halfway between mountain biking and road racing that has been part of the Roc d'Azur since 2016, drew a large field to the Gravel Roc (65.4 km). Steve Chainel, who came up short in the previous edition after prevailing in 2017 and 2018, wrested his crown back from Cédrick Dubois, who came in second. "I remained cautious and patient throughout the race", explains the French cyclo-cross champion. "45 kilometres into the race, I broke away on a very treacherous descent and then kept going at the bottom. Everything fell into place. The course was relatively fast, but there were also rugged and tricky sections. It was a really nice gravel grinder. I enjoy this sport a lot. I had a great time."
2021 cross-country World Cup winner Loana Lecomte, who signed up for the Roc Tandem as a fun experience, made a fantastic debut, claiming the mixed category together with her pilot Rémy Duquesne (sixth overall, behind Valentin Revaux and Rémy Bourdon, who took their third win in a row). "It was a real change because, apart from two minutes on the car park this morning, I'd never hopped onto a tandem bike before", she grins. "It's scary! You need to keep your eyes peeled. I almost cried on the descent from Le Fournel! We dropped our chain and, when we put it back in place, the pedals were out of sync, so it sometimes got a bit too close for comfort on the descents. It was a great experience, I think we'll come back for more!"
Finally, 18-year-old Adrien Boichis, the newly crowned world champion, won the Junior race. "I haven't missed a single edition since my U11 years", he points out. "It was my first time on the 42 km circuit and I really enjoyed discovering new tracks. I'd already taken the U11 and O15 races before. From next year, winning the elite race will be my goal every year!"
The Roc d'Azur, the climax of these five days in the Var department, comes on Sunday. 2020 world champion Jordan Sarrou, fifth in the 2021 World Cup, will be a marked man. The Frenchman, a three-time winner of the event (2014, 2016 and 2019), will stand alone at the top of the record board if he prevails. "My shape at this point in the season is nothing to write home about, but winning here is always special", he concedes. "I'm motivated to do well and fired up to go for a fourth win."
A regular sight in the Roc d'Azur, pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie, who has entered a race every day since Thursday, will be tackling the elite Roc d'Azur for the first time.
The women's race could be a rematch of last Friday's Canyon Roc Marathon, with Lithuanian Kataržina Sosna, Italian Costanza Fasolis and, of course, the reigning champion, Margot Moschetti from France, again in contention. The Roc d'Azur will also be the last of the five stages that make up the Roc Trophy. Just a few minutes separate Pierre-Henri Jung, Nicolas Levasseur and Belgian Robin Vervloessen in the men's competition, whereas German Regina Marunde, the winner of three of the four previous races, holds a comfortable lead in the women's one.
Sunday programme
German Andreas Seewald proved himself well worthy of his recently conquered marathon world champion's jersey with a superb victory in the Canyon Roc Marathon, the main course of the Friday menu. Come Saturday, the focus will be on the fun side of things, with a programme packed with rides, the children's races and a bunch of performances and exhibitions all day long in the Show.
Key points:
A world champion's rainbow jersey on the top step, an Italian champion's jersey on the middle one and the French champion's blue, white and red on the bottom one. The podium of the Canyon Roc Marathon embodied the depth of the field on the start line of the longest race of the Roc d'Azur (84.5 km) on Friday —a great way to celebrate its inclusion in the UCI Mountain Bike Marathon Series.
German Andreas Seewald, crowned world champion on the Italian island of Elba last weekend, was a cut or two above the rest in his first outing in his new jersey. After featuring in the lead group from the get-go, Seewald took off in the latter half of the course and never looked back. "At the start, I had no idea what my form would be like so soon after the Worlds", he explains. "But I wanted to be in the mix because I love the Roc d'Azur. I thought I'd stay at the front of the race and see how it went on from there. Halfway through, I saw my legs were good, so I upped the pace. I wanted to power away on my own to avoid having to take risks later or facing a complicated finale, as I'm heading out straight away to the German championships on Sunday and then to South Africa, where the Cape Epic is due to start a week from now." The 30-year-old German beat Italian champion Fabian Rabensteiner by just under a minute in his third participation in Fréjus. French champion Axel Roudil-Cortinat, a couple of weeks shy of his 22nd birthday, took third place in a three-way sprint. "I pushed hard on the first climb to see who was going well and we ended up with a ten-man group", explains the top Frenchman (19th) in last week's Worlds. "When Andreas started to step up on the gas, we all blew up one after the other. He was the strongest. At the start of the race, I thought to myself it would be nice to have a podium with these three jerseys and that's exactly what happened… The season's over, time to have fun!"
In the women's race, Lithuanian Kataržina Sosna defended her crown from 2019. "I pushed hard from the start and quickly found myself alone", she narrates. "Everything fell into place. This is France, this is the Roc d'Azur and it's an extraordinary race, so of course I'm ecstatic. Now, I've got my sights set on the Women's Roc d'Azur on Sunday, and this time I hope to win [2nd in 2019 and 4th in 2018]." Lejla Tanović (BIH) and Costanza Fasolis (ITA) took the remaining steps of the podium. Estelle Morel and Margot Moschetti flew the flag for France in fifth and sixth place, respectively.
The party really gets started on Saturday. Although the fourth of the five legs of the Roc Trophy, the Men's Roc Junior and, especially, the Gravel Roc, with two-time winner Steve Chainel and reigning champion Cédrick Dubois on the start line, promise thrilling sporting duels, the focus will be on having fun. The rides, with the Shimano Rando Roc Électrique Noire and the Alltricks.com Rando Roc Noire as the highlights, will take participants on a breathtaking tour of Les Maures Massif.
Sparks are also guaranteed to fly in the Roc Tandem, the biggest tandem race on Earth. The 2021 edition will have a distinguished guest, cross-country world champion Loana Lecomte, who wants to have a blast in this race. "It's always nice to be here", confesses the 22-year-old star. "I've missed the last few editions, so I'm really happy to be back. I've been taking part in the Roc d'Azur ever since my U11 years, over a decade ago. I used to come here, first with my club in Carroz and then with my club in Annecy. When you're a kid, it's more or less the goal of the season. It's a celebration of cycling. It's always cool to share your passion with others."
Another highlight is the now traditional "La Salsa du démon" in the Rando Roc Déguisée. A few minutes before the start, the majority of the peloton, in which nine out of ten riders are in fancy dress, converges on the start line to create an interminable, surrealistic and colourful snake to the tune of the hit of Le Grand Orchestre du Splendid. A celebration beyond reason! Because it is never too late to fall into the cauldron of the Roc d'Azur, the Kid Roc series of races will plunge children as young as 3 into the world of the Roc. Who knows if we will see the champions of tomorrow.
• 8 am: Roc Trophy #4 (23 km)
• 8:30 am: Gravel Roc (65.4 km)
• 9:15 am: Men's Roc Juniors (41.9 km)
• 9:45 am: Roc Tandems (41.9 km)
• 10:30 am: Shimano Rando Roc Électrique Noire (45.4 km)
• 10:45 am: Alltricks.com Rando Roc Noire (45.4 km)
• 11:30 am: Kid Roc Draisienne (150 m)
• 2 pm: Rando Roc Déguisée (17.7 km)
• 3 pm: U9 Kid Roc (2 km)
• 3:30 pm: U11 Kid Roc (4 km)
• 4 pm: U13 Kid Roc (6 km)
• 4:30 pm: U15 Kid Roc (8 km)
• 4:45 pm: Rando Roc Famille (8 km)
See you in the Roc d'Azur Village at 7 pm TONIGHT for "TOUS EN SELLE !", the first festival that revolves 100% around cycling with Kilian Bron !
Chill zone, deckchairs, … Come and enjoy this friendly moment !
Fancy testing a new bike after your race? Make the most of your Roc d’Azur experience and try out the mountain bike of your dreams for free (list of test bikes available). Ask the exhibitors for more details, they’ll be happy to help!
The summer weather continued at the Roc d'Azur as the participants came to grips with an actionpacked day. Neither the riders nor the visitors could hide their delight at meeting each other again out on the tracks and in the crowded aisles of the Show. One of them, pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie, a Roc d'Azur regular, finished the Tri Roc Relais with a wide grin on his face. Friday will bring more of the same, including the star-studded Canyon Roc Marathon.
Often described as a great place to stretch out the summer, the Roc d'Azur lives up to its reputation. It boasts a unique atmosphere against the backdrop of Les Maures Massif, the aisles of the Show, where all the leading brands come to show their product range and their latest articles, and the activity area, with exhibitions round the clock.
Standing out from the rest of the Thursday programme, the Tri Roc offered a spectacular show, starting with an early plunge for a 1,500 swim, followed by 23 km of mountain biking and, finally, 11 km of trail running. French cross triathlon and U23 cross triathlon world champion Maxime Chané, the joint winner of the 2019 edition with François Carloni, sucked the suspense out of the race. After finishing the swimming sector with a comfortable lead over "old-timers" François Carloni and Olivier Marceau (triathlon world champion in 2000), the 25-yearold Frenchman, a member of Nissa Triathlon, was able to set his own pace and take the win ahead of Théo Dupras and François Carloni. "I'm basically racing on home turf, so I'm ecstatic to win here", he explains. "I've been coming here since I was a little kid, entering the youth and student categories. The Worlds are my next goal. It's great to have the Tri Roc on the programme of the Roc d'Azur because it helps to spread the word about our young sport. The future of our sport depends on its presence in events like this one." 2019 Tri Roc champion Alysée Paties also maintained her iron grip on the competition. "The hot weather makes it a great race to prepare for the Worlds in Hawaii in December", she chirped. "I love running on these demanding tracks, surrounded by beautiful landscapes."
2012 pole vault Olympic gold medallist Renaud Lavillenie, a Roc regular for several years, entered the relay race with two triathletes from Poissy, Aurélien Jem and Jéremy Quindos. "I love mountain biking", admits the pole vaulter. "My injuries left me a lot of time to ride this season. Two years ago, the Tri Roc put me through the wringer, so this time round I wanted to have more fun. I'm over the moon. The course is amazing and there are a lot of people along the tracks cheering us on. Honestly, the weather, the course, the organisation… what a rush!" Even more fun awaits Lavillenie, who will also be racing the Rando Roc Odyssey on Friday, the Shimano Rando Roc Noire Électrique on Saturday and the Roc d'Azur for the first time on Sunday. "The Roc is an opportunity to spend a fantastic week with your buddies", he stresses. It's wonderful."
Théo Auzoux and Sara Michielsens (BEL) in the Roc Light, Clément Trunet and Caroline Cordonnier in the Mid Roc, Nicolas Levasseur and Regina Marunde in the Roc Trophy #2 and, finally, world masters cyclo-cross champion Nicolas Lüthi (SUI) and Sabrina Énaux, the winner of the 2018 Roc Dames in 2018, in the Masters Roc (for riders over age 30), took the spoils in the other races held today.
The atmosphere on the nature base in Fréjus is set to turn up a notch on Friday. On the sporting side of things, the Canyon Roc Marathon, the longest race of the Roc d'Azur at 84.5 km, with an altitude gain of 2,170 m, will be one of the highlights of the day. Now included in the UCI Mountain Bike Marathon Series, the race has a whole constellation of stars on its start list, chief among them the German Andreas Seewald, crowned world champion in Italy last weekend. Expect to see Frenchman Victor Koretzky, the bronze medallist in the last Worlds and fifth in the Tokyo Olympics, in contention for the win, probably alongside Estonian Peeter Pruss and the awe-inspiring Italian armada, led by Samuele Porro (2021 European Marathon silver medallist, 2019 World Marathon bronze medallist and winner in Fréjus on two occasions, 2015 and 2018). In the women's category, Lithuanian Kataržina Sosna is returning to defend the crown that she won in 2019. The thrilling Roc Ruelles in Fréjus will wrap up the sporting part of the day, driving the centre of the old town wild like every year.
The spotlight will then shift from the tracks to the Village, where the projection of the cycling film festival "TOUT EN SELLE" will begin at 7 pm. Kilian Bron, one of the greatest downhill mountain bikers on Earth and patron of the 2021 edition of the festival, will be sharing the podium with guests such as Steven Le Hyaric, an adventurer with numerous cycling feats to his name.
7:30 am: Canyon Roc Marathon (84.5 km) — Stage 3 of the Roc Trophy
12:30 pm: Ekoï Enduroc and Ekoï Enduro Roc Électrique (22,9 km)
1:30 pm: Rando Roc Odyssey (33.6 km)
7–7:40 pm: Roc Ruelle Fréjus — Kid Roc Ruelles
With the help of our partners Hutchinson and Alltricks, the INCM will be present on the routes so that your minor mechanical problems won’t stop you continuing your race. Find mechanical assistance in the morning near the departure area in order to be able to race in the best possible conditions.
Here it is! The Roc d'Azur programme is now available for download. Keep in mind that there will be no physical copies, so add it to your bookmarks straight away!
The village is free and open to everyone! As a reminder :
This year no cup will be distributed on the refreshments, use your own cup! Help us to preserve the planet and do not throw your waste in nature, we are counting on you!
The 37th edition of the Roc d'Azur kicked off this Wednesday in Fréjus (Var). The first riders were thrilled to hit the tracks of the Massif des Maures, in ideal conditions. Beginning on Thursday, the visitors to the Show will have the pleasure to, once again, enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Roc d'Azur and prolong their summer.
Key points:
• The "Génération Roc Sports pour tous" and the "Rallye Roc XC" have opened the 2021 edition of the Roc d'Azur
• The Tri Roc will be the main event of Thursday’s busy programme
• The village will open on Thursday at 10 am with the exhibitors' lounge and many activities
It was nothing but smiles on the start line. Then the panting began on the climbs on the trails of the Massif des Maures, soon followed by an adrenalin rush on the descents, and naturally, scenes of joy at the finish. The François-Léotard nature base of Fréjus had all the ingredients which, for 37 years now, have made the Roc d'Azur a special meeting for mountain bike lovers.
The competitors were delighted to be back on the tracks of the Massif des Maures, under sunny skies. For this gathering, the participants of the "Génération Roc Sports pour tous" that kicked off the five days of competition of the Roc d'Azur (33 events) with Enzo Scotto and Adeline Trouve, the first riders to cross the finish line in this 2021 edition. After the lunch hour, the second edition of the 34.1 km Roc XC Rally, including 12.3 km of timed stages over various sections alternating climbs and descents, tracks and singles track, offered the first highlights of the week. As the first stage of the Roc Trophy, the event also allowed the competitors, who will ride one stage per day until Sunday, to find their marks on the trails in the Var.
On Thursday, from 8 am, the Roc Light will begin the day's racing programme. Then the Tri Roc, a fixture of the Roc d'Azur since 2012, will conclude the day's competition with a 1,500 m swim in the clear waters of the Mediterranean, 23 km of mountain biking and finally 11 km of trail running around the Fréjus nature base.
In addition to the competition, on Thursday visitors will also have the chance to stroll the alleys of the Roc d'Azur village (open from 10 am and free of charge) to check out the latest products from all the leading mountain bike brands and the numerous activities that will animate the village through Sunday. The free screening of the " TOUS EN SELLE” festival on Friday 8 October at 7 pm will be among the highlights of these festivities.
Thursday programme
• 8 am: Roc Light (24.6 km)
• 8:45 am: Mid Roc (33.4 km)
• 9 am: Stage 2 of the Roc Trophy (33.5 km)
• 9:30 am: Masters Roc (41.9 km)
• 10 am: Rando Roc Enduro (31.5 km)
• 10:15 am: Rando Roc Altitude (41.7 km)
• 1 pm: Tri Roc and Tri Roc Relais (1.5 km of swimming, 23 km of mountain biking, 11 km of trail running)
The Roc d'Azur also features non-stop activities for 5 days straight! You'll find the podium, the Canyon test area, the X-SPORTS SHOWS and the introduction courses run by Moniteurs Cyclistes Français (MCF), not to mention the funny bikes!
Kick back and relax in between one race and the next!
Are you still making up your mind about entering the 2021 edition? Have you registered for a race but are still unsure how to round off your stay? Hurry up and sign up at the early-bird rate before the prices change in a few hours!
See you in the Roc d'Azur Village at 7 pm on 8 October for "TOUS EN SELLE !", the first festival that revolves 100% around cycling!
Experience the thrills and dream of the colours of every bicycle through the best films and documentaries about cycling on the current scene.
The incredible Kilian Bron is the official patron of the festival, making the 2021 edition even more spectacular.
The 2021 Roc d’Azur consists of 33 events over 5 days, but that is not all!! It is also chalk-full of surprises and innovations:
This will make the most important mountain bike event of the year even more enjoyable and more convivial!
Are you back on your bike and ready to train for the 2021 Roc d'Azur? Attention, you have until June 1st to take advantage of the preferential rates for all the events. Hurry up and take advantage of this opportunity before the price change! See you on time to.
We look forward to seeing you from the 6th to the 10th of October to experience the mountain bike event of the year.
Although it is still hard to forecast how the pandemic will evolve, we remain optimistic and hope to be able to organise the 2021 Roc d'Azur from 6 to 10 October. We are looking forward to seeing you again and sharing new moments packed with sport, passion and a friendly atmosphere under the sunny skies of Les Maures Massif!
Those of you who signed up for the 2020 edition should have already received a newsletter announcing that you were getting a refund to start from scratch and prepare for the 2021 programme without hassle thanks to an exclusive pre-registration window!
For everyone else, registration officially opens on 16 February 2021 at noon!
We will pull out all the stops to be able to hold all our races in a safe environment and in strict compliance with the health regulations in force.
The Roc Team
With Shimano celebrating it’s centenary year in 2021, the partnership will see the brand leveraging 20 years of neutral support experience and know-how to support all riders in selected A.S.O. races, no matter which drivetrain brand they use, helping them to get their bikes operating at the optimum level. The iconic blue of Shimano will adorn the neutral support cars in all A.S.O. World Tour, Continental and Women’s races, offering all riders assistance to get back on the road as quickly as possible in the event of a crash or mechanical issue.
Taizo Shimano, Executive Vice President said “In the one hundredth year of our existence we are very excited to start a new chapter in our sports history. We are proud to announce a partnership to support the A.S.O.’s events with neutral support. That means we will be providing first-class support to riders at A.S.O. events to get them back on the road and back in the race.
“Shimano’s role is to inspire people to participate in sports and to keep bicycles running at their best. The vital neutral support role, especially at cycling’s most high-pressurized race – and also at the world’s most-watched sporting event – will allow us to do just that.
“Working with A.S.O. will allow Shimano to provide more support to the sport and more support to athletes to help them perform at the top level.
“As a company we take great pride in the quality of work that the thousands of global Shimano dealers carry out. This partnership with A.S.O. is the best example of the service that they provide. Not only do we hope this partnership will inspire a new generation of people to ride their bikes more often, but we hope to inspire people to trust in our product quality.”
Yann Le Moënner - Managing Director of Amaury Sport Organisation: "We are incredibly pleased to have extended our partnership with a player as innovative as Shimano. Partnering up on all of our professional and amateur cycling events with a family business and pioneer in the cycling world testifies to our commitment to offering excellent support to athletes as well as all of the cyclists involved in our events.
The innovation and consistent level of excellence provided by the brand over its 100 years of existence make Shimano a crucial player in world and everyday cycling and a brand that we are proud to be associated with."
Edouard Cassignol, Public Events Director, declared: "We are very glad to have Shimano as a new partner on our road cycling events (the Etape du Tour in particular) and on our all-terrain events with the Roc d'Azur. This collaboration will help Shimano to showcase the high quality of its products as well as its recognised know-how in supporting all of our participants.
About Shimano Europe: Founded in 1921, Shimano is dedicated to helping its customers get closer to nature, supporting people to realize their dreams and create new lifestyles. That comes with the desire to create outstanding cycling products and apparel.
With almost 100 years’ experience in creating internationally renowned bicycle components, Shimano is proud to have developed products that continue to take countless athletes to victory and provide the means for limitless global bicycle journeys. For more information see www.shimano.com.
After informing the towns of Fréjus and Roquebrune-sur-Argens, we have decided to cancel the 2020 Roc d'Azur.
The COVID-19 crisis and the measures taken to tackle it make it impossible to host the 20,000 participants and thousands of show visitors who take part in the biggest mountain biking event in Europe in good conditions. While we have done our best to keep the event on the calendar and are aware that the cancellation of the race will come as a big disappointment for the competitors, we think it is best to wait until 2021 to rediscover the fabled landscapes around Fréjus.
We would like to thank the municipalities, event partners and the competitors for their loyalty and trust.
See you in 2021!
The entire organisation team continues to work flat-out to welcome you in the best conditions! You will soon have the pleasure of riding between the sea and mountains in a magnificent setting.
In the meantime, we are counting on you to prepare as best you can. We can't wait to see you. Full program
Attention, you have just until 29 February to take advantage of the preferential rate for the Roc d’Azur events. Are you hesitating about the adventure? This is the time to take on the challenge because with the 36 Roc events, you’ll undoubtedly find the one that suits you! Don’t wait any longer if you want to be one of these mountain bikers who can say “I did it”!
Don’t miss the preferential rates in February! And don’t put off reserving your race number to set off to discover the Massif de l’Estérel!
36 events on the schedule: races, rando races, gravel races, electric races, triathlon and children’s races. There’s something for all tastes and all levels!
And the icing on the cake: The Roc d’Azur will allow to discover the Massif de l’Estérel, on an electric rando race, a rando race which will strengthen your muscles and a gravel rando race. Whatever you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the red rocks and steep mountainous areas of this outstanding Massif!
And if you’re unsure of which of the Massifs to choose, don’t hesitate any longer and take advantage of one of the two packs (electric and gravel) to discover the Massif de L’Estérel on the Friday and continue the experience on the Saturday on the Massif des Maures.
No, the Roc is not leaving the Massif des Maures. But it will allow you to discover the Massif de L’Estérel as a bonus!
Red rocks, steep mountainous areas, overlooking the blue of the Mediterranean…Although the Massif de l’Estérel is situated around twenty kilometres from the Massif des Maures as the crow flies, it has its own distinctive features. But both of these massifs have something in common: majestic scenery!
So, on Friday 9 October the Roc d’Azur will allow you to explore a brand-new area! On the schedule, an electric rando race, a rando race which will strengthen your muscles and a gravel rando race, setting off on wider, less technically challenging trails than in the Massif des Maures, which will take you to breathtaking landscapes! Pleasure, nothing but pleasure
Please note the new format of these Roc d'Azur races: you can choose the ride that suits you, among 3 distances: so, based on your level of fitness, your desires, your motivation, etc. you can decide on D-day between 22, 29 and 38 km for the rando races and between 47, 50 and 58 km for the gravel rando races.
A PACK SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO CHOOSE!
If you’re unsure which Massif to choose for an electric MTB ride, don’t hesitate any longer and pick the Gravel Roc or the Roc Electrique which will allow you to discover the Massif de L’Estérel on the Friday and continue the experience on the Saturday on the Massif des Maures. With a 20% discount into the bargain!
THE 2020 ROC D'AZUR’S FEATURES:
Registrations for the 37th edition of the Roc d'Azur will open on Wednesday 12 February on timeto at 12 noon. Don’t miss out on preferential rates in February and reserve your race number for the key MTB celebration!
More information to come about new features in 2020.
In the meantime, watch the 2019 best of video again!
With Mavic, relive your race in video for free thanks to the cameras on the track!
Nb. Only races on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are concerned.
The 2019 Roc d’Azur is already over. But now it’s time to think of next year. So what are you doing from 7 to 11 October 2020? Pre-register here to get all the exclusive news!
All the results are available here and on your timeto.com account. Check them out now!
Sportograf was present on the courses to immortalise your greatest moments! Discover your photos now!
“Three’s the magic number!” French rider Jordan Sarrou is celebrating once again at the finish line of the Roc. Victorious in 2014 and 2016, the 26-year-old has just won his third Roc d’Azur, equalling the record set by Miguel Martinez (1997, 2004 and 2013). His victory was won in the sprint where he beat Estonian rider Peeter Pruss, who was third in the Roc Marathon Canyon on Friday, and French champion Victor Koretzky, who dropped out in the final stretch. Fourth last weekend in Tokyo during the Olympic test event and member of the team established by Julien Absalon, the end of the season has confirmed his good form. “The start was really smooth,” said today’s winner. “When I looked at my speedo and saw that we were averaging 27 km/h, I thought to myself, wow! It was madness. When we got to the front, we worked well with Victor. We made the difference in the technical parts of the climb and descent but Peeter Pruss came back on the flat every time. I took the lead with 300 m to go and I said to myself, go on, give it your everything, now’s the time. It’s great to end the season like this. Matching the record makes me really happy because the Roc d'Azur is a great race to have to your name. Since I was 8 years old, I've only missed one edition. I won here in the Juniors and Espoirs, so winning a third time in the Elites is just great.” His manager, Julien Absalon was also delighted, and is already looking to the future. “Jordan has ended the season really well," commented the two-time Olympic champion (in 2004 and 2008). “He has been really consistent throughout the year. I am very satisfied. He will now have to take a bit of a break and rest before we start looking at 2020.” With, of course, the hope of participating in the Olympic Games.
At the start of the women’s race (40.2 km), Margot Moschetti, who was third on Friday in the Roc Marathon Canyon, her speciality for which she was French champion in 2018, was cautious. “I’m here first and foremost to have fun” said the winner of the 2014 Women’s Roc d'Azur. “I'm not sure how my legs will feel two days after the marathon. I'll try to be get out in front and then we'll see.” And see we did. After a three-man sprint, the 24-year-old champion beat Lithuanian rider Katazyna Sosna, who had won the Roc Marathon Canyon and who was close to a second victory, by just a few centimetres. Another Frenchwoman, Léna Gérault, joined them on the podium. “I didn't expect this at all,” confirms the champion. “All three of us got off to a good start. Lena then shaved a few seconds off us in the descents and managed to pull away a little. On the last kilometres, with Katazyna we worked together to catch her up and for the sprint, I knew I had to give everything. This victory is important for me especially this season. I was injured and had to have shoulder surgery. Winning shows me that things are going well and its very positive for the next season where I hope to get back to a good level on cross country and run some marathons. ”
The Roc d’Azur also formed part of the the fifth and final stage of the Roc Trophy, a competition where competitors compete once a day and accumulate their results. The Polish rider Piotr Brzozka won the Trophy last year and was consistently good all week. “This week has been very hard,” says the Pole. “Especially on Friday in the Roc Marathon Canyon and this Sunday in the Roc d’Azur. There are really good international level riders and it's hard to keep up with the pace. But I love this five-day competition format. For me, the Roc Trophy is the best format and I am so happy to win it again.” In the women’s event, Ilona Chavaillaz also easily won, finishing first in each of the five stages. “I am lucky to be able to recover quickly and that is a big advantage in this format” explains the Swiss rider. “I really enjoyed cycling through these landscapes. It’s the first time I’ve taken part in the Roc, but it won’t be the last! ”
Behind the champions, more than 3,500 enthusiasts crossed the finish line one after the other. Their legs may have been aching, but their eyes were bright with emotion and delight at having finished a race which is like no other. Many of them are already dreaming about coming back next year.
The last day of the 2019 Roc d'Azur is already here. Do not miss the highlights of the day!
On Sunday, the clash between some of the best specialists in the world on the 51.4 km Roc d’Azur (40.2 km for the Roc Dames women’s race) constitutes the traditional grand finale of the week. Back from the pre-Olympic test events in Tokyo last weekend, Jordan Sarrou is hoping for a third title after 2014 and 2016. Success this year will make him joint record holder of this event with Miguel Martinez (1997, 2004 and 2013). The 2015 winner, Victor Koretzky, could also continue the French supremacy over recent years (6 wins in the last 7
editions). But watch out for Austrian rider Daniel Geismayr and the Dutchman Hans Becking, first and second on the Canyon Roc Marathon on Friday, and also for the huge delegation of Italian riders, who have often been at the thick of the action in the last few years but are still waiting for their first win on the Roc d’Azur. Pro road rider Alexandre Geniez is also on the start list. In the women’s race, with World Champion Pauline Ferrand Prévot absent due to a fractured nose last week in Tokyo (although she still turned up at the show today), Sabrina Enaux will be looking to retain her title. But Lithuanian rider Katazyna Sosna, winner of the Canyon Roc Marathon, is hoping to do the double. Keep an eye too on French rider Margot Moschetti, the 2014 winner.
8 am – Roc d’Azur Women and Espoirs Women (40.2 km)
8.30 am – Roc d’Azur Cadets (17.7 km)
8.35 am – Roc d’Azur Cadettes Women and Juniors Women (17.7 km)
9.30 am – Roc d’Azur and 5th stage of the Roc Trophy (51.4 km)
10.30 am – Kid Roc Draisienne (balance bike)
11 am – Kid Roc Five
9 am to 5 pm – Opening times of the trade s
Gravel cycling, a discipline halfway between MTB and road cycling, has experienced a huge upsurge in popularity over recent years and has naturally slotted into place on the Roc d’Azur programme. On Saturday, the Mavic Gravel Roc, 65.4 km with 1400 m positive climb, saw Gravel fans joining the party. “Everyone should come along,” says Cédrick Dubois, winner of the event in 2:30:24 (he also won this summer’s Etape du Tour). “Gravel is the missing link between MTB and road cycling. It’s suitable for all kinds of cyclists. There is a very sociable atmosphere and I think it’s great that it now features in the Roc d’Azur.” Cyclo-cross champion Steve Chainel was on the start line and quickly took the lead but sadly had to abandon halfway round the circuit due to a massive puncture. He managed to get back in time to take part in the Roc Style Game alongside some big names in cycling like Kilian Bron (downhill), Isabeau Courdurier (World number 1 in enduro), Fabien Barel (downhill) and Nicolas Roux. “We are all from different disciplines and we don’t get the chance to meet up and chat very often,” Chainel explains. “So the Roc Star Game is an opportunity to really enjoy ourselves and share the fun with public.” Later in the day, participants in the Gravel Origins 83 rolled into Fréjus after a 280-km expedition over two days through fantastic countryside in the Var from the Mediterranean coast to the Gorges du Verdon.
No timing, no checking the computer, just sheer pleasure. Close to 3,500 participants made the most of their Saturday to take part in the different circuits on the programme. From the 8-km Rando Roc Famille to the 49.4-km Alltricks.com Rando Roc Noire, with the Rando Roc Déguisée in between, which traditionally gets underway in a giant caterpillar formation to the sound of the Salsa du Démon, as Bob Marley, Superman, the Ninja Turtles, cows and Lucky Lukes roll over the line in single file! The height of partying on the Roc d’Azur!
There were plenty of red faces and gasping for breath but all eyes were shining. The kids setting off on the various events at Kid Roc weren’t working out their tactics. They were simply enjoying an unforgettable moment. Some of them might even become great champions one day. On the trailside, the parents put on their own show. The anxious ones kept a close eye out, while the competitive ones pushed their son or daughter to take advantage of the tiniest gap. The Kid Roc Draisienne (balance bike) for two-year-olds upwards, and the Kid Roc races (over distances of 2 to 8 km according to age), had, as every year, parents and kids in a complete state of excitement.
Today is Saturday 12 October. Do not miss the highlights of the day!
- Come to cheer on newbie riders in the Roc Draisienne, in the Moniteurs Cyclistes Français area at 11:30 am;
- Do not miss the second edition of the Roc Star Game, to be held on the Test Roc Test Camp by Canyon track at noon. It is the perfect opportunity to see Kilian Bron and Fabien Barel from up close;
- Gaze in awe at the biggest human chain of mountain bikers on the start line of the Rando Roc Déguisée at 2 pm;
- Test your Fun Pong skills in the area of our partner Fun Radio;
- Test the bike of your dreams on our test track thanks to the Roc Test Camp by Canyon;
- Go to the start line from 3 pm to cheer on the Kid Roc participants in their first start under the big starting arch —just like the big boys and girls!
- Discover the podium activities and villages of our partners and exhibitors as well as the numerous prizes up for grabs;
- Download (if you have yet to do so) the official Roc d'Azur app to get loads of useful information and make sure you do not miss a thing!
- Wrap up your day with the new event for 2020, showcased in Roquebrune-sur-Argens: the American Roc at 6:30 pm.
Having given his all, the Austrian rider, Daniel Geismayer, collapsed in the finish area. He had just won his second Canyon Roc Marathon in 3:46:21, two years after his first victory. Rarely has this 84-kilometre event, which features on the UCI international calendar, been such a close-run affair with six riders still in contention as they entered the final straight. “This is an unexpected result because I’ve often lost races on the sprint,” Geismayer says of his win. “We set off at a good pace and stayed grouped throughout the race. I gave it everything I had in the sprint. Winning the Canyon Roc Marathon is important for me because it’s always a top quality line-up and the course is very demanding.” Joining him on the podium are Dutch rider Hans Becking and the Estonian Peeter Pruus.
The Colombian Héctor Leonardo Páez León, who won the World Championships this summer, came in fifth. The Canyon Roc Marathon is the third of the five races that make up the Roc Trophy (participants compete in one event per day and results are combined) and Polish rider Piotr Brzozka, last year’s winner, strengthened his lead today in advance of the remaining two days’ racing.
Axel Roudil Cortinat, second at the French Championships last week in Ornans (Doubs), was the first French rider to cross the line today, in 12th place. “I’m very happy because I didn’t expect to make the top 20,” he admits. “I hadn’t really recovered from the French Championships. I was in the leading group at the start but I realised I had to take it easy after that otherwise I was going to run out of steam. The Roc d’Azur is the last race of the year and it’s really awesome to ride here in the sun.” Not far behind him in 20th place, Lilian Calmejane, a professional road rider, also appeared very satisfied. “My main reason for coming was to have fun,” says the rider who won a stage of the Tour de France in 2017. “I wanted to start fast to see how the best MTB riders race. We did the first climb flat out but I couldn’t keep up in the descent. My arm was hurting too much. Then I found my pace and didn’t finish too badly. The road racing calendar means that we can’t always make the most of a week like this. I came 12 years ago in the minimes category. I hope I don’t have to wait so long before the next time.”
In the women’s race, the Lithuanian rider Katazina Sosna, who has come second on a number of occasions in previous years, finally got to enjoy crossing the line with her arms aloft (4:42:13). After battling it out the entire race with the Slovenian Blaza Pintaric, second in the World Championships a few weeks ago and the current Canyon Roc Marathon titleholder, Sosna rode away in the last four kilometres. “Finally!” she shouted on the finish line, clearly delighted. “I’m very, very happy because this race is important for me and all my team. It is a difficult race and a major event on the annual calendar. I’ll be on the start line on Sunday for the women’s Roc d’Azur and if my legs are feeling okay, I’m hoping for a good result.” French rider Margot Moschetti grabbed the last spot on the podium while Swiss rider Ilona Chavaillaz further increased her lead on the Roc Trophy.
There’ll be a relaxed feel this Saturday, with the Alltricks.com Rando Roc Noire and the Rando Roc Déguisée, a fancy dress event where imaginations run riot, each year wackier than the last. There’ll be a family feel too at Roc d’Azur with the Rando Roc Famille as well as a special programme for children. Kids from 2 upwards get to sample the joys of two wheels with the Kid Roc Draisienne. They will be followed shortly after by the older ones, with 6 to 14 year-olds battling it out on the specially adapted circuits on the Kid Roc. A first taste of competition and perhaps a glorious future in prospect for some, just like Pauline Ferrand Prévot, Julien Absalon and many of today’s stars who having been coming to Roc d’Azur since they were tiny.
The Roc à l’Américaine is one of the new events for 2019 and will light up the streets of Roquebrune-sur-Argens’ old village centre in the evening. A spectacular concept that starts with a timed round to decide the 18 best riders, followed by a final in which the last rider in each lap will be eliminated. And then there was one!
8 am – Mavic Gravel Roc (65.4 km)
8 am – Gravel Origins 83 (2nd leg, 150 km)
8.45 am – Roc Trophy #4 (40.2 km)
9 am – Roc d’Azur Juniors Men (40.2 km)
10 am – Roc Tandems (40.2 km)
10.30 am – Rando Roc Electric Noire (49.4 km)
10.45 am – Alltricks.com Rando Roc Noire (49.4 km)
11.30 am – Kid Roc Draisienne (Balance bikes; 150 m)
2 pm – Rando Roc Déguisée (Fancy dress; 15.1 km)
3 pm – Kid Roc (from 2 to 8 km)
4.45 pm – Rando Roc Famille (Family; 8 km)
7 pm – Roc à l’Américaine (600 m circuits, Place Perrin, Roquebrune-sur-Argens)
9 am to 7 pm – Opening hours of the trade show
Today is Friday 11 October. Do not miss the highlights of the day!
The Canyon Roc Marathon will be the highlight of Friday’s event. With a distance of 84.3km and a total uphill climb of 2,300m, this is the most demanding event of the week. Right in the heart of the peloton, Austrians Alban Lakata and Daniel Gesmayr and the Colombian Hector Leon Paez will be the favourites. Professional cyclist Lilian Calmejane, stage winner on the Tour de France in 2017, will also enjoy the route through the Massif des Maures. In the women’s race, the young French rider Léna Girault will try to compete against Slovenian Blaza Pintaric and Lithuanian Katazina Sosna, who were respectively first and second last year.
Gravel Origins 83 along some of the most beautiful routes in the Var
There is another long road ahead for the participants in the Gravel Origins 83 who will embark this Friday on a journey of nearly 280km over two days. A fast-growing discipline, halfway between mountain biking and road biking, the gravel will offer them an incredible ride in sublime settings, from the shores of the Mediterranean to the Gorges du Verdon.
There is bound to be a great atmosphere and the adrenaline will be pumping in the evening in the centre of Fréjus with the traditional Roc Ruelles. A 1km loop in the heart of the old village, to be carried out by two riders in a relay, promises a thrilling experience for both participants and spectators.
Friday’s programme
10 October 2019
In bright, sunny conditions and with a relatively calm sea despite high winds and a water temperature of 19°, the Tri Roc participants were in for an intense experience on Thursday in Fréjus (Var), on the second day of the 36th edition of the Roc d’Azur. Many eyes were on the Tri Roc Relais, which was marked by the presence of pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie, newly returned from the World Athletics Championships in Doha. After a perfect start from former three-time European triathlon champion Frédéric Belaubre, who was streaks ahead after the 1500m swim, Renaud Lavillenie looked like he was thoroughly enjoying the 24km mountain biking. Despite his uncooperative legs, the 2012 Olympic champion, a regular at the Roc d’Azur, was able to hand over the torch to Pierre Le Corre, currently one of the best triathletes in the world, for the last 11 kilometres on foot, ultimately winning third place. “I have been coming to the Roc d'Azur since 2016 and it’s always a great experience,” Lavillenie said. “It gives me a change of scenery and the opportunity to try something different. Especially this year after what happened in Doha (he was eliminated during the qualifying heats). There is always an incredible atmosphere. Today, I had a great bike and my head was in the right place, but I just didn’t have the legs for it. I really had to push myself hard. But I absolutely wanted to finish to pass the baton on to Pierre. Mountain biking is a great form of back-to-basics training when I am preparing for competition.” He will have another opportunity to enjoy himself on Friday on the Rando Roc Odyssey and then on Saturday on the Alltricks.com Rando Roc Noir.
In the Tri Roc Individuel, Maxim Chané and François Carloni, both teammates preparing for the Xterra World Championships in Hawaii at the end of October, crossed the line hand-in-hand. Cédric Fleureton, who also qualified for the World Championships made the podium despite a puncture. In preparation for the World Championships, Alisée Patiès also easily won the women’s category ahead of Lucie Croissant and Sophie Rodot.
See you at the trade show
From 11 am this Thursday, mountain bike enthusiasts began to visit the 300 exhibitors at the trade show. They were able to discover the latest innovations from the biggest brands, learn about the many facets of the mountain biking world and enjoy a wide range of activities. By Sunday 13 October, nearly 100,000 visitors will have enjoyed this Roc d'Azur experience.
On Wednesday, almost 150 participants in the Generation Roc Sport for All, an exclusive event for club riders, got the 36th edition of the Roc d’Azur underway. Through till Sunday, there will be more than 20,000 riders of all ages (from 2 upwards thanks to balance bikes) of all levels (from beginners to the best in the world) and all types of riding (races, cross-country rides, e-bikes, gravel bikes, etc.) following their tracks on the Massif des Maures trails for one of the 35 events on the programme.
The first day ended with the Roc XC Rally, a 33-km enduro cross-country with 12.3 km of special timed sections. New on the programme for 2019, this event has already attracted 530 enthusiastic participants.
Renaud Lavillenie on the Tri Roc
Thursday, the second day of the Roc d’Azur, will be all about the Tri Roc. Among the relay teams signed up for the event, all eyes are likely to be on one particular team. The world record holder and Olympic pole-vaulting champion, Renaud Lavillenie will be heading off on the 23-km MTB track after Frédéric Belaubre, three-time European triathlon champion and 5th at the 2004 Olympic Games, completes the 1,500-metre swim. The pole vaulter will then pass the baton on to Pierre Le Corre, 2018 European triathlon champion and among the best in the world at the discipline, who will complete the 11 final kilometres on foot.
The Village opens Thursday at 10 am
At 10 am on Thursday, 300 exhibitors in the 20,000 m2 exhibition area will be ready to welcome the 100,000 visitors expected up until Sunday. An opportunity for the biggest brands on planet MTB to meet enthusiasts keen to discover the latest equipment. Real addicts will even be able to try out the bike of their dreams thanks to the Roc Test Camp by Canyon. With growing numbers of women on the trails, for the first time this year there is a dedicated women’s area at the trade show. Like every year, it's a show where the long list of entertainment and the relaxation zones (chill zone, petanque court, etc.) serve as a reminder that more than anything, Roc d’Azur is a great party to celebrate MTB and mountain biking enthusiasts.
Thursday’s programme
Due to the weather conditions (wind), the village of le Roc d’Azur will open at 11am (instead of 10am).
The Roc d'Azur show opens its doors today. Do not miss the highlights of the day!
Check out here all the exhibitors and activities waiting for you at the Roc d'Azur show from Thursday! Make sure you can fit everything you want to do in your schedule! Find out more on the official Roc d'Azur app.
Prepare your visit to the Roc Test Camp by Canyon! It is as easy as 1-2-3: go to http://roctestcamp.testpass.fr to sign up and choose the bike that you want to try out as well as the time slot that suits you best.
How to do it, step by step:
1) Sign up on the platform https://roctestcamp.testpass.fr/
2) Pay the €4,000 deposit online (bank card only)
3) Head to the Roc Test Camp reception tent in the Roc Test Camp by Canyon village
4) Present yourself to the staff and leave your identification (identity card, passport or driving licence) in the Roc Test Camp reception tent
5) After providing these items, your registration will be validated and you will receive a tester badge from the Roc Test Camp reception tent
6) You can now head to a participating stand (with your pedals and helmets)
7) Present yourself to the person in charge of the participating stand to retrieve the test bike. Leave your tester badge with the person in charge until the end of the test.
8) Try out the bike on the Roc Test Camp by Canyon track, which is located in the Roc Test Camp — Activities area.
9) Clean the bike free of charge at the Roc Cleaning Center, if needed, and take it back to the corresponding stand. You will receive your tester badge in return.
10) Once you are done, head back to the Roc Test Camp reception tent to drop off your tester badge and get back your deposit.
-> Location
Find the Roc Test Camp area in the Roc Test Camp by Canyon village. Check out the site map to see its exact location.
Make sure that your medical certificate or licence has been successfully uploaded and validated on your timeto account. You have until 7 October to upload it and get it validated, failing which you will have to present it at the race number retrieval stand.
To pick up your race number from the nature base in Fréjus, come on 9 to 12 October with:
The race number retrieval order depends on your plate number.
You can pick up your race number on the following dates and times:
Wednesday 9 October 2019: 12–7 pm
Thursday 10 October 2019: 8 am – 7 pm
Friday 11 October 2019: 8 am – 7 pm
Saturday 12 October 2019: 8 am – 6 pm
Sunday 13 October 2019: no race numbers handed out
Here it is! The Roc d'Azur programme is now available for download. Keep in mind that there will be no physical copies, so add it to your bookmarks straight away!
THE QUEEN OF RACES
The Roc d'Azur needs no introduction. Every mountain biker should compete in the Roc d'Azur at least once, so seize the moment!
Sign up here!
See you next Wednesday...
32 km make for an ideal warm-up!
Not feeling up to the task of tackling the Canyon Roc Marathon, yet eager to race on Friday? At 32 km and an altitude difference of 645 m, the Mid Roc is just the ticket. A great appetiser before the main course, the Roc d'Azur, on Sunday!
Sign up here!
Keep in mind that electric-assist MTBs are not allowed in competitive events.
See you next Wednesday...
A double delight!
The famous Roc 40 awaits the duos at 10:00 on Saturday… Good coordination is of the essence to tackle the technical course on machines like tandems!
Sign up here!
See you next Wednesday...
Ready to race the Roc d'Azur ?
Have you still not taken your bib for 2019? Are you signed-up to one of the challenges but you're eager to do another? Hurry up and take advantage of the current prices, there's only 48 hours left before they change!
There is a Roc d'Azur for EVERY category!
The O15 Roc d'Azur races will take place at 8:30 on Sunday. A 17.7 km course with an altitude difference of 150 m awaits the riders.
Their female counterparts and the Junior Ladies will take the start 5 minutes later. It will take lots of cheering to help them overcome the fierce competition!
Sign up here!
See you next Wednesday...
U9, U11, U11, U13 —this is where legends begin!
The greatest mountain bikers started their careers here! Want your kids to follow in their footsteps?
There is something for all ages, with the same starts and finishes as the grown-ups to catch a glimpse of the stars!
Sign up here!
See you next Wednesday...
All new, all fresh, the Rallye Roc XC!
A new challenge has been introduced to the Roc d’Azur for the Wednesday this year: the Rallye Roc XC!
It is a course that celebrates energy management and brings the explosive riders to the forefront. The slightly unusual format of the event serves to create a uniquely friendly competition.
A distance of 33km with 12 timed kilometres is cut into 4 specials.
Sign up here!
See you next Wednesday...
This week, we are looking back on 10 years of partnership.
Jump right into the last instalment in our mini-series to find out more about MBF's work.
The Gravel Origins 83 will take you through the landscapes of the Var department between Fréjus and Lac de Saint-Croix, in a laid-back sporting adventure you can share with your friends.
Come and ride with us on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October! We knew this would leave you yearning for more, so you can now check out the official course of the second day of the event. Feel like grinding some gravel?
Every year, at the beginning of October, MBF casts its nets far and wide —not into the sea, but along the tracks of the Roc d'Azur.
Jump right into the second instalment in our mini-series to find out more about MBF's work.
Want to get a taste of competitive gravel grinding? Jump right in!
The Mavic Gravel Roc is a competitive gravel grinder. It is a timed 65.4 km race in which riders can see how well they can alternate forest tracks and roads. The neutralised finish guarantees that participants get to the nature base safe and sound.
The Gravel Origins 83 is the quintessential Roc d'Azur gravel grinder. Feel like riding as free as the wind together with some buddies in a non-competitive setting? Feel like having fun going through landscapes that combine roads and tracks?
Come and ride with us from Fréjus to Lac de Sainte-Croix on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October! You can now check out the official course of the first day of the event.
Over the next three weeks, the Mountain Bikers Foundation will tell us more about its history with the Roc d'Azur, as well as the work it has been doing for a decade to reduce the waste left on our tracks and raise awareness about the importance of protecting our environment!
Read the first instalment in our mini-series here.
Electric atmosphere, intense thrills and raw speed: pick your partner!
Double the people, double the fun! This night-time race puts participants' bike handling abilities to the test in an exciting show in the heart of Fréjus.
If you simply love adrenaline, racing in an insane atmosphere and sharing the experience with friends or family, this race has your name written all over it!
Put your musette together and win a race bib forthe Garmin Triathlon de Paris and many official pries of Le Tour de France with the Fan Immersion!
What if Thursday was synonymous with recreational rides? Looking for a relaxing warm-up on Thursday before the races on Saturday or Sunday?
The Rando Roc Altitude is just the ticket! 41.5 km of sheer fun with a total altitude gain of 800 m. It is the ideal format to test your legs and take in the majestic landscapes of Les Maures massif at the same time.
ROC TROPHY
5 days of racing flat out! Ready for some interesting figures?
5 days of racing, 232 km and a total altitude gain of 5,270 m: the "stage race" of the Roc d'Azur is going large with the switch to a 5-day format. If you are one of those hardcore mountain bikers who see one or two races as just as an appetiser, this is what you have been looking for!
Sign up here.
See you next Wednesday...
Sign up for the warm-up!
Nothing beats riding on a 23 km course with a total altitude gain of 360 m to ease into the Roc d'Azur on Thursday.
Whether you use it as a warm-up for the weekend or to take your legs for a spin after the Rallye Roc XC on Wednesday, this race will give you a taste of Les Maures Massif while keeping your body fresh for upcoming races. There will also be podiums for both men and women!
Sign up here!
See you next Wednesday...
Juniors? On your mark!
Get set… Go! The amazing course of the Roc 40 puts the spotlight on juniors on Saturday 12 October at 9 am. The place to be for the stars of tomorrow!
Sign up here!
See you next Wednesday...
Feel like going on a ride around Roquebrune?
Want to discover another part of Les Maures Massif? The Rando Roc Enduro, formerly known as the Rando Roc All Mountain, is a technical ride starting and finishing in Roquebrune-sur-Argens.
Its 33.2 km course with a total altitude gain of 1,245 m is going to leave a lot of sore legs!
Sign up here!
See you next Wednesday...
Go out for a ride with your family to put the icing on the cake!
Want to cross the finish line with your kids? The Rando Roc Famille is the ideal family outing!
No-one will struggle on its easy-peasy 8 km course. The icing on the cake to wrap up Saturday 12 October!
Sign up here!
See you next Wednesday...
Come to Fréjus with your family!
Registration for your child* is free for one of the Kid Roc races until 19 June when you purchase a race number for the Roc d’Azur (Sunday 13 October) or the Canyon Roc Marathon (Friday 11 October)!
* valid for children from 6 years of age, for one of the following children's races: Kid Roc Poussins, Pupilles, Benjamins and Minimes.
How to take advantage of the offer?
1/ Click on the button “Take advantage of the offer” below and you’ll be redirected to the purchase of 2 race numbers special offer (adult race + child race) on the website www.timeto.com
2/ Select the adult race of your choice (Roc d’Azur or Canyon Roc Marathon)
3/ Fill in your contact details then confirm your registration and the purchase of 2 race numbers.
NB: At the end of June, you’ll receive an email with the registration link allowing you to register your child for the Kid Roc race of your choice according to his or her age category.
Are you ready to take the plunge?
What if the Roc d'Azur were the perfect occasion to have a go at a cross triathlon? Make it a solo challenge or compete as part of a two- or three-person relay team!
No need to choose, come and have a blast swimming, mountain biking and running on Thursday 10 October.
Sign up here!
See you next Wednesday...
Atmosphere, vacation, disguise ... who is it?
You guessed it! We are talking about the inescapable Rando Roc Déguisée! Attention sensitive people should abstain: if you are not afraid to ride between a pink rabbit, Shrek or a cow, this event is made for you!
One of the prerequisites to participate in this event is to be capable to make a human chain over a few hundred metres. Do you feel up to it?
Sign up here!
See you next Wednesday...
And if you were Sabrina?
Last year Sabrina ENAUX completed the Roc d'Azur Dames and Espoirs Dames in 2 hours 2 minutes and 21 seconds. Do you feel ready to ride in her tracks and take on the challenge of this event reserved exclusively for the ladies?
Sign up here!
See you next Wednesday...
Were you born in 1989 or before? Come to the Roc Masters
You were born in 1989 or before and you feel ready for 40.2km and 805m of cumulative elevation gain? You are free on Thursday and you do not know what to do because going to the beach is "overrated".
Join us on the Masters Roc! If you are fast enough, you can even participate in another event!
Sign up here!
See you next Wednesday...
Enduroc, 4 stages to give it your all!
But who are these aliens with full face helmets? Of course, they are the endurance riders!
Four non-timed liaisons, four timed stages, adrenaline and breath-taking scenery: this what the ENDUROC has in store for you, with electric power or not! All of this in and around Roquebrune-Sur-Argens.
To test yourself and take on the challenge sign up here!
See you next Wednesday...
MADISON RACE
For the first time in its history, the Roc d'Azur is going American.
In the famous and picturesque streets of Roquebrune-Sur-Argens, 60 participants will compete in an “American” elimination race. There will only be one left!
So, who wants to be part of a legend and be among the pioneers of this new event?
Sign up here.
See you next Wednesday...
BUT WHO ARE THE REAL ROC STARS?
Have you already spectated the Roc Draisienne? If not, reserve right now your Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October mornings to encourage our future champions on their tiny bicycles.
And why not enter your champions?
Entry is €5 from the age of 2!
See you next Wednesday...
HAVE YOU ALREADY ATTEMPTED THE RANDO ROC NOIRE?
This is the ideal ride for those who do not want to compete, but who nevertheless have the desire and the ability to have fun on a fairly demanding course.
If this definition fits you and you want to test yourself on Saturday 12 October, look no further than right here to sign up. There will be a special starting slot for electrically-assisted mountain bikes, so there is no valid excuse
Sign up for the Rando Roc Electrique Noire
As a reminder, these e-bikes are prohibited in races but are allowed on all treks.
See you next Wednesday...
RANDO ROC ODYSSEY, the ride that will get you warmed up!
This is not the easiest ride but still manageable with 31.8km and 680m of elevation gain. It takes place on the Friday, which is ideal to begin the weekend and enjoy the expo over the rest of the weekend!
You can sign up here and to see the profile go here.
As a reminder, electrically-assisted mountain bikes are prohibited in races but are allowed on all treks.
See you next Wednesday...
CANYON ROC MARATHON, the occasion to set an end of season challenge?
Have you ever attempted an XC marathon?
The 2019 Roc d’Azur just might be the opportunity for you to give it a try! The organisers are preparing a challenging course for you, punctuated with several refreshment stations, mechanical assistance points and more importantly a lot of supporters to encourage you!
Don’t wait any longer, it is time to sign up. Learn more here and register here.
And between us, by taking part in this Friday event, you will be able to relax on the disguised Rando the following day :)
As a reminder, electrically-assisted mountain bikes are prohibited in races but are allowed on all treks.
See you next Wednesday...
A MEETING TO CIRCLE IN YOUR AGENDA
A great destination for all lovers of good times
The sun, the postcard scenery with the Mediterranean on one side and the trails winding in the heart of the Massif des Maures range on the other, the Roc d’Azur is much more than a sporting happening.
With 35 events on the programme, it is a must do event for all Mountain Bike lovers and enthusiasts, no matter the age or skill level. With or without an electrically assisted Mountain Bike on treks of various distances, the Roc d’Azur is for everyone. Participants come to enjoy the last days of sun and heat and practice mountain biking in a unique setting.
The beauty of nature and the atmosphere of thousand-year-old villages
The Roc d'Azur setting encourages beautiful rides and the discovery of the region’s steep paths, most often with the Mediterranean Sea in the background. When the sun sets, the party continues. The Roc Ruelles on Friday night, held on the small streets of Fréjus and the American Roc, which is new for 2019 and will be held on Saturday on the streets of the old village of Roquebrune-sur-Argens, will prolong the pleasure. It will also be an occasion to discover the cultural heritage of these thousand-year-old cities, the pleasure of a family ride, a drink or dinner on a terrace. The Roc d’Azur is a cocktail of sport, tourism and culture.
35 events including 3 new ones this year:
So we put a cross in his calendar for Tuesday, February 12 at 12pm to be sure to have his place on time to!
Advantageous rates until the end of February!
Take advantage of the special price just until 28 February
Attention, you have just until 28 February to take advantage of the preferential rate for the Roc d’Azur events.
Are you hesitating about the adventure? This is the time to take on the challenge because with the 35 Roc events, you’ll undoubtedly find the one that suits you! Don’t wait any longer if you want to be one of these mountain bikers who can say “I did it”!
Preferential rates until 28 february
It's grey, it's cold, your last mountain bike rides are wet and muddy and you're looking for a friendly and ambitious moment? So good news, we have just what you need! We are looking forward to meeting you from October 9 to 13.
It will be the opportunity to evolve in a dream setting, to discover the latest innovations or simply to share a special moment with your family and friends.
Until the end of February, benefit from special rates to register on time to. Le Roc is getting ready now, don't wait and book your bib quickly!
The opening of registrations for the 36th edition will take place on tuesday 12th february on time to at noon.
See you from 9th to 13th october on Fréjus to live the first mountain bike event in the world.
More information coming soon.
If you participated Saturday or Sunday, your race on the Roc d’Azur 2018 has been recorded by cameras along the track. The cameras were located at the start, on the track and of course at the finish line!
Click here and enter your name or race number to see the personalized video of your race. If you are willing to get a memory of your race forever in HD for only 14.99 euros, click on the download video button within the video player!
Sunday’s summary
The last day of the 35th edition of Roc d’Azur was a perfect day for the French clan. In the elite races, Stéphane Tempier and Sabrina Enaux won at the Nature Base in Fréjus (Var).
A final bow on the finish line to thank audiences and bask in the moment. At the age of 32, the French rider won his second Roc d’Azur this Sunday following his victory in 2012. After riding 52 km of trails in the Massif des Maures, he came in ahead of his two compatriots, Victor Koretzky and Jordan Sarrou, who won back in 2014 and 2016 and will now have to wait a bit longer to equal the record of three victories on the Roc (Miguel Martinez in 1997, 2004 and 2013).
In a lacklustre season, despite a good start (2nd in the World Cup in Albstadt, Germany in May), 11th in this year’s World Championships, Tempier was out ahead early in the race. “I did a good downhill in the Fournel and initially managed to break away on the steep climb that follows,” says the former junior world silver medal winner (2004).” I saw that I was creating a gap and that I should give it a try. I knew that I had no chance in the sprint against Victor and Jordan, so I gave all I’ve got to protect my lead. I came out of the summer frustrated, so although you always come here to have fun and enjoy yourself, I nevertheless decided to prepare well for the race. Finishing off the season like this is fantastic.” The Roc d’Azur was the last stage on the Roc Trophy, and confirmed the domination of Poland’s Piotr Brzozka, with the fastest cumulated time from the Canyon Roc Marathon (83 km, Friday), the 40.5 km race on the Saturday and the Roc d’Azur (52 km, Sunday).
In the Roc d’Azur women’s race, Sabrina Enaux finally managed to savour the final straight, raise her arms and tip her bike skywards before being welcomed by her small daughter, Léonine. Often on the podium, as her second place last year demonstrates, the 40-year-old French rider took the win this time, following Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, last year’s winner. “It was a bit of a surprise because I’d come without any major aspirations, just to enjoy myself,” says the rider from the Vosges, bronze medal winner in the MTB Marathon world Championships. “I had a big gap after the world Championships this summer and have only been more or less on form for about a week. Today, I spent much of the race alone holding back. I was a bit lost in the mud, and in my thoughts. Then I got it together and took the lead in the Col de Bourgnon and kept it. I’ve never won here before even in the junior categories so of course I’m delighted.” She came in ahead of Slovenia’s, Tanja Zakelj, ranked 17th in the world, and the French rider Léna Gérault, who took third spot on the podium as she did in 2017.
The champions are now officially on holiday. Behind them, the 4,500 competitors who started this legendary race carried on crossing the finish line through to late afternoon. Most of them will already have made a note of the dates of the next edition of Roc d’Azur, from 9 to 13 October 2019.
This saturday on the Roc
This Saturday on the Nature Base in Fréjus (Var) was a perfect example of the philosophy behind the Roc d’Azur. Children and champions alike were able to indulge their passion for MTB.
Competitors for the Mavic Gravel Roc were the first to set off in the first rays of sunshine for a 67-km race ( 70% trails, 30% tarmac). “It's competitive but everyone is out to have fun," says Steve Chainel, French cyclocross champion, and winner of the event. "It's a kind of giant cyclocross. It’s really awesome. Everyone has a great time." Same enthusiasm shown by Nicolas Roux, an elite rider: "It's a bit MTB and a bit road. We are free to ride and that's great."
Back in the Nature Base after two days on the roads and trails of the Var department, the pioneers of the Gravel Origins 83 have clearly experienced that same sense of freedom. The first riders came in mid-afternoon after riding 167 km on the Friday, bivouacking in Artignosc-sur-Verdon and going straight into a 135-km ride on the Saturday (around 5,000 m of elevation gains over the two days), and were pretty euphoric. "The two days were absolutely fantastic," they all cry in unison. “Awesome views, a fantastic atmosphere at the bivouac and great organisation. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
Sustained effort too for competitors in the Roc Trophy who were riding the second of their three scheduled races (final episode on Sunday with the Roc d’Azur). Poland’s Piotr Brzozka took the lead in the general standings ahead of French riders Rémi Laffont and Aurélien Daniel.
First off with the Pitch Kid Roc Draisienne for 2 to 4-year-olds and the Pitch Kid Roc races for the poussins to minimes categories, events where future champions have often got a taste for competition. Sport on the circuit and quite a show too behind the barriers with parents who were often much more stressed than their kids. Don’t fancy counting the seconds? The Rando races at Roc d’Azur were great fun for all today. Rides in which all the family could take part ranging from the 8-km Rando Roc Famille to the 49-km Alltricks.com Rando Roc Noire (also comes in an electric-bike version featuring Miguel Martinez, Olympic champion in 2000 and triple winner of the Roc d’Azur, on the start line), as well as the 17.5-km Rando Roc Déguisée where Superwoman, Super Mario, Bécassine, the Pink Panther and the Daltons all went completely mad.
Grand finale with the Roc d’Azur and elite races. For the men (9.30 am, 52 km), Jordan Sarrou will be attempting to equal the record of three wins held by Olympic champion from 2000, Miguel Martinez. Swiss rider Nicola Rohrbach (titleholder), the Austrian Daniel Geismayr, the Czech Jaroslav Kuhlavy (Olympic champion 2012) as well as French riders Titouan Marod (French champion) and Victor Koretzky are likely to be his main rivals. For the women (8 am, 40.5 km), the Danish rider Annika Langvad (world silver-medal winner this summer) will be the firm favourite.
Discover the program of sunday
An unprecedented video operation is set up for this edition of the Roc d'Azur thanks to Mavic!
For the first time, a 360-degree camera in the finish area broadcasts live on Facebook the crossing of the finish line by the participants of the various Saturday and Sunday races.
Follow the live on the finish line
In addition, a fixed camera is positioned on the course and broadcasts the race live on the official YouTube channel of the event : Saturday and Sunday.
Follow the COl du Bougnon on live
"Take me to the land of marvels”. At the start line of the Canyon Roc Marathon, against the backdrop of the sunrise, the Charles Aznavour song the DJ played never seemed more appropriate. More than 2,000 people set off on the 83km trek across the Var tracks which are once more navigable after two days of rain. Italy’s Samuele Porro only took 3:52:14 from crossing the start line to winning his second victory on the Canyon Roc Marathon, after his first in 2015. “It was very different from previous editions”, says the world number 3. “The recent rain made the race difficult with one part where riders have to get off their bikes to cross a small stream. I was in the group that was chasing at the start of the race and I gradually climbed up to the front with Casagrande. I eventually broke away at the Col du Bougnon. It was a great end to the season. It was technically difficult - it was real mountain biking.” He beat his compatriot Michele Casagrande and Belgium’s Sébastien Carabin by one minute.
In the women’s race, despite a major fall a few kilometres from the finish and a very sore right arm, Slovenia’s Blaza Pintaric won the race for the first time (4:52:19) ahead of the Lithuanian champion Katazina Sosna and the current world number one Switzerland’s Florence Darbellay. Having regularly finished in third place, Margot Moschetti, who won her first French marathon, had to make do with 5th place after falling at the end of her race. She’ll be striving to get her revenge on Sunday in the Roc d’Azur Dames.
The first of three parts of the Roc Trophy, which combines performances over three races, the Canyon Roc Marathon enables participants to immerse themselves in a competition currently dominated by Steffen Thum (GER). They’ll continue on Saturday with 40.5km and will finish their trek on Sunday with the Roc d’Azur (52km).
Leaving before sunrise, by only the light of their torches, the competitors in the first edition of the Gravel Origins 83 enjoyed a beautiful sunny day to reach their bivouac. They’ll head off again on Saturday on a 167 km trek across the most beautiful landscapes of Var, particularly through the Gorges du Verdon.
Throughout the day, the riders in the EndoRoc, the Mid Roc, and the Rando Roc Odyssey also enjoyed optimal conditions. And the day ended with the supercharged atmosphere of the Roc Ruelles de Fréjus and the Pitch Kid Roc Ruelles.
From the Mavic Gravel Roc, at 8am, featuring the French cyclo-cross champion Steve Chainel, to the Roc Tamdems (the biggest tandem race in the world), the Alltricks.com Rando Roc Noire, which will feature the champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, the Rando Roc déguisée and the Pitch Kid Roc for children, to the Roc Ruelles de Roquebrune-sur-Argrens at 7pm, the Roc d’Azur once again offers an amazing day.
More information about Saturday’s schedule
Following the severe weather conditions that have battered the Var in the past 24 hours, the event organisers were forced to cancel today's races with the security of riders in mind. The organisers are aware of the disappointment among competitors, and have decided to allow all participants registered for the cancelled events to claim a credit for the same event at the 2019 Roc d’Azur.
As far as the next 3 days are concerned, the organiser’s teams are working hard to ensure good conditions for upcoming races with weather conditions expected to improve on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Mountain bikers unable to ride the trails today, turned instead to the exhibition that opened on Thursday at 12 noon. Eager faces, smartphone cameras clicking, and plenty of questions to exhibitors were the order of the day, as participants made the most of the 300 exhibitors in 28,000 m² of exhibition space. As the Roc d’Azur is the not-to-be-missed event, all the big brand names were present at the Nature Base in Fréjus. Dream bikes along with accessories and equipment provided the best that MTB can offer.
All around the Nature Base, the wide range of entertainment made it a busy day for many. Records were even broken at the exhibition. Emilien from Vesoul, a cross-country enthusiast, will probably not win the Roc d’Azur, but he can always boast of having won the Hutchison Pump Challenge of the day, a daily fixture consisting of inflating an inner tube and tyre as quickly as possible. The record to beat between now and Sunday: 1 min 52 secs. Elsewhere, the queue at another stand for a book signing by Julien Absalon, now retired but always loyal to the Roc d’Azur. There were plenty of adults in the queue and also a fair few youngsters. Who knows, one day some of them might even follow in the footsteps of the double Olympic champion in 2004 and 2008.
With sun forecast for tomorrow and thanks to the hard work of all those involved, participants in the Gravel Origins 83 will be the first to set off at 7 am on a long two-day expedition along the Var trails. They will be followed 30 minutes later by riders in the Canyon Roc Marathon (85 km), with a few well-known faces appearing together for the first time before some of them compete against one another again in the Roc d’Azur on Sunday. The Enduroc, Mid Roc, Rando Roc Odyssey, followed by the Roc Ruelles Fréjus and the Pitch Kid Roc Ruelles in the evening complete a packed and intense programme.
With the sun forecast to return at the end of the week, the 300 exhibitors are expecting to see many visitors attracted by the latest kit. They will be able to test equipment they're looking to buy at the Roc Test Camp with its specially designed test track. Other possibilities include enjoying the long list of entertainment on the programme, or one of the competitions offered by the different brands.
Following the severe weather that has battered the Var department for the past 24 hours, the organization was forced this morning to cancel the events scheduled for Thursday 11 October.
After having initially studied the possibility of postponing these events, they finally had to be cancelled. The events’ organizers are aware of the disappointment among the competitors resulting from this extraordinary situation. It has therefore been decided to offer a credit to all the participants entered in today’s cancelled events for the 2019 Roc d'Azur.
As for the three days to come, the organization teams are hard at work to ensure that the events are held in good conditions, with the weather conditions expected to improve for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
All the races have been cancelled
The weather during the last 24 hours has caused significant damage (due to flooding and deterioration of race routes) meaning that the safety conditions required for the Roc to run smoothly cannot be ensured.
As a result, all the races programmed for Thursday 11th October have been cancelled.
We are currently working on the programme going forward: whether to purely and simply cancel the day’s races or to postpone them to a later date.
Naturally, we will keep you up to date on the decision made and the procedure in the case where a definitive cancellation is decided upon.
As regards the village, it was due to open at 10.00 but shall only open at 12.00 at the earliest
The first departure, the first wheels start to roll, the first sprints and the first thrills, the 2018 Roc d’Azur is officially underway. On Wednesday at the Nature Base in Fréjus, the Generation Roc “Sport for all” opened the 35th edition of the Roc d’Azur for a first, rather windy day. Around a hundred participants of all ages representing charities like the Red Cross along with visually impaired competitors showed that they were not afraid to brave the rain. Florian Solbes for the men and Sandrine Audeboud for the women were the first names to go on the winners’ list at the 2018 Roc d’Azur.
Nothing will dampen the enthusiasm of the 20,000 participants expected to compete in the 34 races and enjoy the entertainment on offer. There are events for all levels, all ages and all preferences from purely competitive to the mountain biker who has come to enjoy the waymarked trails in the Massif des Maures.
While the Roc d’Azur races on Sunday are the clear sporting highlight of the event featuring top international champions in both the men and women's races, the Tri Roc (Thursday), the Gravel Origins 83 (Friday and Saturday), the Canyon Roc Marathon (Friday), the Roc Ruelles in Fréjus (Friday), and Roquebrune-sur-Argens (Saturday) as well as the Mavic Roc Gravel also provide plenty of very high level competitions. The many trail rides including the Rando Roc Electrique Noire (Saturday, 49 km) for fans of Electric Bikes will also be featuring throughout the five days the Roc.
Thursday, 8 am, the day kicks off with the competitors for the Roc Trophy heading out on a 23-Km circuit. They will be followed by riders in the Isostar Masters Roc (8.30 am, 40.5 km), Rando Roc Enduro (9.30 am, 38 km), Roc Light (10 am, 23 km), Rando Roc Altitude (12 pm, 42 km) and finally, at 1 pm, the triathletes competing in the Tri Roc with a 1.5-km swim, 23-km mountain bike and 11-km run. Winner of this season’s Xterra European circuit, François Carloni will be the favourite for the Tri Roc, which he already won back in 2014. But keep an eye on the rider from Nice, Maxim Chané, last year's winner, as well as Brice Daubord, a highly experienced triathlete. This event promises great sport.
Brand-new Mavic video coverage of the race at this year’s Roc d’Azur
For the first time, a 360 camera at the finish line will be broadcasting live on Facebook as participants in the various events on Saturday and Sunday cross the line. Additionally, a fixed camera will be positioned on the course live broadcasting the race on the official website for this event.
Participants in the weekend events will also be able to relive their race thanks to a personalised video compilation of photos from the start line, at a key point on the course and at the finish line.
THE EXHIBITION
The exhibition opens on Thursday morning. Covering 25,000 m², the 300 exhibitors are expecting to see no less than 100,000 visitors looking for the latest products. They will be able to test their potential new equipment at the Roc Test Camp with its specially designed test track. Other possibilities include enjoying the long list of entertainment on the programme, and one of the competitions offered by the different brands.
Race numbers can be collected based on your plate number at the Base Nature François Léotard in Fréjus, 1196 Boulevard de la Mer, 83 600 Fréjus
You can collect your race number at the dates and times shown below:
For races before 10 am, race numbers must be collected the day before, for races after 10 am, race numbers can be collected on the same day up to 1 hour before the race starts.
Don't forget the documents required to collect your race numbers (notification letter, proof of identity, valid licence or medical certificate and parental consent form if applicable)
Please note:
New in 2018, the Roc Star Game is a cyclocross show featuring elite riders like Pauline Ferrand-Prevot, Steve Chainel, Fabien Barel and Renaud Lavillenie who will come face to face on the test track on Thursday 11 October between 5.30pm and 6.30pm!
Speed, technique, jumps, duals, in an ambiance guaranteed by Fun Radio… don’t miss the 1st Roc Star Game! A presentation will be made on the central podium at 5:15 pm, in the wake of the 16:30 protocol.
For the 35th edition of the Roc d’Azur (10th to 14th October 2018), a free app will be available to download on Android - IOS - Windows.
Make sure you get all the information. You’ll be able to use it to plan your visit in advance by checking out the schedule for races, entertainment and podium ceremonies. The app will give you all the practical information you need about the exhibition opening times as well as the documents you’ll need to present when collecting your race number.
Find your way around thanks to the app: it includes maps of the exhibition and the Nature Base to help you find a place, race or an exhibitor more quickly!
All the areas outside the Base are also pinpointed so that everyone can find a particular spectator zone or start of a race: (EnduRoc, Kid Roc Ruelles de Fréjus, Roc Ruelles de Fréjus and Roc Ruelles de Roquebrune).
UNIQUE FEATURE: A selfie area where you can take photos of yourself with different backgrounds exclusively from the Roc d’Azur.
The event is becoming even more connected, and the Roc d’Azur app is also linked through a special social media feed to the event’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Don’t hesitate to follow the pages of MTB of the year!
Click here to download it on Android - IOS - Windows
Canyon Roc Marathon, Rando Roc Odyssey, Rando Roc Altitude… 10 races are SOLD OUT ! So register now to benefice of the last bibs on the Roc d'Azur or Alltricks.com Rando Roc Noire.
The 3rd price will be available from 09/24.
To save your time and avoid possible stress you can directly upload your medical certificateinto your time to account, and ensure it's valid. A model is available here.
Download my medical certificate
You can collect your race numbers at the times below:
In short, Gravel Origins 83 it's a €189 for an extraordinary adventure:
More information about the event here.
Join the adventure and take a trip through history
* Provisional route
Registrations for the Roc d'Azur’s new gravel adventure are open on the timeto.com platform!
Become the pioneers of this unique 2-day event, which will allow you to discover the many sides of Var, from the sunny beach of Fréjus to the azure of the Lac de Sainte-Croix, to the Gorges du Verdon or the department’s quaint villages.
Two years ago, during the 2016 Roc d'Azur, gravel was featured on the sports schedule at the world’s leading MTB gathering. A weird occurrence? No, a logical choice, as both disciplines allow riders to enjoy them freely and to discover magnificent landscapes.
As the beauty of nature is not only restricted to the Massif des Maures (the Roc d'Azur’s historical playground since it was established in Fréjus in 1997), the Gravel Origins 83 will take you throughout the department of Var, on an exceptional tourist ride coupled with a real sporting challenge. It won’t be timed, so you’ll be able to fully enjoy riding alternately on roads and tracks.
Join the adventure and go down in the history of the Roc d’Azur!
Whether you’re an experienced sportsman or woman, or just do sport at the weekend, time to will help you to succeed in all your sporting challenges.
Still haven’t taken the leap and experienced a sports competition?
Keen to beat your record?
Wondering what your next sporting challenge will be?
Find your race on your smartphone, tablet or computer and register in a few clicks.
Medical certificate, parental consent form, proof of performance... With time to, you’ll soon be able to upload and validate all the essential documents for your participation!
And what about those who already have A.S.O. Challenges account?
When you login on the new time to platform for the first time, all you have to do is change your password.
It’s time to prepare your season!
Whether you are there to perform or just to have fun, the Roc d’Azur definitely has a race which will suit you: competition, rando races, electric, Pitch kid roc.
The choice is yours!
Find:
We look forward to seeing you from 10th to 14th October for the MTB event of the year and to finish the season on a high note, in the sun, at the seaside...and sweating it out!
Getting away from it all, freedom and the beauty of the landscapes: that’s the philosophy of the event we are currently preparing for you. More information to come!
Make the most of a preferential rate when you sign up for some races, until the end of February. Don’t hang about, prepare the end of the season now: reserve your race number on 13th February!
More information here.
Your comfort remains our priority, so in 2018 we are going to:
Your registration includes:
More information here.
So don’t wait any longer and register by 13 February on www.asochallenges.com
You can also follow all the Roc d’Azur’s news on facebook et twitter.
The Roc Team
SAVE THE DATE: Registrations opening on 13th February at 3pm on A.S.O Challenges for the 35th edition of the Roc d'Azur.
There are some routines of which you never get tired. Seeing the concentrated faces at daybreak. The crowd gathered along the barriers which clap to cheer on the thousands of competitors towards a little bit of glory: that of being a Roc d’Azur finisher. Then rushing to Le Fournel descent, the infernal rocky ground where the slope is treacherous. Here the riders are focused and their bikes are mangled.
Hearing the uproar of the enthusiasts in this mythical place, the Col du Bougnon: “Our Alpe d’Huez for mountain riders, where the crowd moves aside when we pass by,” as those who have had the privilege to cross this spot in the lead like to say. You could almost forget the image of the mountain bikers riding along the coast on the Chemins des Douaniers, before heading for the long-awaited finish.
The second weekend in October is synonymous with the final day of the Roc d’Azur with the 56-km long race for elite riders.
After five days of competition, more than 20,000 riders only had one objective: reaching the finish line.
And even after three World champion titles and prestigious victories, Pauline Ferrand Prevot couldn’t hide her delight at winning the Roc d’Azur dames category in a time of 1:57:16. At 25 years of age, the current French Champion had never raised her arms in victory in Fréjus. So now this irregularity has been corrected: “I chose to play a waiting game, preferring to take it easy until Le Bougnon before I attacked. The season has finished in the best way with this victory. The Roc d'Azur is part of the history of mountain biking and it’s an honour to win here.”
A few minutes later, Switzerland’s Nicolas Rohrbach won for the first time of his career in a time of 2:10:18. With Austria’s Daniel Geismayr (winner of the Canyon Roc Marathon) and Jordan Sarrou (last year’s winner), the three men battled it out. And the race’s result was decided in the final hectometres. Rohrbach, second in 2015, is the first Swiss rider to win since Christoph Sauser’s double in 2005 and 2006. “I was suffering after 25 kilometres of the race, but I managed to find the energy to keep going. I am happy to add this superb race to my list of wins.”
In the other races, Belgium’s Sébastien Carabin, the leader the day before, won the Roc Trophy for the second time. French Champion Loana Lecomte won in the cadettes-junior category and Arnaud de Lie in the cadets category.
This 34th edition of the Roc d'Azur was a gem once again! An exhibition which was full of new features, daily entertainment and encounters with the champions. And such communicative smiles that we can’t wait for next year to come! What about you?
Thank you to everyone for this brilliant edition.
82 km and 2,300 of elevation gains and losses awaited the marathon riders this morning. And after a battle lasting 3:52:18, Austria’s Daniel Geismayr took the prestigious first place at the Roc d’Azur ahead to his fellow countryman, World champion, Alban Lakata: “I’m very proud of this win! It’s a very difficult race, both technically and physically, and winning a race at the Roc is my greatest achievement so far.” Geismayr, who’s also a professional rider, finished third in the Cape Epic this season. Olympic champion in 2000, Miguel Martinez finished 13th and was the best French rider.
This race also allowed one of biggest names in women’s world MTB to be crowned. Denmark’s Annika Langvad, four-time long distance World champion was unrivalled on the Roc d’Azur’s trails and won in a time of 4:38:01: “I really wanted to take part in the marathon to ride with my rainbow jersey, it’s such a special feeling. And raising my arms here in victory is absolutely unique.” The Scandinavian, the winner of Sunday’s elite race last year, who studied pharmacy, is now going to take some well-earned holidays.
Poland’s Mariusz Michalek remains the leader of the Roc Trophy having finished the second day of the race in a time of 3:55:59: “I think I made the most of these first two days to be in lead in the overall standings on Sunday.”
In the Mid Roc Rémi Cara was the winner in a time of 1:32:07. Sandra O’Hagan had the best time in the women’s category: 1:55:29.
In the Roc Ruelles in Fréjus, Rémy Absalon and Damien Otton, two riders who belong to the elite of world enduro MTB, hit the jackpot after a very exciting race!
8am – Gravel Roc Race
8.15am – Gravel Roc Ride New in 2017
8.45am - Roc Trophy #
9am - Roc d'Azur Juniors Hommes
9am - Enduroc
9am: EnduRoc Electrique
10am - Roc Tandems
11.30am - Roc Draisienne
3pm - Kid Roc (4 races according to the categories – start every 30 minutes)
7pm - Roc Ruelles in Roquebrune-sur-Argens (in teams of 2)
In Thursday’s top news, the Tri Roc was won by local rider, while on the first stage of the Roc Trophy lady luck smiled down on Poland. Maxim Chané from Nice took the win on the Tri Roc while Mariusz Michalek and Piotr and Adrian Brzozka took the top three places in the first stage of the Roc Trophy.
The professional riders were already jostling for position on the Roc trails early this Thursday morning, which notably featured the first of four stages of the Roc Trophy. On a 23-km circuit, Poland was first, second and third with Mariusz Michalek coming in ahead of Adrian and Piotr Brzozka. Needless to say, this puts the three Poles at the top of the general standings. It was then France’s turn to secure the first three places in the girls’ category with Ines Krawczyk pipping Claire Beaumont and Delia Beddis at the post. Over the same distance, Valentin Remondet took victory in the Roc Light while Laura Liard achieved similar success in the girls’ race. Finally, just as MTB enthusiasts from all over the world set off on the Rando All Mountain and the Roc Altitude, Switzerland’s Nicolas Luthi triumphed on the Isostar Masters Roc. In the women’s category, France’s Séverine Jordan gave the victory salute. But the undisputed star of the day was the rider from Nice, Maxim Chané, who sprinted to victory on the Tri Roc, with François Carloni close behind. Arthur Froissier was third. In the women’s race, Lucie Croissant came in ahead of Anne-Sophie Marechal and Sophie Rodot.
While the competitors were getting started this morning, the exhibition opened its doors for four days of entertainment and surprises: 300 exhibitors, 25,000 m² of exhibition space and 100,000 visitors expected. In the centre of the exhibition area, there’s the Roc Test Camp for MTB enthusiasts to discover the latest equipment from the major brands and test it on a dedicated trail. Elsewhere, with competitions, goodies, autograph signings and the latest MTB brand-name technology, visitors need a sharp eye out to ensure that they don’t miss anything. There’s also freestyle shows, BMX competitions and introductory sessions for kids taking place regularly throughout the day. At the Roc there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Roc d’Azur allows you to exceptionally cross private properties and protected areas. Please respect these areas.
Reconnaissances are not allowed for any of the races organised during the Roc d’Azur. We’re counting on you!
The celebration is underway! The 34th edition of the Roc d’Azur began on Wednesday with the best riders from clubs and schools in Fréjus and Roquebrune battling it out on the trails during the Generation Roc. The names of the first winners this year are Florian Solbes and Cécilia Gouy.
With club members competing in the Generation Roc “Sports for All” followed by children from Fréjus and Roquebrune-sur-Argens, a good-natured, friendly atmosphere prevailed for the first kilometres of the 2017 Roc d’Azur. Florian Solbes will be remembered for retaining his Generation Roc “Sports for All” title while Cécilia Gouy was the winner in the girls category. Shortly after in the children’s category, Maxime Filippi and Narjys Bougzouani gave the victory salute in the Generation Roc boys’ and girls’ races.
On Thursday, the first clash among the pros will be the Roc Trophy. Participants in this stage race will be riding in the first of four races. The Isostar Masters Roc and the Roc Light, a 23-km sprint, are also likely to be major battlegrounds. But the performance not to be missed under any circumstances is the Tri Rock, an MTB triathlon where Switzerland's Xavier Dafflon, world champion and current titleholder of Europe Xterra for amateurs, is the clear favourite. Competitors set off from the Base Nature in Fréjus, and a 1.5-km swim in the Med is followed by a 23-km cycle and an 11-km run. The sea, the sand and the mud trails make it a full-on race. After the effort, treat yourself to a break at the exhibition, which opens on Thursday morning.
Covering a surface area of 25,000 m², the 300 exhibitors are expecting around 100,000 visitors all on the lookout for the latest new products. At the Roc Test Camp trail prospective buyers can test their equipment before they buy and put the bikes through their paces. Alternatively, visitors can enjoy one of the many shows on the schedule or enter one of the competitions organised by the big brand names. Please note that race numbers can be collected from the François Léotard Nature Base in Fréjus.
Opening times of the Village:
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EXHIBITION
The address is 1196 Boulevard de la Mer, 83 600 Fréjus. Collection times vary according to plate numbers.
You can collect your race number on the dates and times below:
For races before 10 am, race numbers must be collected the day before, and for races after 10 am, race numbers must be collected on race day up to 1 hour before the race starts.
Don’t forget the documents you need to collect your race number (notification letter, proof of identity, valid medical certificate and parental consent form if applicable).
Please note:
To make your tests easier at the Roc Test Camp by CANYON, you can now register directly online on the dedicated platform: https://roctestcamp.testpass.fr/. Your registration is valid for the 4 days of the event.
Upload your proof of identity and your photo to save time and all you’ll have to do is leave a deposit at the Roc Service Center.
Reminder: the Roc Test Camp by Canyon allows you to test the bikes of the exhibitors and partners taking part in the operation free of charge.
An artificial track will be at your disposal once again at the Nature Base and is reserved for the Roc Test Camp by CANYON. In 2017, the track will be around 1,200 m long, with different types of terrain: rock garden, mounds and a handling area, etc.
We wish you all a great Roc Test Camp!
An even more connected Roc!
For the 34th edition of the Roc d’Azur (4th to 8th October 2017), a free app will be available to download on Android, iOS and Windows Phone.
Make sure you get all the information. You’ll be able to use it to plan your visit in advance by checking out the schedule for races, entertainment and podium ceremonies. The app will give you all the practical information you need about the exhibition opening times as well as the documents you’ll need to present when collecting your race number.
Find your way around thanks to the app: it includes maps of the exhibition and the Nature Base to help you find a place, race or an exhibitor more quickly!
All the areas outside the Base are also pinpointed so that everyone can find a particular spectator zone or start of a race: (EnduRoc, Kid Roc Ruelles de Fréjus, Rando Roc All Mountain, Roc Ruelles de Fréjus and Roc Ruelles de Roquebrune).
UNIQUE FEATURE: A selfie area where you can take photos of yourself with different backgrounds exclusively from the Roc d’Azur.
The event is becoming even more connected, and the Roc d’Azur app is also linked through a special social media feed to the event’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Don’t hesitate to follow the pages of MTB of the year!
Click here to download it on Android - IOS - Windows
Head for the French Riviera!
The Mediterranean as a backdrop, fields of olive trees as far as the eye can see, the scent of pine trees and lavender, crickets and grasshoppers: the Roc d'Azur is without a doubt a great occasion to live your passion for mountain biking in a typical south of France atmosphere that will make your summer last even longer!
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there's nothing like those breath-taking panoramic views of the sea and the mountains to finish off your season in style!
It's a great opportunity to ride the characteristic trails of Var in the South of France between the Massif des Maures and the Rocher de Roquebrune where nature is at its wildest and where you’ll come across picturesque, historic villages like Fréjus, Roquebrune-sur-Argens and Sainte-Maxime.
Still not sure whether to register? Don't miss this unique occasion to experience an extraordinary event and make the most of the last lovely sunny outings of the summer! The Roc d'Azur offers a variety of races of all levels for both adults and children! You'll have no trouble finding THE race to suit you!
4 categories to discover
The Roc d’Azur is truly an event open to everyone, during which a wide range of different races are on offer, that will suit everyone, young and old alike. Can’t make up your mind? Here’s a quick overview of the 4 categories to help you choose.
If you are looking for performance, there’s no doubt that what you need is a timed race, which will give rise to a ranking. We are organising around twenty or so races so that you can pit yourself against the other participants. Among these races, you’ll find shorter and longer distances (between 20km and 80km), all set in exceptional landscapes. For triathlon fans, there’s the Tri Roc, with its combination of the three leading disciplines swimming (1.5km), MTB (24km) and running (10km). Gravel Roc Race, Mid Roc, Roc Light, Roc d’Azur: go to the Competition page to find out more!
If for you MTB means fun with friends, then the Roc d’Azur’s rando races are for you. We are organising 8 races for you to take part in, as a family or with friends, which will be timed but won’t give rise to a ranking. Rando Roc Noire, Rando Roc Famille, Rando Roc Déguisée and many others: all we need for these randos of the 34th edition of the Roc d’Azur is you! We guarantee you’re going to love these one-of-a-kind races. Go to our Rando races page for more information.
Cover more kilometres and enjoy the landscapes even more: it’s possible with our electric MTB races. New in 2017: the Enduro Electrique will be making its entrance with its 38 timed kilometres, setting off from Roquebrune-sur-Argens. Discover our races now on the Electric page.
This year once again, we are allowing you to experience a festive Roc with your family with our races specifically for children. We are offering several distances with more or less adrenaline, for little ones or youngsters. Go to the Children’s page to discover all the races.
The choice is yours!
Reserve your end-of-season triathlon!
Since the Roc d’Azur is not just about mountain biking, this year we suggest that you reserve your end-of-season triathlon with the Tri Roc! A 1.5km swim in the Mediterranean, a 24km mountain bike ride in the Massif des Maures and a 10km trail run are on the schedule! We’re giving you the opportunity to choose the format that suits you best, on your own or as part of a relay team, and to finish your season on a high note.
This year marks the 6th edition of the Tri Roc at the Roc d’Azur. With two 750-loops on the beach of the Base Nature in Fréjus, the race will continue with 24km of mountain biking in the heart of the Petites Maures and will finish with the run, whose route will be relatively flat but may resemble a cross-country course. Your eyes are in for a treat: you’ll enjoy an incredible view throughout the whole course!
Must I wear a swimming wetsuit? What training programme should I follow? How should I tackle the transitions? You’re naturally asking yourself a lot of questions and perhaps you’re scared about taking up the challenge of doing your first triathlon? Go to our Tri Roc Advice page to discover all our tips and tricks to help you tackle your (first) triathlon with complete peace of mind.
The Roc d’Azur is organising 2 new races!
For its 34th edition, the Roc d’Azur has added two new races to an already amazing programme! The Enduroc électrique and an MTB race for children, the Roc Draisienne are making a grand entrance this year in France’s leading mountain bike competition. Here is a quick preview of these two events, both new for 2017!
Enduroc has been popular with MTB enthusiasts for a few years now! This discipline is all about comfort and autonomy, meaning riders can explore even more trails, tackle even more climbs and quite simply do more mountain biking! And the idyllic Mediterranean coast, with its long hours of glorious sunshine, makes it all the more enjoyable for the many riders and visitors.
It seemed only natural for the Roc d’Azur to offer riders the chance to show what they’re made of in an enduro event for electric bikes in 2017! The circuit is 38-km long with 1,500 metres of elevation gain and losses and enthusiasts of the discipline will love it for its dry crumbly ground!
The little ones (under 5s) have their own MTB race this year with the Roc Draisienne, a brand new event for the 2017 Roc d’Azur! Our aim? To offer them a similar experience as adults! Number plates, a feeding station, finishers tee-shirts and a podium... just like their parents!
The Roc d’Azur’s Draisienne is a little race reserved for children born between 2013 and 2015 covering 600m. So what are you waiting for to register yours?
It’s time to prepare your season!
Register now and come and participate in the Roc d’Ardenne from 28th to 30th April in Houffalize, (Belgium).
You can also continue your ROC 2017 season by registering on 19th January 2017 for the 5th edition of the Roc Des Alpes and the 34th edition of the Roc d'Azur.
You can also follow all the Roc MTB news on Facebook and Twitter
Jordan Sarrou and Annika Langvad victorious in the Roc d’Azur
The 33rd Roc d’Azur ended this Sunday with victory in the leading race for France’s Jordan Sarrou, who took the win in the sprint ahead of Stéphane Tempier. And in the women’s race, world champion, Annika Langvad, had the final say.
“It was the same as in 2014, Stéphane (Tempier) and I were neck and neck in the final, and I won again in the sprint”. Jordan Sarrou was all smiles as he recounted his second victory in the Roc d’Azur show piece (56 km). “The breakaway group formed as we rode through Cabret, then Stéphane and I just pedalled away. We relayed each other and then battled it out in the sprint for the final win”. This season has ended in style for Julien Sarrou as well as Annika Langvad who added that little extra sparkle to her world champion’s jersey with her victory in Fréjus. “I tried to break away quickly but the girls were very strong today and I knew it was going to be a difficult day. Léna Gérault (FRA) was still on my wheel when we rode into the Base Nature. She tried to get away but I managed to control the situation tactically because I only had one attack left in my legs. I attacked close to the finish line and it worked”.
Sébastien Carabin also played a tactical game for his third place in the men’s race. “Victor (Koretzky) made a strong comeback, I was on the verge of losing it but I did well through the technical sections at the end of the course before starting the sprint at the place where I was caught out in the Canyon Roc Marathon on Thursday. In the end, third place is a perfect way to celebrate my Roc Trophy victory.” The Belgian rider therefore won the first ever Roc Trophy, a four-day, four-stage race new to Roc d’Azur this year. Winner of all four stages, Carabin could not have deserved overall victory more, especially as his top spot on the podium was snatched from Victor Koretzky, French under 23’s champion and last year’s winner. “I started badly and had to put in a huge effort to re-join the group that was battling it out for third place,” explained the winner of the 2015 Roc d’Azur. “I gave it my all at the end to try and pedal away because I knew I wasn’t up for the sprint, but it didn’t work. I’ll come back next year to try for the win again.”
Many of the 20,371 riders registered for races over the 5 days of this 33rd Roc d’Azur will most probably be back next year as well. Alexandre Maslin, Roc d’Azur organiser, was delighted with the turnout: “It’s a very positive result on the sporting side with large numbers of people registered for the races including the best riders in the world and increasing numbers of elite road riders, like Romain Bardet and Tim Wellens. The icing on the cake was that our two new races, the Roc Trophy and the Gravel Roc attracted large audiences”. The Roc d’Azur exhibition also had excellent attendance figures with over 100,000 visitors and a peak of more than 40,000 people at Base Nature in Fréjus on Saturday. “Year on year, the exhibition has reinforced its position as the biggest festival of its kind in the world”.
Jordan Sarrou was quite right when he said: “See you next year”.
The Roc d’Azur, history, family and grand finale
The weekend on the Roc d’Azur kicked off with two new events: the inaugural Gravel Roc race was under starter’s orders as the first edition of the Roc Trophy came to an end. Excitement is growing as we lead up to the climax of four days of racing, finishing with the Roc d’Azur race which promises to be sensational.
Historians will note that the first winner of the Gravel Roc at the Roc d’Azur was an Italian by the name of Guido Dracone, who was completely surprised by his victory. “I was a bit unsure about the level of this race, because it was the first ever one. I started in the good group and in one of the descents I managed to break away and that’s what gave me the win. The circuit is a clever combination of fast tracks and more technical sections. It’s ideal terrain for riding gravel and for the development of the sport”. The Italian came in ahead of Thibaut Boutin and Marc Rollini. In the women’s category, Maria Elena Matrolia was the winner of this inaugural race.
On the EndurRoc, victory went to Joffrey Thevenon who came in almost a minute ahead of Nicola Rohrbach, with François Bailly Maîtres in third place.
Another blank page where history is being written is on the Roc Trophy, which features for the first time on the programme at the Roc. On this four-stage race over four days where the winner is decided on cumulative time, one name has stood out as favourite on the start line every day. Sébastien Carabin won on Saturday morning, as he had done the previous two days. He is therefore well ahead at the top of the general standings and should easily take the overall win on Sunday following the Roc d’Azur, the fourth and last stage. But he remains cautious: “In mountain biking you can’t afford any lapses in concentration, I’ll need to be constantly on the lookout and no one is safe from a mechanical problem”. And it’s only a mechanical failure that could deprive him of victory now as he already has 45 minutes advantage over the other riders.
The race will be a lot closer on Sunday with the grand finale and highlight of this 33rd edition of the Roc d’Azur, the Roc d’Azur race itself. In fact, it’s likely to be a very close battle indeed and good luck to anyone who fancies a bet on the final result. In the starting line-up, Julien Absalon has two Olympic titles, Moritz Milatz is a previous winner of the Roc and former European champion, Alban Lakata has already been marathon world champion, Maxime Marotte finished fourth in the Olympic Games this year and Victor Koretzky is the current Roc d’Azur titleholder. It all rather resembles a trailer for a blockbuster movie. This
line-up of stars will be battling it out to add this MTB classic to his list of victories. A race that’s not to be missed under any circumstances.
In the village, celebrations are still in full swing with the Roc’N’Ride final on Saturday won by Medhi Gani. It’s a competition that sees versatile freestylers competing to come up with the most amazing acrobatics across earth bumps from a 10 m high ramp. A breath-taking spectacle that will be followed on Sunday by the final of the BMX Roc contest, where the acrobatics will again be all about height and style, bringing this 33rd Roc d’Azur to a fabulous climax.
It was an impressive lineup at the start of the Canyon Roc Marathon on Friday morning, including mountain bike champions Alban Lakata and Maxime Marotte, and road riding stars, Romain Bardet and Tim Wellens, but it was Julien Trarieux who really shone. A surprise winner.
When it came to forecasts at the start of the Canyon Roc Marathon, it was pretty difficult to hard to choose as there were so many possible contenders for the victory. Like Maxime Marotte for example, 4th in the recent Olympic Games and winner of the event in 2014, but he was there "just for the fun of it". Victory could equally well have gone to a road cyclist. Romain Bardet (102nd) livened up the start of the race before letting the specialists go on ahead: "I know my limits, I had great fun on the climbs but I rode the descents carefully to avoid injury. So I let the others go when the race started heating up". Same game plan for Tim Wellens (75th), stage winner on the Giro and Paris-Nice this season: "I really enjoyed it! I wanted to have a bit of fun and test myself with a bit of technical MTB riding, and that's what I got. It was a really intense experience. I didn't even really try to keep up with the leaders, well done to the winner".
And the victory didn’t go to Alban Lakata (2nd, AUT) either, former world champion in the discipline: "I rank this race right at the top of my league of races, I love being here and at the start I felt really great. This feeling carried on as I rode the course even though I managed to fall behind the leading pair, I don't quite know how that happened. I gave it everything I had to try and catch them up but it just wasn't enough". The pair in question was Samuele Porro (4th), current titleholder who was overtaken by Lakata at the end of the race, and Julien Trarieux, who no one managed to keep up with. "I descended well, and we ended up with two of us in front, we worked well together and I went for it on the Bougnon.” Result, Samuele Porro was dropped and the French rider flew to victory. "It's definitely my best win ever, I've not had an easy season and I broke my shoe at the beginning of the race, but the Roc Marathon was always on my race calendar and I was more than ready".
The same goes for Sébastien Carabin who finished 7th in the Marathon scratch, reinforcing his number one slot on the Roc Trophy following his victory in the first race yesterday. "I knew before the weekend started that this stage race plays to my strengths, and that shows. Barring any technical problems, I should be able to take the win". Régis Ruchaud and Raphaël Hilaire, currently in 2nd and 3rd place on the Roc Trophy are indeed a long way behind. There's a similar gap behind Sally Bigham who has taken a fifth victory in the women's races on the Canyon Roc Marathon. "It wasn't always easy for me today but I concentrated on my strengths and my race, and it paid off ". In second place behind her is none other than the only woman signed up for the Roc Trophy, Tanja Zakelj. Cornelia Hug was third. After 38 km of pure effort, Adria Noguera emerged as winner of the Buff Mid Roc, ahead of Samuel Maryns and Thibaut Vaniet. In the women's race, Emilie Frussotte took the win ahead of Coralie Thonus and Mélanie Eichelberger.
Not to be missed tomorrow is the star of gravel racing at the Roc d’Azur, with Gravel Roc on the programme for the first time ever, where only rigid and cyclocross bikes are allowed. But the public will mostly be out in force at the show to see the final of Rock’N’Ride. Starting from a 10 m high ramp, the best freestylers will compete to come up with the most creative and technical acrobatics on earth bumps.
Englishman Karl Shaw won the Tri Roc on Thursday. It was first too for Damien Guillemet on the Isostar Master Roc and Thibaut Vaniet on the Roc Light. Tomorrow, Romain Bardet will be battling it out with the stars of the Marathon, and Roc Ruelles will be setting the streets of Fréjus alight.
Neither waves, nor the Fréjus trails, the kilometres on foot nor even the other competitors could stop Karl Shaw crossing the line as Tri Roc champion. The Englishman finished in front of Frenchmen Théo Dupras and Arthur Serrières. In the women’s competition, Swiss competitor Angela Niklaus came in ahead of Anne-Sophie Maréchal and Marta Menditto. But triathletes weren’t the only ones out this Thursday, as there were three other, pure MTB, races on the agenda.
On the Isostar Master Roc, the battle was on between Damien Guillemet and René Hördemann, the former finally gaining the upper hand although he had to be content with second place as Thibaut Vassal in front of him was untouchable. As was Eva Carrer-Enz who came in ahead of second and third placed Pauline Payen and Frédérique Michel.
Roc Light was won by Thibaut Vaniet ahead of Sammy Cadot who took second place on the sprint in front of Thomas Peyroton-Dartet. In the women’s race, Inez Krawczyk also won on the sprint ahead of second and third placed Séverine Henchoz and Jennifer Perraud.
Also starting on Thursday was the Roc Trophy, a four-stage race that will be won by the most versatile athlete with the cumulative scratch time of each stage. For the first day, a 23 km special awaited the riders and was won by Sébastien Carabin who came in ahead of Sönke Wegner, recent winner of the same race format at the Roc des Alpes, and Régis Ruchaud. In the women’s race, the only rider registered, Tanja Zakelj, did not disappoint. And to finish off, Brice Daubord and Romain Bardet were the winning pair in the Tri Roc relay.
Romain Bardet, second in the Tour de France this summer, will be the star attraction of the Roc Marathon on Friday. He faces stiff competition against the best in the world. Notably from Austrian Alban Lakata, two-time world champion and silver medallist in this year’s World Championships. European champion, Kristian Hynek, is also a force to be reckoned with as is Samuele Porro, current Roc Marathon titleholder. As for the women, the battle is likely to be just as fierce between Sally Bigham, reigning European champion, Michalina Ziółkowska, current Roc marathon titleholder and Julie Bresset, 2012 Olympic champion. Also to come is Friday’s show time with the Roc Ruelle in Fréjus old town, where over a thousand spectators are expected.
And they’re off! On Wednesday, young people from Fréjus and Roquebrune and adapted sports’ athletes, kicked off the festivities of the 33rd Roc d’Azur in the Génération Roc ‘Sport for All’ event.
Florian Solbes will go down in history as the first winner of the 33rd edition of the Roc d’Azur which started on Wednesday at the Base Nature François Léotard in Fréjus. The young athlete made his mark in the Génération Roc ‘Sport for All’ event, which brought together young people from Fréjus and Roquebrune and adapted sports’ athletes.
On Thursday, the professionals will take to the stage with, notably, the first of the four races comprising the Roc Trophy, the stage race, which will reward the most versatile of mountain bikers. Another highlight of the day is the Tri Roc, during which the best triathletes will tackle a 1.5km swim, a 23km mountain bike ride and an 11km run. Among them is a well-known face, that of multiple world downhill ski champion and winner of the Paris-Dakar, Luc Alphand. As enthusiastic as ever, he will strive to do his best in the waters of the nature base and on the Roc cycle tracks.
A regular at the Roc d’Azur, he will undoubtedly take time to wander around the 28,000 square metre exhibition which features 300 stands and opens on Thursday at 10am. The Roc Test Camp will also be open, giving amateurs the opportunity to test the latest features offered by leading mountain bike specialists in the best conditions. In the same area, younger spectators will love the Pump Track and the handling track. More experienced riders will enjoy the Roc’N’Ride acrobatics, the Freestyl’Air and the MCF demonstrations. The MTB celebration has begun!
Roc Service Center, test circuit, Roc Trophy, etc. There are lots of new things to discover at the Roc this year!
Fellow riders,
To allow you to take full advantage of the Roc d’Azur peacefully and to meet the authorities’ requirements, security measures will be reinforced, in particular when entering the Base Nature (bag and body searches, etc.). These procedures may hold things up slightly, but they won’t change the event schedule, which will continue to be just as festive and offer a wealth of MTB activities!
Also the access to the Espace Caquot will be impacted by those security measures.
We thank you for your understanding and your cooperation... LET’S ROC!
On the agenda of this new edition:
Please note:
The number of starting areas and start waves has been increased with a view to improving the start organisation. Competitors will be allotted to their different starting areas according to their level to improve the flow of traffic and for the comfort of everyone on the route.
More than 300 exhibitors are expected and 500 major brands will be present.
Thanks to the Roc Test Camp, you can test the latest models of bikes free of charge in real conditions on specific tracks for testers.
Please note:
Sports entertainment (big air bag, trial shows) supervised by professionals;
Festive and sports evenings on Friday and Saturday in the heart of the resort in a friendly atmosphere, with music, bars, etc.
So don’t wait and register now on www.asochallenges.com !
Don’t forget the Roc Series Packs so that you can be in sync with the Rocs throughout the season (discounts and exclusive advantages), information on www.rocseries.fr).
You can also follow all the Roc Series news on facebook and on Twitter (@RocSeries)
The Roc Team
Highlight, results, photos...
The Roc, Olympic style!
The 2015 Roc d’Azur may have marked a turning point in Julie Bresset’s career. Olympic Champion in London in 2012 and two-time World Champion (2012, 2013), the Breton cyclist has been through a few hard months after suffering from ill health. On Sunday, with a time of 1:55:11, her name went down among the winners of the women’s Roc d’Azur. An ideal confidence booster for the rider who is striving to qualify to defend her Olympic title in Rio in less than a year. Her huge smile was evidence of her joy upon crossing the finish line. “I didn’t really expect to win on this circuit”, confides the Breton rider, who has been coming to the Roc d’Azur for many years. “I got a good head start early on, but I could see that other riders, particularly Margot (Maschetti) were not far behind. Technically, I was just a bit better and I really attacked on the Bougnon and after that, I gave nothing away. I know how to adjust my tactics. This victory is really good for me. It will help me to get off to a good start in 2016. I really loved it. Now I can start to turn the page on the 2015 season and look towards 2016.” At the age of 26, she is now back among the world’s elite. Behind Bresset, the French riders dominated the next few places. Sabrina Enaux, another familiar figure at the Roc d’Azur, took second place (1:57:42) ahead of the first Espoir, Léna Gérault (1:58:15), (the Espoir podium was completed by Estelle Boudot and Perrine Clauzel). Out in front for much of the race, the title-holder Margot Moschetti suffered a puncture and had to make do with the13th place.
Victor Koretzky, a triumphant young rider
In the men’s category, 21-year-old Victor Koretzky put on a little show for the public on the finish line, crossing it on his back wheel! In front from the start of the race, the world runner-up in the Espoirs category (2011 Junior World Champion) and World Champion in the mixed relay (with Jordan Sarrou, Antoine Phillip and Pauline Ferrand Prévot) was able to keep the other riders at bay to complete the 56km in 2:18:19. “I found myself all alone within the first 50 minutes of the race” says France’s big hope for the future. “I had to handle that lead, not panic and keep a bit of gas in the tank for the end of the race with the wind against me. I tried to take it steady on the climbs and attack on the downhills, my strong point”. And enjoy the race too. “The Col du Bougnon was crazy”, says Koretzky. “There are thousands of people in the space of a few hundred metres. It’s a bit like the Alpe d’Huez of the Roc d’Azur, and when you go up there in the lead, it’s crazy. This victory enables me to finish the season on a high, because the Roc d’Azur is really a benchmark race.” Behind the French rider, who remembers his first visits to the Roc d’Azur as a child (he won the Kid Roc in 2004 at the age of 10), Switzerland’s Nicolas Rohrbach took second place 1:26 behind him and his compatriot Martin Fanger came in third with a sprint finish against Belgium’s Sébastien Carabin (2nd on Friday in the Canyon Roc Marathon).
Champions of the future
Sunday is also an opportunity for the stars of the future to shine. In the Cadettes category (18km), Germany’s Franziska Koch won ahead of the two French riders Loana Lecomte and Ilona Peltier. In the Junior girls category (18km), it was once again a German victory, with Felicitas Geiger beating Constance Valentin and Eléanore Barmaverain. Benjamin Le Ny won the Cadets (18km), ahead of Maxime Maurin and Théo Charmes.
Roc Ruelles Roquebrune-sur-Argens
Fought out on Saturday night in the heart of Roquebrune-sur-Argens, and as spectacular as ever, the Roc Ruelles was won by the team consisting of Julien Bolota and Raphaël Gay (who had already won in Fréjus but with another partner). Only two seconds later, Christophe Fischer and Lorenzo Serres took second place, ahead of Bastien Pialat, Jordan Meier who joined the podium the day after coming 4th in the Roc Ruelles Fréjus.
With 20,365 participants (including 5,200 in Sunday's leading race), the 2015 Roc d’Azur has improved its participation record. Even more participants for the 28 races on the programme, even more visitors (over 100, 000) in the aisles of the Exhibition, which was packed all weekend long, and an even higher quality of service to offer the best experience possible to all the enthusiasts who came to celebrate the end of their season at the nature base in Fréjus. “This record of participation confirms that the Roc d’Azur is the essential event for both French and international riders and brands,” rejoices Alexandre Maslin, the Race Director. “The changes that we make every year are going in the right direction and allow the event to have even more visibility. The event has reached its maturity. We are going to continue to think about further improvements to prepare for the future in the best way possible.” We look forward to seeing you for the 33rd edition, the 20th on the site in Fréjus, from 5th to 9th October 2016.
We’re looking forward to seeing you
You can't say we didn’t tell you. If you haven’t yet come to the Roc d’Azur, at the base nature François-Léotard in Fréjus, tonight it will be too late, and you’ll have to wait until next year. Sportsmen and women often say that “the most important thing is not to have any regrets.” It’s the same thing for everyone. Honestly, it would be a shame to miss out on one of the biggest MTB events in the world.
On this Sunday morning, 5,200 riders (a record) will set off on the 56km-long Roc d’Azur. The leading race, the benchmark race, the one in which every self-respecting MTB fan must have taken part, for the landscapes crossed in the Massif des Maures and for the unique atmosphere which is present throughout the whole route which passes through the mythical scenery of Valdingarde, the Col du Bougnon, the Galiote beach and the Sentier des Douaniers. Among the front-runners there will be several champions who have come to compete for the one of the most prestigious victories of the year. And behind them, the enthusiasts who will be able to say “I was there”.
Sport, but a lot more too. A great show and a lot of noise for the finals of the BMX Roc Contest and the Roc’n’Ride. Some of the world's best specialists will perform one trick after another on dizzying fixtures. There will be same crazy atmosphere on the Freestyl’Air where the spectators will be just as amazed. And if you add all the sports activities and entertainment on offer (handling, Pump Track, the Moniteurs Cyclistes Français shows, etc.) into the bargain, you have to admit that the Roc d’Azur is not to be missed!
Still not convinced? Well head for the Exhibition (which opens at 9am). With more than 300 exhibitors on a surface area of 28,000 square metres and the latest in products and services to test at the Roc Test Camp, you’ll be amazed and ready for the winter season with plenty of wonderful rides in mind on the tracks in your region.
Since it opened on Thursday, the Exhibition has been booming. You still have a day to take advantage of it. And what’s more the weather in Fréjus is wonderful. So don’t forget your sunglasses. We’re looking forward to seeing you!
Something for all ages and all tastes
The Roc d’Azur has enjoyed a summery day marked by the randonnée. Some major sporting stars, including the pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie, and all the participants shared the pleasure of cycling without worrying about the clock.
The Roc d’Azur is one way to enjoy your sport without keeping your eyes fixed on the stopwatch. On Saturday, the majority of the day was devoted to the randonnée. The Rando Roc Électrique Noire demonstrated the growing market for electrically-assisted mountain biking with nearly 100 participants, a record in France. As for the Rando Roc Rouge Déguisée (18km), and without partaking of any illicit substances, among the 350 riders, we saw a giant caterpillar, Superman, Super Mario, a herd of bees and a swarm of cows (or is the other way around?), dancers wearing tutus and even Father Christmas, a bit ahead of time, it must be said. The same festive spirit dominated the Rando Roc Famille (8km) with nearly 200 cyclists taking part. The traditional Kid Roc also brought a breath of fresh air to Fréjus. More than 1,200 riders took part over the four races (between 2m and 8km depending on the age group) around the nature base. It was difficult to tell whether the kids or the parents were more stressed and excited. In a recent interview (“Journal du Outdoor”), World Champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot talked nostalgically about her memories of the Kid Roc. “My best victory in the Roc was the first time I won”, says the rider from Reims. “I must have been 12 years old. It was one of my first victories.” Maybe a future Olympic Champion took part this Saturday in the Kid Roc ...
Renaud Lavillenie, Cyril Després, Pierre Vaultier: the champions turned out for the Roc
“We’re here for the fun.” On the start line of the Alltricks.com Rando Roc Noire, Renaud Lavillenie perfectly summed up the mindset of all the participants in the Roc d’Azur. With a few sporting friends, the Olympic Champion and world record holder in the pole jump took part in the 50km race (he finished in 4 hours 30 minutes). “Officially, I am still on holiday for a few more days”, confided the athlete from Clermont Ferrand. “Along with Cyril (Després), we decided a few days ago and set up this great team of daredevils. The objective is above all to enjoy it. Mountain biking forms part of my physical training. I don’t like running for long distances, so mountain biking is perfect. I do it for two or three months a year, I’m no beginner. Today, we said that we would relax on the climbs and attack the downhills!” This was music to the ears of Cédric Gracia, the great world downhill specialist, who also set off on the longest rando of the programme. Olympic snowboardcross champion in Sotchi in 2014, Pierre Vaultier also spoke about wanting to get maximum fun out of the day. “I was doing a show at the Roc d’Azur and then on Friday night in the restaurant, I managed to get tangled up in all this”, says the snowboarder from Serre-Chevalier, also three-time winner of the World Cup. “So that’s how I found myself taking part in the 50km mountain bike race. We’ve got a hellishly good team, watch out!” Cyril Desprès, five-time winner of the Dakar on his motorbike and who has now moved to the Peugeot car team, was equally motivated. “The idea is to spend a great Saturday with good friends. If you love sport, you obviously know about the Roc d’Azur. When I’m on my mountain bike, I feel some of the same sensations as in motorbiking, especially the pleasure of riding along these narrow tracks. It is pure pleasure!” Pleasure which was shared by the 2,900 riders crossing the start line. The smiles at the finish were the best testimony to a great event.
Roc Ruelles: Fréjus lights up
The heart of Fréjus has rarely seen such madness. As every year, the two-person teams competing in the Roc Ruelles paint the town red. With ultra-tight turns, steps to be navigated, and small highly technical passages to be followed, the 800m relay circuit had all the ingredients of a fantastic burst of adrenaline. And as is the case every year, the public didn’t fail to create an explosive atmosphere. In terms of the race, ultimately it was Raphaël Gay and Kevin Miquel who won, ten seconds ahead of Nathan Barneirat and Lioc Tournillon. Simon Rogier and Melvin Rullière came third. And we’ll do it all over again on Saturday night, this time in Roquebrune-sur-Argens. Launched last year, the Kid Roc Ruelles was also a great success with a victory for Quentin Bourg and Quentin Georgon.
Other against the clock races took place in Fréjus. Alsace’s Axel Zingle won the Roc d’Azur Juniors (42km) in 1:44:15. And for the tandems, it was Joseph de Poortere-Emilien and Sébastien Roux who crossed the Roc finish line first, after 42km, in a time of 2:0:18.
Hats off to Mr Barel
At 35 years of age, Fabien Barel, the three-time downhill World Champion (1998, 2004, 2005) and very successful in the Enduro World Series (2nd in the overall rankings in 2015) with his Canyon Factory Enduro team, has decided to end his sporting career: a career which deserved a great tribute. What better place than the Roc d’Azur to celebrate this huge champion and emblematic champion figure of mountain biking? Organised in collaboration with Canyon, it was a wonderfully moving occasion, with a cake, an ovation, lots of enthusiasm and a great deal of respect for Fabien Barel.
Great line-up for the start of the Roc d’Azur and the Roc d’Azur Dames
Despite the absence of some of the leading riders who have gone to the Rio Olympics test event, in particular France's Julien Absalon, Maxime Marotte and last year’s winner in Fréjus , Jordan Sarrou, the 32nd Roc d’Azur has a great line-up. With Roel Paulissen, the winner in 2008 and 2009, Stéphane Tempier, victorious in 2012, Alban Lakata crowned in 2010 and Miguel Martinez in 1997, 2004 and 2013, four of the last six winners will be trying to notch up another victory this weekend. Victor Koretzky, silver medallist in the Junior World Championships a few weeks ago, is also a rider to watch. Behind the champions, there will be 5,200 riders at the start, a new participation record.
In the women’s race which will start the day off, the young Margot Mochetti (21 years old), will be at the start to defend her title. Opposite her, the 2012 Olympic Champion and two-time World Champion (2012 and 2013), Julie Bresset may take advantage of the Roc d'Azur to continue her return to high-level competition, on the way to the Rio Olympics. Poland’s Michalina Ziolkowska, the winner on Friday in the Canyon Roc Marathon, is also a rider to watch and probably very keen to have a second win in a row in a race where her fellow countrywomen have won four times in the last six years.
SPORTS PROGRAMME:
ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME:
#RocdAzur #RocSeries #RocSelfie
You want to share your last training sessions and your race on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: use the official hashtags #RocdAzur #RocSeries #RocSelfie.
You will find all the best social contents on the Social Corner Roc d'Azur!
Consult, here all the photos of Friday's races!
Don't forget to come to the Roc Test Camp, a great free MTB test show open to all!
Pushing the limits
Italy’s Samuele Porro and Poland’s Michalina Ziolkowska were the two big winners of the Canyon Roc Marathon, the highlight of this 3rd day of the Roc d’Azur.
The effort was intense and extreme. Over an 82km route across the Massif des Maures, the participants in the Canyon Roc Marathon pushed themselves to their limits. Both amateurs and champions were relieved but proud to cross the finish line.
The leaders were short of breath, their faces showing the strain as they crossed the line and collapsed as soon as the race was over, exhausted. With a winning time of 3:49:06, the 27-year-old Italian Samuele Porro will see his name go down among the winners of the Canyon Roc Marathon, succeeding France’s Maxime Marotte. Seventh in the World Marathon Championships and 4th in the UCI Marathon Series before this race, the Italian champion finishes his season, which was marked by ten wins, on a high. “It’s a dream come true”, he says. “I discovered the Roc d’Azur last year (5th in the Canyon Roc Marathon, 11th in the Roc d’Azur) and I loved the route and the atmosphere. Today I had a bit of a problem with my chain, but I managed to make do. I’m really very happy.” As he set off down the descent of the Col de Valdingarde, Porro held back his adversaries for an hour. Among them, Belgium’s Sébastien Carabin, a Roc d’Azur regular (5th last year) who has won in the Junior and Espoirs categories several times, and who came second, 39 seconds behind Porro. In the lead for a long time, Germany’s Simon Stiebjahn completed the podium. The best French rider, Christophe Bassons, finished in 24th place. In the women’s category, having already won the Marathon at the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz in June and the Marathon in the Roc d’Ardenne in 2014, Poland’s Michaline Ziolkowska added the Roc d’Azur’s Canyon Roc Marathon to her list of victories, in a time of 4:55:41. “It was very hard, both physically and technically, but I like this type of race” said the Polish rider, who was 4th last year in the Canyon Roc Marathon. “I set off calmly and saved my energy for the second half of the race. I’m really very happy.” Third last year, Fanny Bourdon came in 2:10 behind the winner, moving up a place and leaving behind Hélène Marcouyre, the reigning champion, in the last few kilometres. “I tried to do what I could” explains Bourdon. “I had my medical exams this year and didn’t do a lot of training. But the Roc d’Azur is a mythical event. The atmosphere is different and it’s perfect for a bit of fun before the end of the season. If I pass my exams, I’ll take a sabbatical next year to devote myself fully to mountain biking.”
Lapeyrie, the star of EnduRoc
On thursday, over a much shorter, but just as intense format, Thomas Lapeyrie, who recently came 2nd in the Megavalanche and who is one of the Top 20 of the Enduro World Series, proved to be the fastest rider over the five EnduRoc specials. With a time of 21:06, he beat the Swiss Nicola Rohrback by 51 seconds and the reigning champion, Karim Amour by 53 seconds. Belgium’s Alexandra Marchal won the girls’ category (27:01).
Robert warms up nicely with the Mid Roc
With just a five second lead, Sylvain Robert won the Mid Roc, which was fought out over a 38km route. In 1h38:29, he beat Martinique’s Clément Brière and Belgium’s Samuel Maryns. A good rehearsal for the 25-year old Swiss rider who will cross the start line on Sunday in the Roc d’Azur. In the women’s category, Laurence Champavier was the winner in 2:7:43, surpassing Steffi Derveaux (BEL) and Emilie Frussotte.
This Saturday, after the men’s Roc d’Azur Juniors and the traditional Roc Tandems, the world’s biggest tandem randonnée event (with nearly 200 teams), will be the highlight of the day. The Rando Roc Electrique Noire will demonstrate this new discipline of electrically assisted mountain biking, over a 50km route. The same route will be used for the 3,000 participants in the Alltricks.com Rando Roc Noire. Fun and games are also in store on the Rando Roc Rouge Déguisée (18km) where every year the participants push the limits of their imagination and their creativity and the Rando Roc Famille (8km), an ideal distance for discovering the joys of mountain biking without working too hard. Another highlight is the four Kid Roc races where the excitement is both on the track, with children aged from 5 to 13, and around it, with parents who are sometimes more stressed out and demonstrative than their children. Finally, in the evening, the Roc Ruelles will light up the very heart of Roquebrune-sur-Argens.
SPORTS PROGRAMME:
ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME:
You want to share your last training sessions and your race on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: use the official hashtags #RocdAzur #RocSeries #RocSelfie.
You will find all the best social contents on the Social Corner Roc d'Azur!
Thursday 8th october : 10.00am – 7.00am
Fryday 9th october : 9.00am – 7.00am
Saturday 10th october : 9.00am – 7.00am
Sunday 11th october : 9.00am – 6.30am
Don't forget to come to the Roc Test Camp, a great free MTB test show open to all!
Beautiful weather for the Roc
Rémy Grosdidier and Maxine Filby in the Buff Masters Roc (42 km), Julien Camera and Sophie Gattuso in the Roc Light (24 km) and lastly Karl Shaw and Lucie Croissant in the Tri Roc (1.5 km of swimming, a 24km mountain bike ride and an 11km run): these are the 6 winners of the timed races on Thursday, the second day of competition of the 32nd edition of the Roc d’Azur.
The winner of the first race of the day, the Buff Masters Roc, which set off as the sun was rising, was one of its regulars. Rémy Grosdidier from Alsace was imperial with a fifth victory in a row (1:47:52). “I used the same tactics as usual,” he said. “I made an effort a bit before Le Fournel and I put a lot of pressure on the others in the descent to get ahead. The Roc d’Azur is always exceptional. I’ve been coming here since I was 15. I haven’t missed a single edition. And now I’m 34…” Grosdidier finished ahead of Jérémy Mounier, crowned World Champion in August in the 30-34 year-old category. Nicolas Durin, from Vienne, the brand new cross-triathlon World Champion in the 35-39 year-old category, finished third. The winner in the women’s category was Maxine Filby (2:22:47).
In the Tri Roc, hosted for the 4th time in Fréjus, France’s Karl Shaw, the race’s local rider (he lives in Fréjus) and the brother of Asa Shaw, winner of the Tri Roc in 2012, was victorious (1:57:54). In the lead after the 1.5km of swimming, he was surpassed in the 24 km mountain bike ride by François Carloni, the titleholder, but managed to go back into the lead during the 11km run. “I had a long week of training to prepare the major races at the end of the year and this Tri Roc allowed me to think about something else”, said the winner. Lucie Croissant, who is used to extreme races and multisport events, held on to the title she won last year (2:27:04). “I really didn’t think that I was going to win because the competition was very tough”, she said. “I just came to have fun. And that’s what I did.” With a victory into the bargain.
Friday: from one extreme to another
On Friday, 2,500 riders will set off to attack the Canyon Roc Marathon’s 82 km and the 2,275m of elevation gains and losses in the week’s longest race, with a top-level line-up.
Winner of the Roc d’Azur in 2010 and the Roc Marathon in 2013, Austria’s Alban Lakata will be at the start to try to succeed France’s Maxime Marotte. Hot on his heels will be Arnaud Rapillard, Italy’s Samuele Porro, the Czech Republic’s Kristian Hynek (the winner in Portugal last week), Belgium’s Roel Paulissen, the former Marathon World Champion (2008, 2009) and two-time winner of the Roc d’Azur (2008, 2009), Great Britain’s Ben Thomas and Germany’s Robert Mennen. They are all used to long-distance efforts and should be among the leaders. Hélène Marcouyre will defend her title in the women’s category. But she’ll need to watch out for Great Britain’s Sally Bigham, the winner on four occasions (2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013). Third last year, Fanny Bourdan will also have something to say, just like Austria’s Christina Kollmann, the winner in Ornans last week. From the very long Canyon Roc Marathon to the very short Roc Ruelles Fréjus where 85 teams will come face to face in the centre of the town on a very spectacular 800m circuit, there’s bound to be an exciting atmosphere!
The Exhibition is open
The Exhibition is part of the Roc d’Azur’s DNA with more than 100, 000 visitors expected until Sunday. On Thursday, the opening day, the stands and the aisles quickly filled up with the many visitors who had come to discover all the new products and services offered by the 300 exhibitors. The first signing sessions took place, the first selfies were taken with the champions and the first products were tested at the Roc Test Camp, in addition to the many activities and entertainment on offer all day long! And it will be the same thing every day until Sunday!
PROGRAMME FOR FRIDAY 9th OCTOBER:
#RocdAzur 2015 started!
The pedals have started to turn, the first few laughs and gasps for breath have been heard, the adrenaline has started flowing and emotions are running high ... the 32nd Roc d’Azur has begun! The 32nd edition of the Roc d’Azur opened on a beautiful day in Fréjus. On Wednesday afternoon, more than 1,400 pupils launched five days of sport and fun, five days which have been eagerly awaited by more than 20,000 cycling enthusiasts.
For the Générations Roc, 1,250 secondary school pupils from the Académie de Nice, 150 representatives from associations in Fréjus and Roquebrune-sur-Argens and 100 people with disabilities were the first to set off on the tracks at the Base Nature François-Léotard in Fréjus. The winner of the 8km 2015 Roc d’Azur was Simon Gribeval from the Lycée des Palmiers in Nice.
On Thursday, the Roc d’Azur is stepping up a gear with the Exhibition opening at 10am (9am every other day) with 300 exhibitors spread over more than 28,000 square metres and the Roc Test Camp which will allow visitors to try out the latest products and services. Visitors can also enjoy the wide range of entertainment and activities on the programme.
In terms of sport, the Enduroc, a discipline which has been on the rise in recent years, will be closely fought over five timed specials. The Tri Roc, the traditional version of the triathlon which joined the Roc programme in 2012, will see tri-athletes compete against one another over a 1.5km swim in the Mediterranean, a 24km mountain bike ride in the Massif des Maures and an 11km run at the nature base.
The programme will be jam-packed until Sunday. On Friday, the Canyon Roc Marathon (82km) will take place for the toughest riders, while the Roc Ruelles will take place in the historic centre of Fréjus, both of which are traditionally highlights of the week. On Saturday, the randonnée will take centre stage with, among other things, the Alltricks.com Rando Roc Noire (50km).On Sunday, the 5,200 participants in the Roc d’Azur (56km) will mark the usual and long-awaited finale of the 32nd edition of the Roc. A Roc which continues to evolve and grow year on year.
Live the Roc on social medias!
You want to share your last training sessions and your race on Twitter and Instagram: use the official hashtags #RocdAzur #RocSeries #RocSelfie. You will find all the best social contents on the Social Corner Roc d'Azur!
Only 30 days left to take part of the party
More than 18,000 participants have already registered for the 2015 Roc d’Azur!
Please be aware that some races will soon be full like the Canyon Roc Marathon.
So don’t wait any longer, register now and take advantage of the last few places!
Get ready!
Electric mountain bikes are the new craze.
Try one and you'll love it. Jump start your riding.
When you think of a bike, you think of two wheels. Obviously. The wheel is an essential part of your mountain bike. They come in different sizes, different materials etc.
A breather from the technical, physical and mechanical advice
By definition, mountain bikers love nature. This is an additional reason to respect it and adopt an environmentally-friendly attitude. Let’s take a little breather from the usual technical, physical and mechanical advice.
It's the new big thing in mountain biking.
More and more mountain bikers are drawn to enduro, delighting in the thrill of descents while still enjoying pedalling along the trails. Rémy Absalon specialises in this field and gives us some precious advice.
Roc d’Azur, 32rd edition!
This year the meeting will take place from October 7 -11 at the François Léotard Nature Base in Fréjus. Take advantage of the subtle mix of the sweat, sun, and grandiose scenery!
Sports, fair, activities, and shows: the Roc will be back for a new edition on the Mediterranean coast. For sports, like every two years, the circuits are being re-worked to offer you new paths in the Maures chain! A few novelties and changes for 2015 should be noted:
For the village, you will once again be able to visit nearly 300 exhibitors, as well as participate in activities (like initiations for the little ones), and see some spectacular shows done by the pros!
It should be noted that you will be able to share your race number on Facebook when you register!
Find the sport program here.
Program Roc Series 2015:
Let's meet up in Fréjus in October. We're waiting for you!
Would you like to organize your mountain bike season to the rhythm of the Roc? Discover the Roc Series Packs which will allow you to participate in 2 or 3 Rocs at a lower cost while benefiting from premium services!
More information on the packs here
There's no avoiding it, everyone is doing core strength training.
For the past few years, it's been the hot topic in every discussion about good preparation. If you don't do core strength exercises, your training regime is clearly lacking. Actually … there is some truth in this.
