Roc d'Azur

Organised by the world’s leading international sports event organiser, the A.S.O, the 36th edition of the Roc d'Azur will welcome mountain bikers from around the world at the stunning François Léotard nature base in Fréjus (Var). Taking place between 9th-13th October, 20,000 competitors are expected to take part in the world’s biggest MTB event. Featuring 35 races across a variety of disciplines and a trade show with over 300 exhibitors; here’s everything you need to know about this year’s event.

As Autumn looms and the ground begins to soften, the peaceful François Léotard nature base near the small port town of Fréjus will be transformed into a mountain bike mecca by 20,000 shredders. Facilitating a wide range of off-road disciplines, ages and genders the Var region in South Eastern France offers 150km of trails in the stunning Massif des Maures hills. 

Packed with 35 races and recreational rides for elites, amateurs, families and children, the Roc d’Azur has something for all off-road lovers. Adding to the staple races that fans have come to love over the past three decades, this year’s edition sees some exciting new additions. The new Rallye RocXC demands power and tactical nous over four timed and untimed sections, whilst the Roc à l’Américaine will see 60 riders face-off in a night time elimination race around the hillside town of Roquebrune-sur-Argens and a 5th stage is added to the famous Roc Trophy. Buoyed by its success in 2018, the two-day Gravel Origins 83 will also return for a second year giving adventure riders the opportunity to explore 270km of Var’s back-country. 

Whilst most races are open to everyone, the Roc d'Azur will also see some very special VIP guests take part in the Roc Star Game. Giving fans the opportunity to see some of the sport’s royalty go head to head against one another, this year’s race will be attended by multiple World Champions Pauline Ferrand Prevot and Fabien Barel, as well as professional riders Steve Chainel, Nicolas Roux and Kilian Bron.   

In addition to its extensive race program, the Roc d’Azur also hosts the world’s biggest mountain bike fair all completely free of charge. Featuring a whopping 300 exhibitors from across the MTB, Tri-Roc and extreme sports spaces, the industries’ biggest brands will show off the latest bike models, gear and accessories giving participants a unique insight into trends for 2020 and beyond. Attended by over 100,000 people the event village also allows visitors to test bikes out, view open air demonstration shows and receive advice from industry experts.

It’s not too late for anyone interested in taking part in this year’s Roc d’Azur event. Riders can still enter on www.timeto.com. Fréjus can be reached easily with flights from UK major cities to Nice, and the Eurostar from London St Pancras International. 

More information on the Roc d’Azur can be found at www.rocazur.com.