Les Arcs are to stage what they say is the first ever ski-then-mountain-bike downhill relay in France this April.
The event, which is along similar lines to events such as the Ski to Sea races at Mt Baker in the USA and others staged annually in countries like New Zealand, will see racers tackle 1,600m of vertical above and below the snowline.
Taking place on 22 April, 150 teams (male, female and mixed) are expected to compete in this exclusive race. Unlike in other races, each team member will ski a different leg.
The race will begin after the slopes close at around 5pm and take place on a marked course, supervised by the ski patrols. It will start at Col des Frettes, 2,413m up and accessed by the Arpette and Bois de l’Ours chairlifts. From here, the first half of the descent over snow begins, including a race through the snowpark.
Racers will switch to bikes in Arc 1600 from where the course follows the famous mountain bike slope « La 8 » with the race continuing down to the Event Village in Bourg St Maurice.
Participating costs €60 (around £52) per team (€30pp (around £26pp)), and entrants can sign up at engage-sports.com/ski2bike2017/
“Is there a better way to celebrate the transition from the winter to the spring than a skiing to bike relay?” the organisers ask.
