The Megavalanche – Alp d’Huez

The Mega is one of those races that every mountain biker has to do. I arrived there on the Monday evening after Les Deux Alpes EWS round 3, having taken Monday off to scope the area and check out what was happening, as I was still sore from the crash the day before. Having prepped the Cube Stereo for practise that week, Tuesday came around and I went up and did a couple of runs on the qualifying track. All was going well, the track was good; it was rough and rocky and with almost 'hero' dirt it was so tacky, due to all the snow melt. That afternoon however a big storm came in and this meant that the lift was closed. So instead of having a rest afternoon, Chris Hutchens, Jack Richards and I decided to go on a bit of a mission. We rode down the bottom section of the Mega main track then detoured to the bottom of the 21 bends, riding up the famous Tour de France climb of around 1000m vertical climbing. The whole ride took around 3 and a half hours. It was refreshing to do some actual riding rather than just riding the chairlifts.

Bottom of 21 bends with the Stereo!

Wednesday was a better day - we went up to the top of Pic Blanc and rode the full Mega track down to Allemont which had an impressive 2500m drop. There was a lot of snow at the top which at times made it quite tough and the only way was to push through it but this would change for Sunday morning as it would be nicely piste bashed and really fast. Another storm came in and riding was over for that day. Thursday was a nice day and the weather was to be good from here onwards. I did two runs of the qualifying track and was feeling great on the bike as it felt like I had set it up perfectly and it was really working well. I got to terms with the track and was feeling good for my qualifying run the following day.

Qualifying came around and I felt good - the bike was dialled and I was ready. I was on the front row with last pick being number 25. I managed to get a good start around the top 8 and by the time I reached the snow I was in with the top 4. I was feeling good!!! Two riders went for the rut to the left of me and I followed the other rider in front on the right side. He caught a pedal and flipped over the bars. Unfortunately neither of us could get out the rut so the other two gained a small lead on us. I passed him on the next rock island. My aim was to now catch the other two ahead who had pulled a good gap. Despite my best efforts I decided it was probably for the best if I just rode smooth and maintained my position rather than crash and throw away a good placing. I came into the lower section and caught some traffic from the previous heat but maintained my 3^rd place and had a time that would have put me 27^th overall, giving me a good gate pick for the Sunday.

The start of the mega, an epic view for an epic race!

Saturday was a rest day and a good chance to get the Cube primed and ready for racing. I also went up and watched the old boy race, he came 170^th which is pretty awesome. An early night and I was set for the 5am alarm clock, I woke up feeling fresh and ready for the day ahead. At 6am I was on the chairlift packed with breakfast in hand and raring to get up there. It was a beautiful morning and the skies were clear making the view exceptional at the top. Now to the main, I lined up and got a great start around the top 30 looking at the photos and videos. Unfortunately myself and another rider collided I went down pretty hard in the snow. As I tried to get back up I was hit by another rider this time loosing my bike. I clambered back up the trying to avoid riders and get back on when I did, my bars, levers and shifters were bent from impact. Despite this I jumped back on and rode the remainder of the race. After the year before disaster of not finishing I decided that no matter what I wanted to finish and I rode down, despite in serious pain from snow burn and my back. Overall I really enjoyed the week and feel as though I’m getting on well with the Cube. This week I’ve decided to rest and let the wounds heal up a bit before the Super Enduro in Sauze.

A tasty ice burn!