As autumn looms and the ground begins to soften, the peaceful François Léotard nature base near the small port town of Fréjus on France's Cote d'Azur will be transformed into a mountain bike mecca by 20,000 shredders. The event is the Roc d'Azur, one of the highlights of the MTB calendar - and there's plenty on offer for gravel enthusiasts too, as the 270km Gravel Origins 83 race returns for a 2nd edition.
Organised by A.S.O. (the same gang who run the Tour de France), the 36th edition of the Roc d'Azur will welcome mountain bikers from around the world at the stunning François Léotard nature park 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 and a trade show with over 300 exhibitors, Roc d'Azur offers a wide range of off-road disciplines set amid 150km of trails in the stunning Massif des Maures hills of South Eastern France.
The festival offers something for all off-road lovers, with races and recreational rides for elites, amateurs, families and children.
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.
Gravel Origins 83
Buoyed by its success in 2018, the two-day Gravel Origins 83 will also return for a second year. Although loosely described as a race, the emphasis here is very much on fun and adventure as riders explore 280km of Var's back-country over two days.
There may be no official timing, but there's no shortage of climbing: 6000m of it in fact, as the route takes in breathtaking landscape including the Gorges of Verdon, Sainte-Croix Lake and the Esterel Mountains.
The ride starts on Friday morning and includes an overnight break at the campsite, with a chance to relax and meet fellow riders over dinner. Entry is priced €83.
Mavic Gravel Roc
Looking to sharpen your race chops ahead of the winter 'cross season? Starting at the Fréjus Nature Base, Saturday's Mavic Gravel Roc is a more competitive affair than the Origins ride, covering a 75km loop that alternates between roads and forest tracks.
The course packs in over 1500m of climbing and entry is priced €52.
VIP guests and Roc stars
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 programme, 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 industry's 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.
If all that sounds too good to miss, it's not too late to take part in this year's Roc d'Azur. 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.
For more info on the Roc d'Azu, visit www.rocazur.com.
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