Megavalanche Mountain Bike Competition returns to Alpe d'Huez

Possibly Alpe d'Huez's biggest event of the summer is almost upon us – the Megavalanche.

This 7 day mountain biking event draws people in from all over the world to compete in a series of fast and furious downhill races. Open to amateurs and professionals there is a number of competitions from speed trials, to enduro races, to a race just for the ‘laydeez', there is something for everyone.

The event covers 7 days in the Southern Alps from 5th to 11th July, starting in Vaujany from 5th to 8th and carrying on to Alpe d'Huez for three days from 9th – 11th July.

Riders start at Pic Blanc at an altitude of 3330m before hurtling down a range of marked trails, to finish in Allemont. Around 2000 riders will hurtle down a 300km long track, covering about 2000m of descent; the average top time is 45 minutes so you can imagine how fast they are going!

For many of the races you will have to register in advance, you can find out which ones still have places left on this website >>

There will, of course be entertainments going on throughout the event as well as after-parties and all the usual celebrations! Our intrepid reporter will be on the scene to give you all the news and photos of the event, you can read her report on this page later next week.

In the meantime, get a taste of what its all about with our video report from the Megavalanche 2009: