Here it comes...
Le Trophée de la Meije is a singular mountain race , which harmoniously combines the originality and the difficulty, all in a sumptuous setting, under the Meije and Agneaux. Through all the villages and hamlets without exception La Grave and Villar d'Arene, the race can go to the meeting of the territory and its inhabitants, this one supplying runners in each village.
Five of our refuges welcome you for the night to meet and discuss specific topics, related to the mountain and its environment.
Refuge Evariste Chancel: Discover refuge and guardian life run by the guardian.
Access time: 1 hour and quarter from the cable car station (2400m)
Altitude: 2500m
booking and infos : +334 76 79 92 32
« Gathering of mountaineering techniques", 9th's name, or how to learn to use the various maneuvers required for this practice!
climbing with "big" shoes in new paths specially equipped for the occasion (of IV 7a)
how to pass a rimaye,
mixed climbing,
evolution on easy snow slope,
crossing crevasses
hauling ...
and a specail "hiker" menu animated by leaders : reading map, terrain, glaciers, hiking in rugged terrain no more secrets for you!
The evening, meals and movies outdoors.
The second Meije Ultra-Challenge : High-altitude MTB Marathon Challenge
DIFFICULT: 110 kms of tracks and paths over one or two days.
DIFFERENCE: 11 000 m of height difference, 5 500m height gain and 5 500m height loss.
DIFFERENT: a 100% natural challenge, only on tracks and paths.
DIFFICULTY: a highly-technical, high-altitude MTB challenge.
For all mountain and nature lovers, the Region of La Meije is a place of superlatives. At the foot of La Meije (3983 m) with its huge glaciers, the greatest mountain passes of the Alps (Col du Lautaret and Col du Galibier) have been the backdrop for the finest images of the Tour de France and the stage for the most impressive timed climbs. Indeed, 2011 marks the centenary of the first climb by the cyclists up to the Col du Galibier (2646m), with no fewer than two stages of the race scheduled for this year, together with a finishing point on the Col itself.
Although ever popular with cyclists, the Region of La Meije also features exceptional trails for high-altitude mountain bikers, including the stony single tracks and the fabulous climbs set against the backdrop of some of the highest Alpine summits. What could be a more extraordinary setting for the creation of one of the largest MTB marathon challenges in Europe?
The first edition of the Meije Ultra-Challenge is a marathon challenge for mountain bikers over one or two days. Three options are available: the Elite or the Randonneur, both over one day, or the Randonneur over two days.
This is true high-altitude mountain biking, with 90 km ridden above 1800 m, 50 km of which is above 2000 m, featuring a series of climbs on tracks and paths and descents on technical single tracks.
The single day option of this ultra-challenge may be extreme, but even the two-day option is really tough.
The Elite 1-day option (110 km, 5 500 m height gain, 5 500 m height lost) is for highly-trained mountain bikers who have already taken part in challenges such as La Garoutade, La Transvésubienne, Les chemins du Soleil, Le grand raid Christalp or the MB Race.
The Randonneur 1-day option: as above, although the departure will be during the night at around 4.30/5 am, only the first climb (1 200m) will be during the night with the first descent taking place after dawn, even for the leaders. The course is the same, but with an extra 2 ½ hours to finish.
The Randonneur 2-day option is also aimed at very fit mountain bikers. Distances may be shorter, but still cover 70 and 50 km. On this type of terrain, these are long and difficult rides.
Information on ww.ultraraidlameije.fr ou contact@ultraraidlameije.fr
Registration from 1 June 2011 on registration form
Blog de l'Ultra Raid de la Meije