The 12th edition : on the 16th and 17th of September 2023
L'ULTRA RAID DE LA MEIJE, Europe's most beautiful mountain bike race
Since 2011, the Ultra Raid de la Meije Mountain Bike Race has become a must for all mountain bike and adventure lovers. It is well-known for its high altitude landscapes and its automnal colours as it takes place every year in mid-September around La Grave La Meije. The main race is the demanding "Élite Ultra" with its 117km and 5300m of elevation gain but there are various options for all types of riders.
Organised by the Ultra Raid de la Meije Association.
The different races
There are several race options, all allowing you to explore the singletracks around La Grave La Meije and Villar d'Arène
3 timed races: Elite Ultra (117 km and 5300 m uphill, Elite Ultra + and Raid Ultra (Stage 1: 73 km and 3250 m uphill / Stage 2: 52 km and 2400 m uphill)
7 touring routes, without timing: easier options (31 or 36 km) as well as more challenging ones (46, 48, 50, 58 or 73 km). Open to E-mountainbikers.
ÉLITE ULTRA
Win the title of "Elite Ultra" finisher, the flagship route of the event. But before committing, please make sure you are in good enough shape as this option is truly difficult and demanding. If you have doubts that you will be able to make, sign up for the Elite Ultra + that gives you the opportunity to shorten your route on Saturday and still race on Sunday. You will then be ranked with the Raid Ultra.
SATURDAY |
---|
"Galibier Pass / Les Cerces Massif" + "Emparis / Besse" |
Starting from : Villar d'Arène Starting time : 5.56 am Distance : 117km Elevation gain : 5300m |
ÉLITE ULTRA +
Go for Elite Ultra challenge, whilst leaving yourself the opportunity to shorten your route. Your first goal should be to finish the long-distance race, but it will also be possible to take a turn at Ventelon (72km) to allow you to carry on the next day for another 52km in order to be ranked in the 2 days Raid Ultra category.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY |
---|
"Galibier Pass / Les Cerces massif" + "Emparis / Besse" |
Starting point: Villar d'Arène Starting time: 6 am Distance: 117km Elevation gain: 5300m |
The RAID ULTRA in 2 days
Set yourself a challenge by doing the Raid Ultra, two intense days in two different areas with a total of 125 km! The first three to cross the finish line will be on the podium.
SATURDAY |
SUNDAY |
---|---|
"Galibier Pass / Les Cerces Massif" |
"Emparis / Besse" |
Starting point: Villar d'Arène Starting time: 6.04 am Distance: 73km Elevation gain : 3250m |
Starting point: La Grave Starting time: 6.04 am Distance: 52km Elevation gain: 2400m |
LES RANDONNEES A LA CARTE
Des randonnées à vélo pour découvir le Pays de la Meije tout en douceur ou presque !
De 31 à 73 km, avec profil classique ou plutôt descendant, les randonnées sont aussi modulables que vos envies.
3 possibilités s'offrent à vous :
- rouler tout le week-end et composez votre programme en sélectionnant une rando le samedi et une autre le dimanche.
- rouler uniquement le samedi et vous pouvez choisir librement la distance jusqu'à la dernière minute.
- rouler uniquement le dimanche et vous pouvez choisir librement la distance jusqu'à la dernière minute.
- Les VAE homologués sont autorisés sur toutes les randonnées. Les parcours sont identiques aux VTT sauf le dernier kilomètre du Galibier.