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 |
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"Galibier Pass / Les Cerces Massif" + "Emparis / Besse" |
Starting from : Villar d'Arène Starting time : 5.56 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 |
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"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 |
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 |
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"Galibier Pass / Les Cerces massif" + "Emparis / Besse" |
Starting point: Villar d'Arène Starting time: 6 am Distance: 117km Elevation gain: 5300m |



Choose your tour
With this option you decide what your weekend will look like. You can sign up for 2 days with 2 different routes but if you just want to do one day you can sign up for only Saturday or Sunday.
Please note: E-MTB are allowed but will be ranked in a separate category.

SATURDAY |
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3 route options |
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Galibier-Cerces Tour 73km Start : Villar d'Arène at 6.10am Distance : 73km Elevation gain: 3250m |
Galibier-Cerces Tour 58km Start : Galibier Pass at 9am Distance : 58km Elevation gain: 2050m |
Galibier-Cerces Tour 48km Start : Plan Lachat at 9.30am Distance : 48km Elevation gain: 1800m
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SUNDAY |
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4 route options |
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Tour of Emparis 50km Start : La Grave at 8am Distance : 50km Elevation gain: 2400m |
Tour of Emparis 46km Start : La Grave at 8.30am Distance : 46km Elevation gain: 1850m |
Tour of Emparis 36km Start : Chazelet at 8.00am Distance : 36km Elevation gain: 1700m |
Tour of Emparis 31km Start : Chazelet at 8.30am Distance : 31km Elevation gain: 1100m |
Pricelist 2023
Prices from 01/03 to 31/03 | Prices from 01/04 to 30/04 | Prices from 01/05 to 30/06 | Prices from 1/07 to 31/07 | |||
Elite Ultra | 59€ | 69€ | 75€ | 89€ | ||
Elite Ultra + | 79€ | 85€ | 95€ | 109€ | ||
Raid Ultra 2 days | 75€ | 80€ | 90€ | 105€ | ||
Raid Ultra 73 km | 53€ | 57€ | 64€ | 69€ | ||
Elite Ultra 52 km | 38€ | 41€ | 46€ | 49€ | ||
Choose your tour 2 days | 73€ | 78€ | 88€ | 100€ | ||
Choose your tour (Sat.) | 50€ | 52€ | 56€ | 64€ | ||
Choose your tour (Sun.) | 35€ | 37€ | 39.50€ | 44€ |
* Optional shuttle bus to the Galibier Pass (18 € in the morning with your mountain bike, 10 € in the evening without your mountain bike). Limited number of seats available.