Already host of many major international mountain bike events, Les Gets has left no stone unturned to entertain fans at the UCI World Championships, which are free of charge for all visitors. Activities include a Shimano Test Area – with a chance to try out electrically-assisted mountain bikes – demonstrations and races for children.
As the final preparations were being made for the UCI World Championships, Bertrand Josué, Events Manager at Les Gets, explained what the team has been working on, what visitors from around the world can expect and why the venue is so special.
“Les Gets has a long tradition of event organisation, building on the passion of its inhabitants for mountain sports,” says Josué. “Mountain biking is part of the local culture, and has been since the development of the discipline. The resort naturally wanted to be the scene of major events, and developed real knowledge in terms of organisation.”
For 20 years, major events have followed one another, with the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in 2004, five UCI Mountain Bike World Cups from 1996 to 2002, the French Championships in 2012, Crankworx from 2016 to 2018, and then the return of the UCI World Cups in 2019. Les Gets has always lived to the rhythm of major events.
“We are also lucky to have an enthusiastic and committed public in France, who give a lot on the tracks to make the atmosphere incredible,” says the Events Manager. In addition, the ‘Terre de Jeux’ label adds gravitas to every major cycling event in France…
“In 2024, France will host the most important sporting event on the planet with the Paris Olympics, a great opportunity for us to make the most of our know-how as organisers of major events,” says Josué. “The ‘Terre de Jeux’ label allows committed local authorities to take part in the event, by participating in the highlights of the Games and developing their own actions to make sport an even greater part of their inhabitants' daily lives. “With the ‘Terre d'Entrainement’ label, Les Gets will soon welcome delegations wishing to train for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”
Course updates and improvements began ahead of the UCI World Cup in 2021 and have continued in 2022.
“We always try to capitalise on previous events to improve our offer on a sporting level and for spectators’ accessibility. In terms of sport, we have kept the main part of the two tracks, changing only a few sections to spice up the races a bit more. As far as spectators are concerned, we have worked on access to allow as many people as possible to enjoy the show in complete safety. For the first time this year, spectators will be able to enjoy the two fan zones, one by the cross-country Olympic (XCO) track and the other on the downhill (DHI) track, with a refreshment bar and snacks, giant screen and live commentary.
“In Les Gets everything happens in the heart of the village, with a track on each side. The paddocks are all accessible by foot, and spectators will be able to get as close as possible to the teams and observe how they work.”
But for the spectators it’s not just getting to see the riders and their crews – they can also get hands-on with the latest bikes and technology in the Shimano Test Area. Open from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 (10am to 5pm), the Shimano Test Area enables visitors to test the new Shimano EP8 E-bike products in Les Gets.
“First, you pick up the bike at the Shimano Test Area and then try them on a dedicated course with a steep, challenging climb. It's open to all, fun and entertaining. “What makes the experience unique is to be so close to the XCO course and to find yourself pedalling close to the best riders in the world! With the Shimano Test Area, you won't just be a spectator, you'll be a part of it,” explains Josué.
As well as riding E-mountain bikes alongside the stars, and enjoying the many restaurants in the village and refreshments in the finish areas and the two fan zones there are a host of family activities including freestyle trial demos, kids’ balance bike races and a Modulo’bosses course, with bikes and kit to borrow.
It’s plenty to keep busy between the very best mountain bike racing on the planet!