Six days, 256 kilometers, 7,709 vertical meters uphill and 13,764 meters downhill, spread over 22 downhill stages, limited to 74 participants - that's the Mavic-Trans-Provence. An enduro stage race from Clamensane in the Alps to Menton on the Mediterranean. This enduro adventure is taking place for the fourth time and is already considered a classic. The limited number of participants, some of the world's best enduro riders, first-class trails and the relaxed atmosphere among the riders are the main reasons for this reputation. What's more, the overnight stays are not in fancy hotels, but in tents, which adds to the adventure character.

Hidden within this adventure, however, is first-class enduro racing. Every day, the participants put the pedal to the metal for between 20 and 30 minutes. After six days, this results in a total race time of 2:36.56 hours for winner François Bailly-Maitre. With four daily victories, he relegates his compatriot Jérôme Clementz, who is twice the fastest on the day, to second place. "It's an exceptional race in an impressive landscape. It was also very tough and there was a lot of pedaling. The downhill stages were also difficult and often on loose ground. That's why it's all the nicer that the weather played along so well," enthuses Bailly-Maitre about the race. Clementz was also less ambitious this time: "I had a great week and am happy to be back on the bike after my injury. In addition, we had a great crew with a great spirit again this year and we also had a lot of fun in the mountains.

The Mavic-Trans-Provence not only attracts enduro riders from France and the surrounding countries. With only 74 participants, there are 20 different nations on the ranking list. In addition to the Europeans, some riders come from the United States, Canada, South Africa and even Australia and New Zealand. Third-placed Jamie Nicoll comes from the latter country, who is completely happy after this week: "The week here was great. It was great to "play along" with the big boys at the front and take some stage wins. The last stage in particular, which I completed ten seconds faster than the others, was a great way to end this racing experience. To then finish the Trans Provence in third place is simply brilliant!"

Women take the first third
The female enduro faction is once again making a strong showing. At the Mavic-Trans-Provence, which is no mean feat for many hard-boiled male enduro riders, the girls are getting in on the action. As the fastest woman, Ines Thoma (GER) manages to make it into the top third of the entire field of riders in 20th place. Without exception, she takes every victory of the day and thus also decides the overall classification in her favor. Later, Thoma also had nothing but good things to say about this multi-day race with its adventurous character: "The race was an absolute top experience. I really wouldn't have thought it, but we had sunshine every day and brilliant trails. The whole thing didn't feel like a race, but more like riding with friends. I had a lot of fun throughout the week, even though the stages were very demanding both technically and physically."

Swiss twins Anita and Carolin Gehrig are also taking part in the Mavic-Trans-Provence. Both report unaccustomed exertions, but also the daily trail madness, which makes practically all participants forget the drudgery. Anita's brief disappointment at dropping from second to third place on the last day is also forgotten. It was a similar story for her sister Carolin, who also lost a place on the last day of the race, finishing the Trans-Provence in sixth place overall. Carolin also has nothing to say about the outcome of the race, but only has words of praise for the Mavic Trans Provence experience: "The whole race was very tough, but still super nice - from the trails and the landscape to the atmosphere and the whole organization!"

Impressions of the Mavic Trans Provence 2014

Final ranking list Mavic-Trans-Provence 2014