Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    PRATICE AND QUALIFICATION DAY

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    The last light before qualification day.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Riders wait for the cableway to take them 3,330 meters to the race starting point.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Prepped for the top, ready to ride.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    The line is long to Pic Blanc.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    The gondola ride the the qualification point ends here, high in the French Alps.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    It’s a breathtaking ride.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Riders disembark from the gondola and head to the starting point.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Getting in a practice wheelie.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Riders of all ages participate in this deeply unique event.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    The terrain is challenging, fun and unforgiving all at once.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Tea time at the summit.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Before the event there are smiles and photos to be taken.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    First line riders at the starting point of the race. Front and center in yellow and blue is Liam Moynihan, representing Bluegrass. Next to him in the orange helmet is eventual Megavalanche Alpe d’Huez winner Rémy Absalon.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    It’s a rainbow of competitors.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    They riders are off and racing.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    The Megavalanche event has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, though we’re quite certain the riders are quite focus don what’s directly ahead of them.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    The competition is fierce and parts of the course are quite packed.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Riders bomb down the glacier on qualifying day.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Liam Moynihan chasing Rémy Absalon Glacier, rock and dirt.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Thomas Lapeyrie in the lead for the qualifying run.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Keké Bron runs alongside another rider as they prepare to round a curve.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Glacial lakes are as blue as the sky.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Rounding a tight turn with a mountain range as a backdrop.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Portions of the course are quite narrow and rocky.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    A lone rider drops into a descending course turn.

    FLAT TIRES AND CRASHES

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    The Megavalanche course takes its toll on bikes and riders alike.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Tire repair kits are a necessity.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Injuries are an unfortunate reality of such a challenging event.

    THE EXPO VILLAGE

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    The Bluegrass Arch is the qualifier finish line, and also a beacon in the Expo Village.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    The Expo Village is where fans and riders alike can relax and take in the sites.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Visitors get an up close and personal look at the 2017 range of Bluegrass gear.

    TOP RIDERS PRESENTATION

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    The first line riders for the qualifying run.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Bluegrass rider Liam Moynihan hangs out with his sister (left) and girlfriend.

    THE NIGHT BEFORE THE RACE

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    The Megavalanche organization crew have dinner the night before the race.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    A starry, moonlit night on the Alp D’huez.

    RACE DAY

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Riders take their place in the gondolas on their way to the top for race day.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Prepped and ready. Insert coin.

    THE GOLDEN HOUR

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    The sun is rising, the mountain calls to the competitors.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Did we mention it gets quite cold?

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Pic Blanc, the top of the mountain.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Race day is here, the ride will come, but quiet time to enjoy the scenery is in order.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    It’s almost time.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    The rider’s bikes are places at the starting point.

    WARMING UP

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Marking the course.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    This way to the longest downhill race in the world.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    First line qualifier bikes.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Yes, stretching is probably a good idea.

    READY TO RUMBLE

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Racers at the line, it’s almost time!

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    The course is pristine, but that won’t be the case for long.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Alarm, la bomba!

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    And they’re off!

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    At this moment the riders are all equal…

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Colors, bikes, slushy snow and rocky mountain madness.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Seriously, that’s a lot of folks.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Like, a whole lot.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Can you believe this is just the beginning?

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    As the race goes on, the mass of riders spreads out significantly.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    No more pristine snow. This is what it looks like when hundreds of riders attack a course.

    AFTER THE FINISH LINE

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Some members of Team Sunn, also sponsored by Bluegrass, enjoy some hangout time after the race.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Megavalanche isn’t just for youngsters. These surly vets are tough as nails and can hold their own on the mountainous downhill course.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    It’s a rough and tumble, dirty race. Gotta clean those bikes once they’ve done their duty.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Rémy Absalon has a lot to smile about after the race.

    Megavalanche 2016 powered by Bluegrass

    Finally, the Megavalanche Alpe d’Huez top 5 in order – Rémy Absalon, Damien Oton, François Bailly Maitre, Gusti Wildhaber and Cédric Ravanel.

    We’re taking a well deserved break!

    Shipments will be sent until 12:00 on the 22nd of December and will restart on January 8th.

    We thank you for your support. Happy riding!