Megavalanche 2016 - Women's Race
Today saw the women race down from Pic Blanc (3300m) descending 2500m to the valley floor, which took just over 50 minutes of racing. Within that 50 minutes, there are a whole host of things that can go wrong. Some described the race more as an obstacle course.
Riders had to head up to the top of the mountain early this morning, around 6 am. It was fresh up on top, so everyone had to do their best to stay warm, a bag drop is offered by the organisers so riders can take some extra warm clothing without having to ride down with it. The glacier had been pisted ready for racing, and first thing this morning it was sheet ice. The start was delayed by about half an hour to allow the sun to start to soften the snow.
With race runs taking over 50 minutes, there is a lot of possibilities for things to go wrong. Fastest qualifier Cecile Ravanel landed herself two punctures during the race, which knocked her out of contention. Pauline Dieffenthaler took the win here today and amazingly, she took her first Megavalanche win 9 years ago.
Winner Pauline Dieffenthaler, took it steady on the top glacier who was in 4th after the first corner. She managed to overtake the three other competitors and took the win.
An early and busy morning for the lifties.
It was a stunning morning to be above 3000 meters.
Pic Blanc.
Hundreds of bikes lay down at the top, as the E-bike race, Mega Challenger and Mega Affinity were all raced this morning as well.
Pauline Dieffenthaler.
Morgane Jonnier and Bex Baraona.
Cecile Ravanel keeping warm.
A start line reverb bleed.
Pauline's winning tire choice, Michelin Wild Grip'R.
And it begins! (Left photo - Laurence Crossman-Emms)
It's key to get off the snow in a good position as its pretty tough to find overtaking spots further down, this means full commitment out of the gate. (Photo - Laurence Crossman-Emms)
Remember, if you fall, hold onto your bike. As the girl on the right found out, you can end up quite a way away from your bike and it's pretty tricky to make it back up. (Photo's - Laurence Crossman-Emms)
Bex Baraona found a bit of un-pisted snow.
Pauline Dieffenthaler.
Carnage.
The track snakes its way down this stunning glacier.
Photo - Laurence Crossman-Emms.
Ruts quickly formed on the freshly pisted course.
This was actually one of the quickest ways down the steepest section of snow.
Estelle Charles came down into 3rd place.
And the riders snake off into the distance and onwards to the rest of their (at least) 50-minute ordeal.
One happy Pauline Dieffenthaler.
2nd place for Britain's youngster, Bex Baraona.
Slightly disappointed by two punctures, but Cecile Ravanel was still in high spirits. She knows it's just the nature of the beast.
1st: Pauline Dieffenthaler
2nd: Bex Baraona
3rd: Estelle Charles
4th: Emily Slaco
5th: Birgit Braumann
Tomorrow the Men will take to the course for finals. Stay tuned for our final update then.
MENTIONS: @BWinder
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That said, still beautiful pictures
Skip too around 6:20 for a look at the worst climb.
www.redbull.com/en/bike/episodes/1331577057092/four-by-three-dan-atherton-s-enduro
No need for E-bikes though!
Should e-bikes be covered on a MTB site? Probably not but you shouldn't all get your panties in a bunch if they're mentioned.
Found something about ebikes
Brain interprets "Glacier dislikes ebikes" while knowing full well the meaning of "pisted"