Trans-Provence: Riders and Bikes

If racers flew into Nice, they built their bikes at the airport for easy trailer transport into the mountains.

Martin Zietsman, South Africa - This is my first Trans-Provence and first time riding in the Alps and in Europe, besides the UK. I rode the warmup prologue and it is a lot gnarlier and steeper than what I'm used to. I'm going to try to have an absolute blast. I do aim for a top 10, but we'll have to see if it is possible or not. The nature of this racing is, as soon as you have a mechanical or whatever, you're done. So you should enjoy it as much as you can. This event is dubbed as one of the greatest adventure races. We're in one of the most beautiful areas of the world with amazing people. If you can't enjoy this, you should reconsider why you're doing this kind of stuff.

It was sloppy out there on the prolog.

It's been raining here. Like cats and dogs currently. Time to bust out the fenders.

Caro Gehrig, Switzerland - This is my second Trans-Provence. It was such fun with good people, so I thought I'd do it again. Glad to be here and such good riding, I love it. Plus camping. It's about enjoying the ride, it's real good training as well. You get long rides in and loads of different trails. You have to react quick and ride on instinct. You have to read the trail. It's more about adventure than a competition. I really like blind racing. It's challenging as you try to ride fast but you have got to be careful at the same time. My bike setup is pretty much the same as the EWS's. It works for me. On to the beach now, and I've got the bikini ready for the final ride.

Nico Lau is ready for five days of epic racing.

Ludo May makes some adjustments after arriving this afternoon.

Anka Martin, New-Zealand - I can't even keep track, I think this is my sixth. It keeps changing that's what keeps bringing me back. There are so many variables that can go wrong, though, there are no guarantees that you won't get lost or get stuck when trying to get over a fence. It's like a big reunion every year, which keeps bringing me back.

We're all a bit competitive, you do want to do well. This one is a bit different though as there are so many things that can go wrong. It's not over till it's over, so it's better to come with a mindset to enjoy. Enjoy the journey.

I'm riding a Juliana Roubion, this year's edition is a bit bigger and the geometry has changed. Plus I've got a bigger Lyrik fork up front and a 32T chainring. Nothing special, it's my reliable, proven bike which climbs and descends great. On to the beach!

Katy Winton and her fancy Trek.

Greg Callaghan and his stand alone Cube.

Andrew Runciman, Canada - First time at Trans-Provence and have looked forward to it for a long time. It's my post-ACL surgery present to myself. I'm here for the adventure, riding for the enjoyment definitely.

Running a Santa Cruz Nomad with Conti Baron tyres, with a RockShox Pike, a Fast cartridge and a Push Industries 11-6 shock as I'm a big guy. Furthermore, I have NOBL wheels, a Squamish company with a nice wide footprint and a silent, instant engagement hub. Plus I use a 9point8 dropper post, another Canadian company.

Yoann Barelli made the trip from Whistler and wants you to meet his Giant Reign.

Hope's cassette is looking good.

Rowan Sorrel, Wales - This is my second Trans-Provence. Looking forward to it, from what I gather it is 100% different to when I rode it first. I've had two years of injuries so I want to get through it cleanly and enjoy it. I haven't set a target. I want to ride with my friends and enjoy it.

I'm riding an Orange prototype, which is likely to be their new 160 bike. I used a 140mm bike last time, but this bike is a bit longer and slacker. The fork is at 170, and I'm riding a single ring 30T and 11-46 on the rear. I run flats and am probably only one of a handful to do so but that's the way I've always liked it.

I love blind racing, some of the most fun runs I've had, even when just riding were blind. Six days of that on shit hard trails is excting

We've seen a fair share of mods here at the TP, ranging from aftermarket cassettes such as this E*Thirteen, or One Up 44T sprockets.

Single chainring compatible. Very special.

Tobias Liljeroth, Sweden - I've been thinking about entering the race for a couple of years and decided to finally pull the trigger and sign up. Not sure what I got myself into. I'm into the ride and will be a proud backmarker. (laughs).

My bike is the Franken genius, a Scott Genius LT with a few custom bits. I smashed my rear rim a couple weeks back but managed to build it up on Thursday.

I've done a bit of riding and ski touring in the winter, so hopefully I will not be that bad. I'm not worried about the competition, though, I just want to enjoy the event. And not finish dead last.

Oval chainrings have become increasingly popular as single chainring setups start to dominate trail biking.

Dude, where's my bike? Marco and Ben hit a snag with the airlines. Hopefully, they will have bikes tomorrow.

Paul Clayton, UK - Half my training has been done in London, ideal for Enduro riding, doing laps and sprint intervals in Ridgmond park. I'd say I ride the Trans-Provence, but as soon as I put a full-face helmet on, I'll give it a go. It depends on my fitness.

I'm riding an XL Mondraker Dune, which has the longest reach. It's massive. Carbon wheels, new cranks, I'm going through pedal pins like crazy. I think I'm one of few riding flats. I've chopped the bars down a touch to 765mm.

The whole reason to enter for me was to get fit. I haven't been properly fit for twenty years now. I've lost 11 kilos and went from the last of my mates up the hill to being the first. They're still faster in the downhills, though, and as the downhills are timed here and not the uphills...