The First Four Days - Trans-Provence 2016
We're four days into this year's Trans-Provence and are edging closer to finishing a record setting 18,003 meters of descending. 84 riders from 18 nations started this year's edition and have experienced trails second to none.
As it stands now, the women's race is led by Ines Thoma, with Caro Gehrig only six seconds behind. The men's field is topped by Nico Lau, but Francois Bailly-Maitre is following closely with 18 seconds between them. In the coming two days, eight specials with almost 8,000 vertical meters of descending will challenge all riders. The beach in Menton awaits.
![images from The First Four Days - Trans-Provence 2016 article]()
![images from The First Four Days - Trans-Provence 2016 article]()
![images from The First Four Days - Trans-Provence 2016 article]()
![images from The First Four Days - Trans-Provence 2016 article]()
![images from The First Four Days - Trans-Provence 2016 article]()
![Cross the wilderness to find another gem of a trail waiting for you.]()
![Matti Lehikoinen charges hard.]()
![Exposure is never far away on many Trans-Provence trails. Look forward not sideways.]()
![Max Schumann swoops down the forest.]()
![Nico Lau is always a top contender at the Trans-Provence. The French rider is one of the best blind racers and is as fit as they come.]()
![My pressure gauge is better than yours.]()
![images from The First Four Days - Trans-Provence 2016 article]()
![The mediterranean is relentless. Rocks insects bushes roots. Try not getting a bruise or a scratch. It is not possible.]()
![Summer like conditions camping and rivers. What else can you ask for.]()
![The famous Col des Champs marks the start for day three. An uplift drops the riders up on top and another incredible liaison awaits.]()
![The Mercantour natural reserve is absolutely stunning. The climb from the bottom takes hours and starts with a huge fireroad climb after which a hike a bike awaits. From there on a couple of false summits play games with your mind. Up top amazing views make you forget the pain within minutes.]()
![Jamie Nicoll crashed in the same corner as last year and found a rock had slit his arm open. TP doc Tom stitches him up.]()
![Matthew DeLorme is having a blast in the Trans-Provence. He s currently in 56th position and is getting into that flow.]()
![images from The First Four Days - Trans-Provence 2016 article]()
![images from The First Four Days - Trans-Provence 2016 article]()
![The famous grey earth stage is a rider s favourite. Swoopy grippy and fun.]()
![images from The First Four Days - Trans-Provence 2016 article]()
![Huge amounts of food are consumed during the Trans-Provence. The kitchen crew prepare almost seven tons of food during the week.]()
![This liaison was a race stage in the previous edition but could now be ridden for pure enjoyment.]()
![Ready to start day 4.]()
![images from The First Four Days - Trans-Provence 2016 article]()
![Iago Garay making his way down during special 13 in day 4. Treacherous red soil interlined with sharp rocks and a cliff on the left. Try racing that.]()
![Francois Bailley-Maitre took the win in day four and is now at just 18 seconds from Nico Lau who crashed in day four.]()
![The Gehrig sisters are closing in on Ines Thoma. After four days of racing there s only six seconds seperating Caro from Ines.]()
![In this remote region many abandoned places can be found.]()
![Sven Martin part of the TP media crew rolls into the finish of day 4.]()
![Liaisons bring riders to amazing locations. This part of France is incredibly diverse and remote. Mighty nature all around.]()
![Time to catch some rest. We ll be reporting back in after finishing on the beach in Menton]()
General standings after day 4.
MENTIONS: @ikeizer / @mdelorme / @mavic
As it stands now, the women's race is led by Ines Thoma, with Caro Gehrig only six seconds behind. The men's field is topped by Nico Lau, but Francois Bailly-Maitre is following closely with 18 seconds between them. In the coming two days, eight specials with almost 8,000 vertical meters of descending will challenge all riders. The beach in Menton awaits.
Rainy conditions surprised riders at the start of the Trans-Provence.
Day 1 marked a huge start as riders climbed over the first mountain, only to descend in the next valley. A huge climb to 2600 meters awaits as conditions turned winter like.
More and more snow as riders made their way up the mountain.
50 centimeters of fresh snow and a wall to climb. Should you be wondering if the Trans-Provence is tough, here's your answer.
Mud, snow and water in a stage make for good fun as well as a tough welcome to the race.
Cross the wilderness to find another gem of a trail waiting for you.
Matti Lehikoinen charges hard.
Exposure is never far away on many Trans-Provence trails. Look forward, not sideways.
Max Schumann swoops down the forest.
Nico Lau is always a top contender at the Trans-Provence. The French rider is one of the best blind racers and is as fit as they come.
My pressure gauge is better than yours.
Short instructions await riders along with some notes from the mountain staff. A short beep and you're off.
The terrain is relentless. Rocks, insects, bushes, roots. Try not getting a bruise or a scratch. It is not possible.
Summer like conditions, camping and rivers. What else can you ask for?
The famous Col des Champs marks the start for day three. An uplift drops the riders up on top and another incredible liaison awaits.
The Mercantour natural reserve is absolutely stunning. The climb takes hours, and starts with a huge fireroad climb after which a hike-a-bike awaits. You are greeted by sights to behold though.
Jamie Nicoll crashed in the same corner as last year and found a rock had slit his arm open. TP doc Tom stitches him up.
Matthew DeLorme is having a blast in the Trans-Provence. He's currently in 56th position and is getting into that flow.
Emily Slaco
Mark Scott blazing down Grey Earth.
The famous Grey Earth stage is a rider's favourite. Swoopy, grippy and fun.
Anita Gehrig charging hard. She's in third.
Huge amounts of food are consumed during the Trans-Provence. The kitchen crew prepare almost seven tons of food during the week.
This liaison was a race stage in the previous edition, but could now be ridden for pure enjoyment.
Ready to start day 4.
Iago Garay making his way down during special 13 on day 4. Treacherous red soil interlined with sharp rocks and a cliff on the left. Try racing that.
Francois Bailley-Maitre took the win in day four and is now at just 18 seconds from Nico Lau, who crashed on day four.
The Gehrig sisters are closing in on Ines Thoma. After four days of racing, there's only six seconds separating Caro from Ines.
In this remote region, many abandoned places can be found.
Sven Martin, part of the TP media crew, rolls into the finish of day 4.
Liaisons bring riders to amazing locations. This part of France is incredibly diverse and remote. Mighty nature all around.
Time to catch some rest. We'll be reporting back in after finishing on the beach in Menton!
General standings after day 4.
MENTIONS: @ikeizer / @mdelorme / @mavic
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