‘Mountain of Hell’ isn’t the most endearing title for a race. ‘Friendly Race on Flowing Singletrack with Nice People and 29ers” is much less threatening, but let’s be honest – would you travel over to France to do that? I wouldn’t. I’d go down the woods instead. So ‘Mountain of Hell’ it is, and if you think that’s an intimidating title, then wait until you see the track. This is hardcore riding with a mass start, just to make it that bit easier. Oh, and snow. Because we all love riding in snow, and find that easy as well.

The 14^th Mountain of Hell, Les 2 Alpes’ legendary downhill mountain biking race, took place on 20 and 21^st July.

After the qualification on Saturday, 700 riders were competing on Sunday 21^st July. At 9am, the race started at 3,400m – Europe’s highest start for a mountain bike race. Half an hour later, the first riders were down in Venosc, at 900m.

Among the 700 participants were some of the world’s best riders, but also 10 female riders. The winner in the mens category is New-Zealander Jamie Nicoll. It took him 30 minutes and 28 seconds to cover the 25km trail over 2,500m of vertical descent. He has broken the record of the previous winner, French champion Jerome Clementz (Clementz didn’t compete this year as he was on another event on the MTB World Circuit).

With a time of 42 minutes and 35 seconds, Isabeau Courdurier (France) was the first women.

Spectacular show, great atmosphere and perfect weather, the 2013 Mountain of Hell was a total success!

www.les2alpes.com