Three days of wall-to-wall action to kick-start Haute-Savoie round of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series on 28-30 June 

French resorts of Megève and Combloux to host WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series races for the first time further strengthening the Haute-Savoie region’s reputation as one of the world’s leading cycling destinations 

Cross-country Marathon (XCM) takes place in Megève and Enduro (EDR) and E-Enduro (E-EDR) in Combloux, setting the stage for the second Haute-Savoie weekend of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series round in Les Gets  

 Located in the Haute-Savoie department in the world-famous French Alps, Megève and Combloux are poised to make their debuts on the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series calendar by hosting an exhilarating weekend of racing from 28-30 June. 

Nestled just four kilometres apart, with sweeping views of the towering apex of the Alps, Mont Blanc, Megève and Combloux form a picturesque duo in the Portes du Mont-Blanc and Evasion Mont-Blanc ski areas. Offering an array of activities for outdoor enthusiasts year-round, from skiing and hiking to biking and horseback riding, both towns promise unforgettable experiences amidst stunning landscapes. Situated approximately 70 kilometres southeast of Geneva (Switzerland), they provide an accessible escape into the heart of alpine beauty and adventure.  

In Megève, the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series has partnered with renowned mountain biking event, MB Race, to host the UCI Cross-country Marathon (XCM) World Cup and the amateur Marathon of Megève. Since 2010, MB Race, famous for its demanding and breathtaking courses on the trails of Megève, has been a unique event open to riders of all ages and abilities. Its flagship race MB Ultra Somfy, split into 70km, 100km and 140km courses, is recognised as one of the toughest in the sport. For the UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup, riders will take on the challenging 100km course which features a 5,000m elevation gain. 

On the same weekend (Friday and Sunday), Combloux will host UCI Enduro and E-Enduro World Cup events. The venue is renowned amongst the road cycling community for regularly being the theatre of epic battles between Tour de France contenders on the Côte de Domancy. This year, with Mont Blanc as a stunning backdrop, Enduro amateur and elite athletes will have the chance to write their own story in this iconic location, whether for fun, or for all important UCI Enduro World Cup qualifying points. 

BUILDING ON A MEMORABLE 2023 SEASON 

Last season, fans witnessed remarkable record-breaking action from Châtel and Morzine in the Haute-Savoie region. Vera Looser claimed gold in the women’s Cross-country Marathon, becoming the first Namibian to ever win a UCI World Cup race, whilst 42-year-old Leonardo Páez won the men’s event. Richie Rude (YETI / FOX FACTORY RACE TEAM) and Isabeau Courdurier (LAPIERRE ZIPP COLLECTIVE) each clinched podium finishes, which helped them to secure their overall Enduro titles. In the inaugural season of the UCI E-Enduro World Cup, Flo Espiñiera (ORBEA FOX ENDURO TEAM) claimed victory in the Alps and went on to secure the first E-Enduro overall title alongside men’s champion Fabien Barel (CANYON CLLCTV).  

In 2023, 168 teams competing across 26 individual races attracted more than 100,000 fans to the Haute-Savoie region. In total, 417 amateur riders from 37 nations also took part across six races in one of the most celebrated international mountain bike events. 

WHOOP UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD SERIES HONES IN ON HAUTE-SAVOIE  

 The Haute-Savoie department will once again play host to all formats of the international series on consecutive weekends. During the first of two back-to-back weekends of topflight competition, Megève will host the UCI Cross-country Marathon (XCM) World Cup whilst Combloux will stage Enduro (EDR) and E-Enduro (E-EDR) UCI World Cup events. The second weekend of action featuring Cross-country Olympic (XCO), Cross-country Short Track (XCC) and Downhill (DHI) UCI World Cup rounds will take place in Les Gets.  Both weekends will see a huge programme of fan events, spectator activations, expos and entertainment.  

 The new season of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series begins with the first round of the UCI Cross-Country World Cup in Mairiporã, Brazil on 12 April.