RACES - TESTS - ACTIVITIES - RIDES

Transcription

1 4-8 OCTOBER 2017 A.S.O Crédit photos : Fotolia, Istock, A.S.O. / M. Molle ; A. RACES - TESTS - ACTIVITIES - RIDES PRESS

2 MEDIA INFORMATION PRESS ROOM Press room equipped with free Wifi access for accredited journalists. Start lists, results, information, etc. will be at your disposal. Opening times: Wednesday 4 th October: 2 pm to 7 pm Thursday 5 th October: 8 am to 7 pm Friday 6 th October: 7.30 am to 7 pm Saturday 7 th October: 7.30 am to 7 pm Sunday 8 th October: 7.30 am to 7 pm MIXED ZONES* Designated working areas will be provided in zones at the start and the finish. They will be accessible to journalists and photographers who have a press accreditation and a bib. Photographers will have access the podium and a boom-lift at the start. SOCIAL #RocdAzur WEBSITE MOBILE APP iphone and Android : Roc FOLLOWING THE RACE* Press shuttles will be organised from Thursday to Sunday to take journalists and photographers to strategic points along the courses. ROYALTY FREE PHOTOS* Royalty free photos are available daily during the event. Royalty free images for news purposes will be available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. PRESS CONTACTS Press Relations Agence Mille & une vagues Soazig Guého +33 (0) / Nicolas Guillemart +33(0) (0) / contact@milletunevagues.com / presseroc@aso.fr * On request from the press department A.S.O. Press Department Aude Raynaut +33 (0) araynaut@aso.fr

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS THE RACE SHEDULE THE ROC: THE JEWEL OF THE MOUNTAIN BIKING WORLD - Édouard Cassignol editorial THE ROC D AZUR IS BECOMING EVEN MORE FOCUSED ON SPORT ROC STORY THE ROC D AZUR IN FIGURES LIST OF WINNERS SITE MAP THE ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT THE EXHIBITION CANYON THE PARTNERS THE 2017 ROC SEASON CANYON ROC MARATHON - FINISH

4 THE RACE SCHEDULE XC = CROSS-COUNTRY / XCM = CROSS-COUNTRYMARATHON RACE DISTANCE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4 TH GÉNÉRATION ROC «SPORT POUR TOUS» XC / Km : 8 GÉNÉRATION ROC XC / Km : 8 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 TH ROC TROPHY #1 XC / Km : 23 ISOSTAR MASTERS ROC XC / Km : 42 RANDO ROC ALL MOUNTAIN Rando / Km : 36 ROC LIGHT XC / Km : 23 RANDO ROC ALTITUDE Rando / Km : 42 TRI ROC / TRI ROC RELAIS Triathlon / Km : 1,5 / 23 / 11 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 TH ROC TROPHY #2 XCM / Km: 86 CANYON ROC MARATHON XCM / Km: 86 MID ROC XC / Km : 38 RANDO ROC ODYSSEY Rando / Km : 36 ROC RUELLES DE FRÉJUS KID ROC RUELLES SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 TH XC / Km : boucles de 800 m XC / Km : boucles de 800 m GRAVEL ROC RACE Gravel / Km : 60 GRAVEL ROC RIDE NEW Gravel / Km : 60 ROC TROPHY #3 XC / Km : 42 ROC D AZUR JUNIORS HOMMES XC / Km : 42 ENDUROC (5 spéciales)/électrique NEW Enduro / Km : 38 ROC TANDEMS XC / Km : 42 RANDO ROC ÉLECTRIQUE NOIRE Rando / Km : 50 ROC DRAISIENNE NEW réservé aux enfants de moins de 5 ans only for children under 5 years old RANDO ROC DEGUISÉE Rando / Km : 18 PITCH KID ROC XC / Km : RANDO ROC FAMILLE Rando / Km : 8 ROC RUELLES DE ROQUEBRUNE-SUR-ARGENS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 TH XC / Km : boucles de 900 m ROC D AZUR DAMES & ESPOIRS DAMES XC / Km : 42 ROC D AZUR CADETS / CADETTES & JUNIORS DAMES XC / Km : 18 ROC TROPHY #4 XC / Km : 57 ROC D AZUR XC / Km : 57

5 THE RACE SCHEDULE XC = CROSS-COUNTRY / XCM = CROSS-COUNTRYMARATHON START TIME ELEVATION GAINS & LOSSES STARTING & FINISHING POINT 14h35 15h00 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4 TH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 TH Base Nature de Fréjus» 8h D-/+ : 350 m 8h30 / 8h45 D-/+ : 760 m Base Nature, Fréjus 9h30 D-/+ : m Roquebrune-sur-Argens 10h00 D-/+ : 350 m 12h / 12h15 D-/+ : 700 m Base Nature, Fréjus 13h00 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 TH 7h30 7h30 / 7h45 / 8h00 / 8h15 / 8h30 12h30 / 12h45 13h00 / 13h20 / 13h40 19h 19h40 D-/+: m D-/+: m D-/+ : 650 m D-/+ : 570 m SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 TH Base Nature, Fréjus Place de l Église, Fréjus 8h00 D-/+ : m 8h15 D-/+ : m 8h45 D-/+ : 760 m Base Nature, Fréjus 9h00 D-/+ : 760 m 9h00 D-/+ : m Roquebrune-sur-Argens 10h00 D-/+ : 760 m 10h30 D-/+ : m Base Nature, Fréjus 11h30 14h00 15h00 / 15h30 / 16h00 / 16h30 16h45 19h Zone Animations Base Nature, Fréjus Base Nature, Fréjus Roquebrune-sur-Argens SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 TH 8h 8h30 9h30 9H30 / 9h45 / 10h00 / 10h15 / 10h30 / 10h45 / 11h00 / 11h15 / 11h30 D-/+ : 760 m D-/+ : 160 m D-/+ : m D-/+ : m Base Nature, Fréjus

6 ROC D AZUR CADETS / CADETTES & JUNIORS DAMES - START 6

7 THE ROC: THE JEWEL OF THE MOUNTAIN BIKING WORLD ÉDOUARD CASSIGNOL, Director of A.S.O. s Mass Events Department Édouard Cassignol explains how the Roc d Azur has become one of the major off-road events in the world: breath-taking landscapes, top-notch racing and an unmissable exhibition. The Roc d Azur is now an established major international MTB event. What makes it so special? E.C.: In the minds of French mountain bikers, the Roc d Azur is the end of season fixture that s absolutely not to be missed. This is down to the quality of the organisation, the outstanding natural playground of the Massif des Maures and the geographical location of the Base Nature in Fréjus. People come here to end the year on a festive note and enjoy a great weekend with family or friends in ideal weather conditions. Another of the Roc s strengths is its permanent capacity to innovate and take on board developing new trends. The development of the Gravel Roc, the creation of the Roc Draisienne and this year s launch of the Enduroc electric are some of the best examples. The exhibition is also outstanding. Is it one of the major events of the weekend in Fréjus? E.C.: I like to think that the Roc works because of two equally important elements. The first is the racing and the second is the exhibition. It has no equivalent in terms of volume in France, and it s one of the only exhibitions on the annual calendar that runs alongside a weekend of racing. That s what makes it so popular. Our job is to continue developing it, not only to ensure it remains a leader in the field but also to break new ground for this kind of event. We are looking at how we can make it easier for visitors to find their way around this exhibition that features 7 the biggest brand names on the market and has an exceptional range of products on offer! We want to provide even more services, like the Roc Test Camp by Canyon where visitors can test bikes for free, something that will be greatly improved this year with a dedicated platform. Another feature we are introducing is a Hard Roc Café, a meeting place for all our partners and exhibitors designed to encourage contact between professionals attending the event. As far as the courses are concerned, what s new for 2017? E.C.: Making the courses even better has been our biggest challenge for this year s edition, and it s something that we will continue working on in the years to come through various development projects. We are constantly striving to improve the quality of the races for competitors, by improving flow rates and increasing the number of start waves. We have upgraded the feeding stations by offering products that are appropriate for the particular time of day and the difficulty of the race. We have also increased the number of toilet facilities and breakdown repair points. We also want to improve facilities on particular areas of the course, including improved signage for people accompanying the riders as well as entertainment such as the special setup on the col du Bougnon climb that features activities throughout the event. Our main objective is to continue making the Roc d Azur a real celebration of mountain biking!

8 ORGANISED TO BE CONVIVIAL, THE ROC D AZUR IS BECOMING EVEN MORE FOCUSED ON SPORT FRÉDÉRIC SALOMONE, The Roc d Azur s Sports Director With each passing year, the races at the Roc d Azur have increasingly become benchmarks for world-class competition. The event s sports development teams keep a close eye on trends and competitors in order to build on and retain this status of leader. Details of the changes in 2017 from Frédéric Salomone, the Roc d Azur s Sports Director. For this 34 th edition, we have been concentrating on perfecting the way the races are run. We have also introduced new disciplines, created tracks through the magnificent Var countryside that are both technical and physically challenging as well as continually improving the way we host our MTB enthusiasts. We ve also been redesigning the way participants experience the courses so that they leave with wonderful memories of the Roc d Azur. 20,000 mountain bikers take part in the racing at the Roc d Azur over the weekend, the equivalent of 5,000 riders per day. Mechanical assistance points manned by specialists equipped for all kinds of bike repairs will be available at the feeding stations. If a bike really cannot be repaired or if a competitor is injured or too exhausted to carry on, there will be transport pickup points for the unlucky participants to keep waiting time to a minimum. Finally, we have looked carefully at the finish zone and made some changes. To make the finish more spectacular, the final straight is now longer, which effectively turns it into a real playground for sprinters. The way this space is organised has also been rethought to make it more convivial. CANYON ROC MARATHON - PONTON FLOTTANT - CANAL DU REYRAN 8

9 In terms of races, the Roc d Azur has affirmed its status as a benchmark event in new disciplines by continuing to develop the Roc Trophy and the Gravel Roc. The Roc Trophy, a stage race with 4 competitions over 4 days, covering a total of 208 km, was the first to be sold out in 2017, proof of its success. Competitors taking part in the Roc Trophy this year will be in the first wave of starters on the Canyon Roc Marathon and the Roc d Azur. And leaving the best till last, the Roc Draisienne also has some new features. The race for the little ones is now designed like a real Championship, with an initial qualifying round, then further qualifying legs and a final. From now on, racing will take place on a specially dedicated area and riders will compete in age groups according to their year of birth. There s no doubt about it, once again this year there s going to be some great sporting action! The Gravel Roc Race is back with a longer course, and the Gravel Roc Ride, the equivalent rando version, is new on the schedule this year. GRAVEL ROC 20,000 mountain bikers during the weekend, i.e. around 5,000 riders per day ROC DRAISIENNE 9

10 ROC STORY FROM THE FIRST MOUNTAIN BIKES TO THE GRAVEL RACE, THE ROC IS A LAND OF PIONEERS competitors, including the event s creator Stéphane Hauvette, lined up on the start line for the first Roc d Azur. The only event on the schedule was a 60-kilometre race from Ramatuelle to Saint-Tropez The Roc d Azur set up camp on the Base Nature in Fréjus and the Générations Roc, a competitive event for local schoolchildren, was born. A mountain bike exhibition was held alongside the main event for the first time Creation of the Roc Marathon The Roc Dames, an all-female race, began The number of competitors registered reached the 10,000 mark for the first time. 10

11 2006 Over 15,000 riders signed up for the Roc d Azur and the Enduro was held for the first time The number of competitors registered reached the symbolic 20,000 mark for the first time Creation of the Enduroc Électrique and the Roc Draisienne 2005 The Roc Marathon became part of the UCI World Cup circuit for the first time, and Roc Ruelles was created A new discipline, the Triathlon, known as the Tri Roc was incorporated into the event The Roc Trophy and the Gravel Roc were the latest innovations at the Roc. 11

12 THE ROC D AZUR IN FIGURES Wins records Laurence LEBOUCHER (FRA) 4x 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002 Miguel MARTINEZ (FRA) 3x 1997, 2004, 2013 WINNERS: The youngest male winner Victor KORETZKY (FRA) 21 years old (victory in 2015) The oldest male winner Miguel MARTINEZ (FRA) 37 years old (victory in 2013) The youngest winner female winner Margot MOSCHETTI (FRA) 19 years old (victory in 2014) The oldest winner female winner Alison SYDOR (CAN) 40 years old (victory in 2006) The race 5 days 33 races 34 th edition 120-hectares riding area (the equivalent of over 170 football pitches) THE LARGEST GATHERING OF MOUNTAIN BIKERS IN THE WORLD 150 km of trails The participants profiles 20,371 entrants in % of women* 93% of men* Average age: 42 years old* 32% of first-timers* TOP 3 Belgium Origin of participants France 2 1 Italy 3 32 NATIONALITIES * FIGURES UPDATED ON 1 st SEPTEMBER

13 Organisation ORGANISATION 75 people involved in the organisation 970 volunteers and signallers - i.e. the equivalent of 75 football teams Security measures: 200 dedicated people (firemen, SAMU (emergency medical services), first aid associations, Municipal Police Force, National Police Force, Gendarmerie) Food and drinks OF FOOD ,000 L OF DRINK 37,850 followers 2,850 followers 1,650 followers Digital figures* 399,000 unique visitors on the website 131,500 views of the 2016 best of video 1,174,000 page views on the website 3h11 more than a person s LIFETIME average water consumption The exhibition 300 exhibitors Average visit time +500 brands 1,085 testers 25,000 m 2 of exhibition space 100,000 visitors in 2016 * FIGURES UPDATED ON 1 st SEPTEMBER

14 2016 Jordan Sarrou (FRA) 2015 Victor Koretzky (FRA) 2014 Jordan Sarrou (FRA) 2013 Miguel Martinez (FRA) 2012 Stéphane Tempier (FRA) 2011 Moriz Milatz (ALL) 2010 Alban Lakata (AUT) 2009 Roel Paulissen (BEL) 2008 Roel Paulissen (BEL) 2007 Jean-Christophe Perraud (FRA) 2006 Christoph Sauser (SUI) 2005 Christoph Sauser (SUI) 2004 Miguel Martinez (FRA) 2003 Jean-Christophe Perraud (FRA) 2002 Peter Pouly (FRA) 2001 Thomas Dietsch (FRA) 2000 Thomas Dietsch (FRA) 1999 Christophe Dupouey (FRA) 1998 Christophe Dupouey (FRA) 1997 Miguel Martinez (FRA) 1996 Christophe Manin (FRA) 1995 Bart Brentjens (HOL) 1994 Jean-Christophe Savignoni (FRA) 1993 Bruno Lebras (FRA) 1992 Tim Gould (GBR) 1991 Tim Gould (GBR) 1990 Bruno Lebras (FRA) 1989 Olaf Candau (FRA) 1988 Patrice Thévenard (FRA) 1987 Eric Chanton (FRA) 1986 Jean-Pierre Morel (FRA) 1985 Alain Dallenbach (SUI) 1984 Larbi Midoune (FRA) 14

15 THE ROC D AZUR S LIST OF WINNERS 2016 Annika Langvad (DAN) 2015 Julie Bresset (FRA) 2014 Margot Moschetti (FRA) 2013 Elisabeth Osl (AUT) 2012 Anna Szafraniec (POL) 2011 Maja Wloszczowska (POL) 2010 Maja Wloszczowska (POL) 2009 Aleksandra Dawidowicz (POL) 2008 Elisabeth Osl (AUT) 2007 Henzi Petra (SUI) 2006 Alison Sydor (CAN) 2005 Maryline Salvetat (FRA) 2004 Alison Sydor (CAN) 2003 Alison Sydor (CAN) 2002 Laurence Leboucher (FRA) 2001 Laurence Leboucher (FRA) 2000 Chantal Daucourt (SUI) 1999 Laurence Leboucher (FRA) 1998 Laurence Leboucher (FRA) 1997 Gunn Rita Dahle (NOR) 1996 Gunn Rita Dahle (NOR) 1995 Sophie Eglin (FRA) 1994 Sophie Eglin (FRA) 1993 Sylvia Furst (SUI) 1992 Eva Orvosova (SLQ) 1991 Eva Orvosova (SLQ) 1990 Sylvia Furst (SUI) 1989 Nathalie Ségura (FRA) Record for consecutive victories 15

16 Activities and entertainment zone Roc Test Camp circuit Paddock Roc Trophy Drinks and food Isostar Chill Zone Tri Roc start 8 Partners area Team Space 7 Indoor exhibition Podium ST-AYGULF TO Land outdoor exhibition Finish Mer Méditerranée 1 3 AQUATICA VTT Tri Roc park/transition zone Sea outdoor exhibition Start THE KEY 12 P2 P3 Press office Bicycles park Hard Roc Café Espace Team Bicycles renting Public entrance Toilets Public car park TO PORT-FRÉJUS TO ST-RAPHAËL CENTRE VILLE TO Press - Organization - Volunteers car park (P3) Exhibitors car parks (P1 & P2) Club Roc Osteopaths First Aid S ER RIE AM TE EL AT DD SB R E A ED EV RU UL BO P1 ROQUEBRUNESUR-ARGENS TO AUTOROUTE A8 Roc Cleaning Center (bike cleaning) Registration/Bibs SITE MAP

17 ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT CTION INTRODU ANDING H TB M TO VTT TRIAL DEMONSTRA TIONS BIG AIR BAG INITIATION AND DEMONSTRATION BMX COMPE TITION ALL THE INFORMATIONS ON CUIT TEST CIR 17

18 THE ROC D AZUR EXHIBITION: A YARDSTICK OF INNOVATIONS AND NEW TRENDS TATIANA ÉVREINOFF, Roc d Azur Exhibition Manager The Roc d Azur is as much about the exhibition as the races. All visitors, athletes and non-athletes alike, can discover what s new from the big MTB brands at the exhibition. With 300 exhibitors covering over 25,000 m ² of exhibition space, the 100,000 visitors will be able to find the best in nutrition, clothing, accessories and bikes all in the same place. This year the exhibition s different sections will be indicated with colour codes and specific signage, explains Tatiana Évreinoff, exhibition manager at the Roc. This will make it easy for people to find their way around the stands and plan their visit, or if they wish just enjoy the wide range of entertainment on offer. The Roc Test Camp has also been rethought. The track has evolved, both in size and difficulty. The idea is to be able to push the bikes that bit harder.» Canyon is the Roc Test Camp by Canyon track partner and riders will have the opportunity to win prizes by participating in challenges. There is now a dedicated Roc Test Camp by Canyon platform. 18

19 Now with more content, the platform offers preregistration online for equipment testing. The range of products available to test will also be listed, so that testers can plan their tests and leave reviews. It is an exclusive area for professionals to meet up and chat whilst enjoying the fantastic views. The exhibition is both for professionals and amateurs of the discipline. Sharing experiences is also the idea behind the brand-new Hard Roc Café, now located on the seafront to create a more convivial lounge space. 19

20 CANYON RODOLPHE BEYER, Director of Canyon France MAJOR PARTNER Rodolphe Beyer, Director of Canyon France, is delighted with the links between his brand and the Roc d Azur. The Roc d Azur is about sharing an experience with family or friends, are these the kind of values that are important to Canyon? R.B.: Definitely! We are particularly aware of how passionate people are about the Roc d Azur, the major event of the season! It s an event where mountain bike fans, enthusiastic amateurs and top athletes can share their love of bikes and the euphoria of these exceptional few days... We have been a major partner of the event for the past 6 years precisely because we have wanted to make an active contribution to this euphoria at the Roc d Azur. Children get plenty of attention at this year s edition, notably with the Roc Draisienne. Are they a key target to be considered too? R.B.: Absolutely. A brand like Canyon has a role to play in contributing to the interest of younger generations in mountain biking. Mountain biking is both educational and can be a key reference point for young children in their personal development. For this year s Roc d Azur, one of the issues we have been working on at Canyon is ensuring that the little ones have an unforgettable experience with our new Kids range (16, 20 and 24 inches). We want to give the youngest children and their parents the opportunity to discover the first-ever range of sports mountain bikes for children on the market, in a fun and festive atmosphere. In what ways is your partnership with Roc d Azur crucial for you and how does it help you prepare for the coming season? R.B.: Canyon is different from other bike brands in that it is close to riders. Since we first entered the French market in 2005, everything we have done has been with the sole aim of offering the best bikes at the best price to the greatest number of customers, and all this with the best service on the market. The response from riders has been outstanding, and has meant that in just a few years we have become the market leader across all models. We believe that this status automatically implies involvement in a major event like the Roc d Azur so that we can help an increasingly wide audience experience the magic of the Roc d Azur. Added to this, the fact that the event takes place at the end of the season means that we can unveil our 2018 range to the public so that anyone interested can test their future bike. The availability of our professional athletes at the end of the season means that our customers, staff and riders can all come together to share a unique and precious experience in the season. 20

21 THE ROC D AZUR THANKS ALL ITS 2017 PARTNERS MAJOR PARTNER OFFICIAL PARTNERS OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS OFFICIAL PARTNER OF PITCH KID ROC 21

22 A COMPLETELY ROC SEASON! The 2017 Mountain Biking season had plenty of ROC events on the calendar. The ROC philosophy remains the same as ever. The principle is to keep the same three-pronged approach that has made the concept successful, explains Édouard Cassignol, Director of A.S.O. s Mass Events Department. These three elements are sport, with numerous races, the Village that enables us to offer manufacturers excellent brand visibility and lastly activities and entertainment to involve families and not just riders. ROC D ARDENNE 28 th to 30 th April, in Houffalize (Belgium) The key mountain biking event is often the term applied to Houffalize where the World Cup stage has long been considered the best and most intense of the season. It was in this exceptional setting that the 4 th edition of the Roc Ardenne was organised by Golazo and A.S.O., in the heart of the Ardenne Bleue region and the Province of Luxembourg. The 3,300 riders who participated in this fourth edition discovered that Belgium is anything but flat ROC DES ALPES - LA CLUSAZ 16 th to 18 th June, in La Clusaz (Haute-Savoie) With more than 3,300 participants, the 5 th edition of the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz lived up to expectations. Against a backdrop of picture postcard scenery and snowy peaks, the courses were particularly technical, well-suited to all disciplines (cross-country, enduro, rally) and a fantastic way to discover the massif des Aravis, the Plateau des Confins and the valleys around La Clusaz. ROC D AZUR 4 th to 8 th October, in Fréjus (Var) This is where everything began in Seven riders attended the first edition, there are now more than 20,000 every year who come to the Base Nature in Fréjus to explore the trails around the Massif des Maures and ride courses that include legendary sites at the Roc like the Bougnon, Car Brûlé, the Sentier des Douaniers, Galiote Beach and Fournel. Over 100,000 visitors also come to enjoy the biggest MTB village in the world at this essential fixture on the calendar. 22

23 GRAVEL ROC 23 ROC D AZUR DAMES & ESPOIRS DAMES - FINISH