MEDIA INFORMATION. Social networks Facebook - Roc Series

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2 MEDIA INFORMATION Press room The press room, located at the Tourist Office in the centre of La Clusaz, is equipped with free Wi-Fi for accredited journalists. Its address is 161, place de l'église La Clusaz. Start lists, results, press releases will be available. Social networks Facebook - Roc Series Twitter Instagram - Roc Series Opening hours: Friday, June 12: 10 am 7 pm Saturday, June 13: 7:30 am 7 pm Sunday, June 14: 7:30 am 7 pm Website Press shuttles Press shuttles will be organised on Saturday and Sunday to drop off journalists at strategic points along the Roc Marathon and the Roc des Alpes courses. Electric MTBs will also be available. If interested, please submit an application the press service ; Organisation/press car park Parking spaces are available from the press service upon prior request. Royalty-free photos Royalty-free photos will be available: Via a link in the press release On request from the press service TV News access Royalty-free videos for news reports will be available on Saturday and Sunday: On FTP (news feed) On request from the press service Press contacts Agence Mille & une vagues Soazig Guého / Nicolas : : presseroc@aso.fr Phone no : +33 (0) Mobile no : +33 (0) Copyright: C.Diais A.S.O.

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS P.02 EDITORIAL Alexandre Maslin P.03 A LONG-TERM VISION P.04 ROC SERIES, A FAMILY SPIRIT P.06 BUILDING UPON ALL THAT WORK P.09 THE ENVIRONMENT, A KEY CONCERN P.10 ROC TEST CAMP P.12 PRESENTATION OF THE RACES P.18 THE ROC DES ALPES IN FIGURES P.20 ACTIVITIES P.23 VILLAGE INFORMATION P24 ACCESS AND TRANSPORTATION P.25 ACCOMMODATION AND USEFUL ADDRESSES P.27 LA CLUSAZ P.28 MATRA 1

4 EDITORIAL Coming after the second edition of the Roc Argentina and the Roc d'ardenne, the Roc des Alpes is the third event in the 2015 Roc Series season. For their third outing of the year, mountain bikers will get to discover the tracks of Les Aravis. The 2015 Roc Series spans three countries and brings together over 30,000 athletes who sign up for our races throughout the year. We have spent the last three years working to develop the series, which is still destined to grow in terms of both geographical extent and number of participants. No matter whether riders are in Argentina, Belgium or La Clusaz, the three pillars of the Roc d'azur remain the same: the concept, the competitor experience and innovation. The concept that underpins the Roc d'azur is simple: MTB for everyone, a village and free shows and activities for the masses. This three-fold attraction means the Roc can appeal to a wide range of athlete profiles, set up a big village and remain a friendly event. The experience we provide to our competitors revolves around top-notch service. It is not just about courses and safety measures, but also about the Roc Service Center, the cool zone, the osteopaths on duty, the local produce handed out in the feeding zones We do our best to make it a special experience for participants, putting on a show for the start, celebrating the finish and giving all athletes the opportunity to share their races and their experiences. Innovation is another integral part of the Roc events. We keep a watchful eye on the MTB market and other sporting events so we can change with the times. Lots of work has gone into electric-assist MTBs this year. The electric-assist market has been growing for several years, which is why in 2013 we decided to open leisure rides to e-bikes and in 2014 we created the Rando Roc Électrique, the first ride reserved for e-bikes. We want to take it a step further this year and launch the first electric-assist race, which will challenge experienced mountain bikers on technical tracks, requiring strategic acumen to dose their power and taking them to amazing vantage points (certain sections can only be accessed using the electric engine). These three pillars are present on every level of the organisation. We keep them in mind year-round, at all Roc events and when scouting for new venues. Vive le ROC! Alexandre Maslin Manager of the Roc Series 2

5 «A LONG-TERM VISION» The director of La Clusaz Tourist Office, Alexis Bongard, tells us how he sees the Roc des Alpes - La Clusaz and mountain biking's key role in the development of the resort. In your view, where does the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz stand after the first two editions? Over these two years, we have paid great heed to the participants' feedback to help us set up exciting courses. We have made leaps and bounds in designing courses and making them entertaining, including the creation of new enduro tracks to much acclaim. We also refurbished the descents. All in all, the Roc des Alpes is growing and becoming more organised. The event is consolidating its place in a competitive calendar. We now want to develop the Roc Village. We will work together with the exhibitors to provide them with the best possible environment and make the Village even more attractive. What is your vision for the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz? It must be a celebration of cycling in all shapes and sizes, a popular celebration, a mass celebration. We have come up with lots of options for participants, such as packages, bundles, finisher T-shirts, goodies, etc. It is also the perfect way to showcase the mountains as a backdrop to the competition, as well as a family event. The Roc des Alpes wants to be a festival of MTB in La Clusaz. All our technical teams are mobilised with about 250 volunteers. It is a big challenge for us. What is the role of MTB in your development strategy? It is a long-term vision. We think taking the long view will pay dividends. We have a renewable five-year partnership with A.S.O. MTB must become one of the cornerstones of our summer economy, which at present makes up only a third of our turnover. Some businesses have already felt the benefits, although the event probably comes a bit soon in the season. A week or so later, when more shops open, would be great. We would like participants to stay an entire week in La Clusaz with their families. What are the strong points of La Clusaz? The resort lies in the heart of the Aravis massif, nestled between a lake and the mountains. It is a vast space that is readily accessible thanks to its proximity to Geneva, Annecy and Lyon. It is still very much a laid-back mountain village feel. It is the ideal place for families to recharge their batteries, with a wide range of mountain and water activities on offer. When it comes to landscapes and terrains, mountain bikers are spoilt for choice, with ground, forests at the bottom and pebbles at altitude. It is a mountain man's dream come true. What is the outlook for the next few years? Large-scale development works need to be done throughout the area going from the Aravis massif to Lake Annecy. It is one of the big challenges for the future and it involves the entire world of cycling. The numerous legendary mountain passes of the Tour de France and the lakeshore make it an ideal place for road cycling, while the tracks also open up lots of possibilities for mountain biking. There are also E-bikes, electric-assist MTBs, which have vast potential for development. We need to make our region a cycling destination 3

6 ROC SERIES, A FAMILY SPIRIT The MTB season is articulated around the ROC events. Their philosophy never changes. "The guiding principle is to keep the three pillars of our winning formula", explains Roc director Alexandre Maslin. "This triad consists of sport, with races for everyone, the village, which puts the brands under the spotlight, and activities to make sure that their families have every bit as much fun as competitors themselves." The Roc calendar will feature four events. Roc Argentina March 6-8 in Villa Carlos Paz Roc d Ardenne May 1 3 in Houffalize (Belgium) MTB is booming in Argentina, whose varied landscapes are a challenge for all mountain bikers. Following the inaugural edition in Patagonia, this time round the Roc Argentina will be held in Villa Carlos Paz, in Córdoba Province, central Argentina. A smart choice in view of the increasing numbers of participants. 820 athletes (200 more than the previous year) from nine different countries competed in the seven races on the programme. It was a great opportunity for riders to explore the jaw-dropping landscapes around a lake, featuring hilly courses and single tracks in the midst of lush vegetation. Houffalize was long considered the most beautiful and thrilling race in the entire World Cup, earning it the moniker "the Mecca of MTB". ASO and Golazo will be returning to these hallowed grounds to for the second edition of the Roc d'ardenne, right in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes and the Belgian Province of Luxembourg. Three days crisscrossing the most stunning Ardennes landscapes, with short but steep climbs and highly technical descents. Riders beware: Belgium is anything but flat 4

7 Roc des Alpes La Clusaz June 12-14, in La Clusaz ( Haute-Savoie) Roc d Azur October 7-11 in Fréjus (Var) Having attracted over 4,000 participants in its first two editions, the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz is becoming one of the highlights of the year. Against a picture-perfect backdrop and a landscape of snowy peaks, its particularly technical courses are an invitation to discover the Aravis massif, Les Confins plateau and all the valleys around La Clusaz. Furthermore, the ski lifts give riders the chance to go up high and then revel in the pleasure of navigating down long descents. The Roc Test Camp offers the opportunity to try out all the newest products. In keeping with the Roc tradition, there will be loads of activities. The place where it all began over 30 years ago. From seven riders in the inaugural edition in 1984, the Roc has since grown to welcome over 20,000 athletes every year in the Fréjus nature base, from where they set off to criss-cross the paths on the Maures massif and ride on the courses leading to fabled places of Roc history, such as Le Bougnon, Car Brûlé, the Sentier des Douaniers, Galiote beach and Le Fournel. Over 150,000 visitors also come to check out the biggest MTB show in the world, a mustsee event which brings together all the families of MTB. Fidelity bonus Roc Series Packs have been put together to reward the most loyal participants (those signing up for two Rocs or more) with preferential rates. This means participation in their chosen events will be guaranteed regardless of whether they are full, as well as priority access for retrieving their race numbers. Athletes with 3-Roc Packs (discount up to 25% depending on the chosen races) will be eligible to start in a preferential wave.

8 BUILDING UPON ALL THAT WORK Frédéric Salomone, sports director of the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz since its inception, looks at the programme for the third edition and the improvements carried out to make sure all participants are happy. What course changes will the 2015 edition bring? We built all that work we did for the first two editions and listened to participants' feedback. Last year, we got rid of most asphalt and bikecarrying sections, much to the mountain bikers' delight. We have merely tweaked the courses ahead of the upcoming edition. We also work to create courses tailored to participants of all levels. The riders will take the ski lifts up to the top before plunging back down on a myriad of single tracks. More than enough to have a really great day. We will start the riders in small waves to prevent congestion. We are keeping safety in mind, of course, since there will always be a detour available in case the rescue teams have to intervene. What gives each of the main races its special flavour? The biggest change involves Sunday's Rando Roc All Mountain (48 km), which will return to Le Grand-Bornand. Refreshments will be top-notch, with two different feeding zones. Le Grand- Bornand has thrown its weight behind the event, helping us mainly to get the permits needed to cross certain properties and use certain tracks. At the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz, this is nothing to sneeze at: we need to get the go-ahead from 700 to 800 people! Sunday's Roc des Alpes (51 km) will look a bit like an 8, with a loop around Les Confins, another loop around Manigod and a ride through La Clusaz halfway through. As for Saturday's Roc Marathon (80 km), we listened to the feedback submitted by participants in the last edition, who found the last climb, around km 75, too difficult. We got rid of it, although this means we will have to go without a nice section near Thônes. We need to make choices, though, and it will still be a gruelling course because we want to see a real marathon on a real MTB course. The traditional Roc Ruelles, long one of the highlights of the Roc d'azur, will take place in the heart of La Clusaz. People were happy with Sunday's Rando Roc Gourmande (10 km) last year, so it will be exactly the same. It is perfect for families. 6

9 P.Perreve A.S.O. One of the big sporting changes will be the creation of a second EnduRoc. Why? This area is the ideal terrain for such a discipline. There are also ski lifts available. The enduro was completely overhauled last year, with three new tracks to meet the specialists' expectations. Therefore, we have only made slight changes, consisting of a tweak here and there to make the courses even more exciting. Some specials were a bit long and even the great champions on the start line found them gruelling. We listened to them and chopped the longest specials into two sections. This leaves us with shorter but livelier specials. We will again be right in the heart of the discipline, with awesome specials, paths and covered sections under the trees. You also sought to give a whole new dimension to the E-Roc, the race with electric-assist MTBs pencilled in for Saturday Creating a competition with electric-assist MTBs is hard. Yet the E-Roc (38 km) will take riders to summits with dizzying slopes where normal MTBs cannot go. It will still have an important sporting aspect and force participants to use all their handling skills. It is not a race for beginners because the engine does not do all the work. Riders need to be strong and able handlers, but they also need to know how to dose the battery and avoid running out of power. This means dosing both physical and electrical energy. I had a go and had lots of fun with it. Honestly, all it takes to be convinced is to try one. News 2015 The creation of a second EnduRo. New dimension to the E-Roc - the E-Roc (38 km) will take riders to summits with dizzying slopes where normal MTBs cannot go. Rando Roc All Mountain (48 km), which will return to Le Grand-Bornand. Sunday's Rando Roc Gourmande (10 km). Frédéric Salomone, sports director 7

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11 THE ENVIRONMENT, A KEY CONCERN A dirty hill can end up becoming a forbidden hill. To prevent such a dreadful situation, protecting the environment is a top concern for the organisers of the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz. The Roc des Alpes has launched several initiatives on top of its legal obligation to have a sworn firm conduct an assessment of the impact on animals and plants on Natura 2000 sites. An environmental charter has also been drafted and will be widely circulated. Just like in the Roc d'azur, the Green Brigades will roam the land to erase the riders' ecological footprint. The ten members of the team will clean up after the bunch, picking up litter dropped on the course by absent-minded or (sigh) disrespectful people. Their initiative has garnered broad support from the organisers, which have become members of the board of the Mountain Bikers Foundation (MBF), the five-yearold non-profit behind the Green Brigades. The MBF is not just active in the field, picking up litter, maintaining footpaths, setting up signs and putting everything in place. It also helps coach mountain bikers, for example, by publishing technical sheets. Raising awareness of environmental issues among mountain bikers and the organisers helps to safeguard the future of MTB, so that lovers of this sport can continue to ride through the most beautiful landscapes. At the Roc d'azur, for instance, the Green Brigades used to pick up 250 to 300 kg, a figure which has since fallen to 120 kg. Only a few water bottles, a handful of papers and a tube ended up in the Green Brigades' bags at the 2014 Roc des Alpes La Clusaz. The riders seem to have got the message. Still with protecting the environment in mind, as in the second edition, the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz will not allow the use plastic cups for feeding zones. From now on, riders will receive a cup with the colours of the event against a one-euro deposit, just like in many trail runs and festivals. Once the event is over, they may keep the cup as a souvenir or redeem it and get their deposit back. Collection areas with large nets on the floor will also be set up on the courses so mountain bikers can dispose of energy gel tubes, energy bar wrappings, inner tubes and other types of waste. Biodegradable flagging tape will be used to reduce flagging and unflagging times to the bare minimum. All these measures will ensure the landscapes of Les Aravis massif remain untainted. 9

12 ROC TEST CAMP The Village is as much an integral part of the Roc Series as are sport and the activities. Right in the heart of the show of the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz, on Champ Giguet, the Roc Test Camp gives all visitors, participants and those coming to the race with them the opportunity to try out the material they want on dedicated tracks tailored to the discipline in question (cross-country, enduro or downhill). The biggest brands in MTB will let visitors check out their material from Friday noon to Sunday afternoon. An app created especially for this occasion will enhance the experience of visitors interested in trying out material. It will grant access to a catalogue with all the products available for testing. The app will also be used by exhibitors to display their latest products with detailed technical sheets. "The show makes the event more lively", explains Alexandre Maslin, the director of the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz. "It fills it with content with a free activity. This is important because the races take place in the mountains, so no-one sees them while they are away. The Roc Test Camp gives visitors the chance to try out new equipment and bikes and to give feedback to the exhibitors straight away." COMPETITORS SERVICE The Roc Service Center is a place for riders to wash their MTBs right after they finish a race. Use of this service is free of charge. Left luggage lockers will help riders and visitors enjoy the show and its activities to the maximum. Open on Friday from 12 pm to 7 pm, on Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm and on Sunday from 7 am to 4 pm. Teams of osteopaths will be on duty at the end of each race to freshen tired muscles up a bit. 10

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14 RACE PROGRAMME Race Name Start Time Distance Age category Start/ Finish line FRIDAY, JUNE 12 Roc Down - Reconnaissances 12 pm 2,5 km 2000 and earlier Beauregard / Pont des Riondes Générations Roc 2 pm 2 km 4 km - Lac des Confins EnduRoc #1 (5 spéciales)* 2 pm 24 km / 9,5 km chrono 2000 and earlier Beauregard dep Sp1 / Bois du plan Sp5 Roc Ruelles (équipe de 2) 6 pm 800 m 1998 et avant Place de l'eglise SATURDAY, JUNE 13 Roc Marathon 8 am 80 km 1996 and earlier Route des Alpes / Champ Giguet E-Roc 9 am 38 km 2000 and earlier Route des Alpes / Champ Giguet Roc Down - Qualifs 9 am 2,5 km 2000 and earlier Beauregard / Pont des Riondes Rando Roc Aravis 12 am 24 km 2000 and earlier Crêt du Merle / Champ Giguet EnduRoc #2 (4 spéciales)* 14 km / 6 12:30 pm 2000 and earlier km chrono Crêt du Loup / Bois du Plan Roc Down - Finale 2 pm 2,5 km 2000 and earlier Beauregard / Pont des Riondes Kid Roc 1 km 3 pm 1 km 2007 et 2008 Lac des Confins Kid Roc 2 km 3:30 pm 2 km 2005 et 2006 Lac des Confins Kid Roc 4 km 4 pm 4 km 2003 et 2004 Lac des Confins Kid Roc 8 km 4:30 pm 8 km 2001et 2002 Lac des Confins Rando Roc Gourmande 5 pm 9,5 km 2000 et avant Beauregard / Champ Giguet Super Spéciale Enduro* 6 pm 2000 et avant Village SUNDAY, JUNE 14 Roc Light 8 am 24,6 km H:1998 & earlier F:1996 & earlier Route des Alpes / Champ Giguet Roc des Alpes 8:45 am 51 km 1996 and earlier Route des Alpes / Champ Giguet Rando Roc All Mountain 11 am 48 km 1998 and earlier Crêt du merle / Champ Giguet Roc Cadets - Cadettes - Jrs H :1999 et :30 pm 25 km Route des Alpes / Champ Giguet Dames F : 1997 à 2000 Roc Tandems (équipe de 2) 2 pm 25 km 1998 et avant Route des Alpes / Champ Giguet * New

15 FRIDAY, JUNE 12 GENERATIONS ROC Students from schools in the area go headto-head on relatively short distances around a lake. A great opportunity for teachers to take them on a particularly exciting outing. Distance: 2 and 4 km Start: 2 pm, Lac des Confins FRIDAY, JUNE 12, AND SATURDAY, JUNE 13 ROC DOWN The Roc Down is a race against the clock over an exclusively downhill and highly technical course extending 2.5 km. Having reconnoitred the course on Friday, the participants (who, ideally, are experienced), meet the following day to get down to business. After taking the ski lifts to the start in Beauregard and the La Ferriaz slopes, participants compete against one another in heats before the finals take place in the afternoon. A mixture of speed and determination, the Roc Down is packed full of adrenaline. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, AND SATURDAY, JUNE 13: ENDUROC An event which combines timed specials and non-timed link sectors. The winner is the person who finishes the specials in the shortest cumulative time. The course has a descending profile and was designed with skilful riders in mind. After last year's overhaul, the EnduRoc was so successful that the third edition will feature two races with shorter specials. Although ski lifts will take riders to great heights without expending any energy, some uphill link sections will be covered on MTBs. Distance: 5 specials on Friday comprising 9 timed kilometres and 24 km overall. 4 specials on Saturday comprising 6 timed kilometres and 14 km overall. Altitude difference: Δ-: 1,730 m on Friday (Δ+: 560 m on MTBs and 1,800 m on ski lifts); Δ- 1,400m on Saturday (Δ+: 350 m on MTBs and 1,280 m on ski lifts) Age group: born in 2000 and earlier Start: Enduroc #1: 2 pm, Friday, Beauregard: Enduroc #2: 12:30 pm, Saturday, Crêt du Loup Distance: 2.5 km Altitude difference: Δ-: 400 m Age group: born in 2000 and earlier Start: Plateau de Beauregard. Reconnaissance on Friday at 12 pm, heats on Saturday at 9 am and final on Saturday at 2 pm. 13

16 FRIDAY, JUNE 12 ROC RUELLES The race which has lit the fireworks so many times at the Roc d'azur and took the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz by storm last year is back. A shot of adrenalin in the streets of La Clusaz with rides down staircases, accelerations in very tight spots, etc. In teams of two, riders first take part in heats and strive to complete as many laps as possible within the given time period. The best then go head-to-head in the final. Distance: 800 m Altitude difference: Δ+/-: 30 m Age group: born in 1998 and earlier Start: 6 pm, Place de l'église SATURDAY, JUNE 13 E-ROC This race is the new kid in town. The boom in electric-assist MTBs inspired the organisers to design a race requiring top-notch MTB handling skills and show the world that electric-assist MTB has a place among elite sports. The demanding course will take riders where traditional MTBs cannot go. Physical exertion, expert handling on sometimes tricky descents and dosing power reserves to avoid running out of electricity: the E-Roc reveals a whole new aspect of electric-assist MTB. Distance: 38 km Altitude difference: Δ+/-: 1,870 m Age group: born in 2000 and earlier Start: 9 am on the Route des Alpes SATURDAY, JUNE 13 RANDO ROC ARAVIS The Rando Roc Aravis winds its way around the foothills of Les Aravis. It has a mostly downhill profile, perfect for a pleasant ride. Average physical and handling prowess is enough to have lots of fun. SATURDAY, JUNE 13 ROC MARATHON This is a mammoth race. With an 80 km loop and an elevation gain of 3,170 m, it is a mix of pastures, forest tracks and recreational trails. The Roc Marathon crosses eight towns and two departments. It is the only race that goes up to the top of Les Aravis. If the weather is good, riders will be treated to a great view of Mont- Blanc. The tough final climb on the 2014 course has been removed upon request from the participants, but the Roc Marathon remains a gruelling race. Distance: 24 km Altitude difference: Δ+: 490 m; Δ-: 950 m Age group: born in 2000 and earlier Start: 12 pm, Crêt du Merle Distance: 80 km Altitude difference: Δ+/-: 3,170 m Age group: born in 1996 and earlier Start: 8 am on the Route des Alpes Prize money (men and women): 1 st : 500 euros 14

17 SATURDAY, JUNE 13 KIDS ROC The Kid Roc represents a first taste of competition for some and a particularly intense moment for parents. The start will take place in waves and by age categories. The champions of tomorrow will also ride for the win on distances ranging from 1 km to 8 km on the heights of the Beauregard plateau. Distances: 1, 2, 4 and 8 km Altitude difference: 1 km: Δ+/-: 25 m; 2 km: Δ+/-: 60 m; 4 km: Δ+/-: 180 m; 8 km: Δ+/-: 360 m Age groups: 1 km: born in 2007 and km: born in 2005 and km: born in 2003 and km: born in 2001 and Starts: From 3 pm, Lac des Confins SATURDAY, JUNE 13: RANDO ROC GOURMANDE Local producers put sausages, ham and Reblochon cheese on the menu for the participants in the Rando Roc Gourmande, an easy-peasy outing. The ride, scheduled for 5 pm, will be an opportunity for participants to grab a bite before going back to La Clusaz to party. No pressure in this ride along the mountain pastures of Beauregard. It is all about pleasures that appeal to all the senses, such as sampling local produce in feeding zones. A perfect family outing. Distance: 9 km Altitude difference: Δ+: 50 m; Δ-: 640 m Age group: born in 2000 and earlier Start: 5 pm on the Plateau de Beauregard SUNDAY, JUNE 14: ROC LIGHT The Roc Light is back with a course which will put mountain bikers' handling skills to the test. While not as demanding as the Roc des Alpes, it is still a challenging race, with an altitude change of over 1,000 m and a plunging descent at the end. Distance: 24 km Altitude difference: Δ+/-: 1,050 m Age group: M: born in 1998 and earlier; W: born in 1996 and earlier Start: 8 am on the Route des Alpes SUNDAY, JUNE 14 RANDO ROC ALL MOUNTAIN The longest and most intense untimed ride of the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz. It will also be the sole event to head for Le Grand-Bornand, where the town hall has rolled out the red carpet for the Roc. Beware, it is a physically demanding ride. Although ski lifts enable participants to go ever higher to hurtle down the slopes, there are a few uphill segments to make the route more difficult. Distance: 48 km Altitude difference: Δ+: 1,450 m; Δ-: 2,850 m Age group: born in 1998 and earlier Start: 11 am, Crêt du Merle 15

18 SUNDAY, JUNE 14: ROC CADETS, CADETTES, JUNIOR LADIES The future of MTB on the start line. It is worth remembering the winners of these races Who knows, some of them may grow to become the champions of tomorrow. Distance: 25 km Altitude difference: Δ+/-: 800 m Age group: M: born in 1999 and 2000; W: born from 1997 to 2000 Start: 1:30 pm on the Route des Alpes SUNDAY, JUNE 14 ROC DES ALPES The race won by Alexis Chenevier (also the winner of the inaugural edition) and Fanny Bourdon last year is the highlight of the event. Just like last year, the riders will tackle three climbs on the first part of the course before heading to La Clusaz near km 30 and then setting off for Col de Merdassier, Col de la Croix Fry, the last climb to the Plateau de Beauregard and the final descent. Distance: 51 km Altitude difference: Δ+/-: 2,000 m Age group: born in 1996 and earlier Start: 8:45 am on the Route des Alpes Prize money (men and women): 1 st : 700 euros; 2 nd : 300 euros; 3 rd : 150 euros SUNDAY, JUNE 14 ROC TANDEMS Two better than one! Tandems may seem to be a disappearing species, but one that bounces back at each Roc. The Roc des Alpes La Clusaz is no exception and will feature an event which always inspires respect and requires blind faith of passengers in their pilots. Couples looking for adrenalin-charged experiences often choose this race. Distance: 25 km Altitude difference: Δ+/-: 800 m Age group: born in 1998 and earlier Start: 2 pm on the Route des Alpes Race numbers can be retrieved Friday, June 12, from 12 to 7 pm; Saturday, June 13, from 7 am to 7 pm; Sunday, June 14, from 7 am to 1:30 pm. 16

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20 THE ROC DES ALPES INFIGURES Participants 3,113registered athletes (as of April 22, 2015) The largest age group is years old, representing 54 participants < 18 ans : 1,6% ans : 4,2% ans : 23,2 % ans : 17,5% > 65 ans : 0,9 % 60 children under 14 years of age Rhave signed up for the KIDS ROC 39 years : average age of participants Les courses 36 people in medical teams 150 km of tracks Over 30 exhibitors m² activites area 630 volunteers 92,5 % men 7,5 % women 16 nationalities will be on start line TOP 5 COUNTRIES REPRESENTED 1. France 2. Belgique 3. Suisse 4. Portugal 5. Italie TOP 5 FRENCH REGIONS REPRESENTED 1. Rhône-Alpes 2. Bourgogne 3. Ile-de-France 4. Franche-Comté 5. Lorraine 18

21 Refreshments 18,000 litres of drinks (water, sparkling water, soft drinks and Isostar sports drink) 1,000 kg of bananas from Guadeloupe and Martinique 800 kg of oranges 500 kg of nuts 500 kg of sweet biscuits 15,000 cereal bars 4,000 Isostar energy bars 250 kg of «Roblochon Fermier» 200 kg of salted biscuits 3,000 slices of sliced bread 4,500 slices of summer sausage 19

22 ACTIVITIES Together with sport and the show, activities are one of the three linchpins of the Roc. This is why the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz will organise a wide range of free activities right in the heart of the resort, just like in the first two editions. The Moniteurs du Cyclisme Français (MCF) will be in charge of running them. "We will be there for three days to open all the Activities to as many people as possible, from the greatest experts to newbies", explains SCF member Simon Rogier. "Each activity will be led by one or two people. The fame of the Roc helps us reach out to all sorts of people, including the most experienced athletes. All MCF members are state-registered. The idea is to have the cream of the crop to make sure everything runs smoothly and safely." BIG AIR BAG A take-off ramp, a springboard and mountain bikers are go for launch. With a huge 10x7 m mattress kept inflated by two huge compressors, there is no need to be scared of the fall. A smaller ramp will give newbies their first taste of action, with another, bigger one set up for experienced riders to perform backflips and 360s. HANDLING ROAD SAFETY Children also have a ticket to party at the Roc. One of the activities organised by the Roc des Alpes will be an introduction to MTB (bike handling and raising awareness of the rules of the road). Even the youngest riders will enjoy this dedicated space and its draisines. Activity timetable Friday: 12 7 pm Saturday: 9 am 7 pm Sunday: 9 am 4 pm 20

23 TRIAL SHOW The trial is a cornerstone of all the Roc events. Several modules (ramps, vehicles ) will be set up for riders to tackle with street tricks such as spins or the manual (performing a wheelie without pedalling), a true classic. Pressure will go up a notch when spectators are asked to step in as living modules. With wheels flying centimetres from their faces, nerves of steel will be in order! PUMP TRACK The Pump Track circuit, full of bumps and banked corners, is physically demanding. The aim is to keep moving without a single pedal stroke. Riders need to power their bikes by flexing and extending their arms and legs. The most skilful among them are even capable of boosting their speed by rolling up the bumps and pushing against holes and corners. A great way to hone their handling skills. PARTY TIME IN THE VILLAGE A big motocross exhibition sent the crowd wild in the second edition of the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz. The 2015 edition will bring artists to liven up the streets of La Clusaz and boost the event's festive dimension. The Karnavires troupe will put on a show combining street art and tricks from 9:15 to 10 pm. Their show will take them from the station on the Perrière car park to Place de l'église. Radio Meuh, an event regular, will then make the Roc move to the beat of music until the morning lights. Furthermore, activities at the resort (equestrian centre, quads, golf, mini-golf at Les Confins, archery, paragliding, water sports, tennis, leisure centre, etc.) will be open to visitors. 21

24 VILLAGE PLAN VILLAGE

25 VILLAGE INFORMATION Opening hours - Friday: 12-7 pm - Saturday: 9 am - 7 pm - Sunday: 9 am - 5 pm Four meeting points - Place de l Eglise : - Activites - Information centre - Press room - Télésiège Crêt du Marle - Start for Crêt du Merle and Crêt du loup - Champ Giguet / rink: - Retrieval of race number - Race finish - Perrière car park + Route des Alpes: - Start of the races - Roc Ruelles - Exhibitor area (partners and brands) - Activities - Competitors s Service: Roc Service Center/ Osteopaths/ left luggage lockers - Saturday night party - Start from Beauregard 23

26 ACCÈS ET TRANSPORT By plane Geneve International Airport (50km) Tel. : Regular shuttle service from Geneva Airport to La Clusaz Lyon International Airport (150km) Tel. : +33 (0) Regular shuttle service from Lyon Airport to La Clusaz. By train Gare d Annecy (32km) Tel. : High speed train from most major cities By coach Voyages Crolard Bus station Tel. : +33 (0) :voyages.crolard@wanadoo.fr Tourist coaches, from 30 to 83 seats. Regular service between Annecy Station and La Clusaz Aravis Voyage 3646, route des Confins. Tel. : +33 (0) : contact@aravis-services.com Online booking service. Group rates on request, company specialising in transport in the mountains, for seminars and private individuals. Shuttles La Clusaz skibuses and shuttles Tel. : +33 (0) Free for the olders of guest and resident card. Taxi Allo Taxi Tel. : +33 (0) : booking@allotaxi74.com Online booking service. Vehicle with up to 8 seats. Taxi Beauregard Tel. : +33 (0) : taxi.beauregard@orange.fr One seven-seat vehicle and nine-seat vehicle.transport service covering any distance and all destinations. Online booking servie. Taxi Lacroix Tel. : +33(0) : taxilacroix@club-internet.fr All destinations: airports, stations, excursions, express deliveries and emergency assistance. Transport for those with reduced mobility.. Aravis Voyage Tel. : +33 (0) : contact@aravis-services.com Oneline booking service. Group rates on request (coach, minibus). Company specialising in transport in the mountains, for seminars and private individuals. 4x4vVehicle.. AmonTransfert.coM Tel. : +33 (0) : amontransfert@gmail.com Anytime, anywhere By road A40 motorway (Autoroute Blanche): gett off at exit 16, marked Bonneville, and then for Stations des Aravis 20 km further on. A41 motorway: gettoff at the exit Nord and head for Thônes / Stations des Aravis 30 km 24 further on.

27 HÉBERGEMENTS ET ADRESSES UTILES For all your bookings and yours needs, please contact La Clusaz Tour : Tel. : +33(0) ACCOMMODATION 5-star hotel : Au cœur du village At the foot of the slopes 26, Montée du Château La Clusaz Tel. : +33 (0) star hotel : Hôtel Beauregard At the top of the village 90, sentier du Bossonet La Clusaz Tel. : +33 (0) star hotel : Alpen Roc Centre of the village La Clusaz Tel. : +33 (0) USEFUL ADDRESSES Toursit office 161, Place de l Eglise Tel. : +33 (0) : infos@laclusaz.com Opening hours : Open from Thurday 12 to Sunday 15 9 am to 7 pm Town Hall 1, Place de l Eglise Tel. : +33(0) : accueil-dgs@laclusaz.fr Open from Monday to Friday: from 8,30 to 12 noon and from 2,30 pm to 5,30 pm. On Fridays the Town Hall closes at 5 pm.. 3 & 2-star hotel : Hôtels Carlina et Beaulieu 138, chemin des éboulis La Clusaz Tel. : +33(0) star hotel : La Ferme Above the champ Giguet 1078, Route du Col des Aravis La Clusaz Tel. : ++3 (0) star hotel : Les Airelles Opposite the church, right in the centre of the village 33 Place de l Eglise La Clusaz Tel. : +33(0)

28 OUTDOOR SPORTS VALLEY Regional spirit The organisers of the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz, always eager to join forces with local actors, have teamed up with Outdoor Sports Valley (OSV) to boost the local presence at the show of the event. The organisation was founded in Annecy in 2009, following which it was formalised in 2010 and it received the French government's Grappe d'entreprises (Company Cluster) label in It brings together regional businesses active in the field of outdoor sports to establish an Alpine network and to "federate, represent, and contribute to the development of the outdoor sports industry". OSV encompasses 180 companies and seeks to unlock their potential with a wide range of services and human skills. "We want to strengthen the ties between these businesses and the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz", points out Roc director Alexandre Maslin. "Therefore, we will deepen our collaboration and make it easier for them to set up shop at the event show. We have also launched an operation called Active OSV to invite their workers to take part in our races." Find out more on the Web platform 26

29 LA CLUSAZ La Clusaz, home of the mountain bike From relaxing rides through the unique landscapes of the Aravis massif to the adrenaline rush on downhill and enduro tracks, La Clusaz embodies everything MTB has to offer. La Clusaz has something for both the veteran mountain biker and the 100% nature sports lover to indulge their passion or simply discover the bliss of MTB. In the heart of the Alps, all riders can ride at their own pace, criss-cross the trails, hurtle down the paths and prepared tracks, or go to the Beauregard massif to test the bike part, known as the North Shore and equipped with wooden modules for athletes of all levels, short corners under the woods, springboards, suspended walkways, bridges, etc. The resort's love story with MTB goes back a long time. La Clusaz embraced MTB when the craze came to France, but it then chose other avenues for development. However, MTB has a special place in this Haute-Savoie village, which has kept its original charm. The Roc des Alpes, created in 2013 as a joint project with Amaury Sport Organisation, has shifted the resort's focus back onto MTB. It now has almost 200 km of marked-out circuits, including three downhill trails. After the first tracks were refurbished for the inaugural edition, chief among them the 12 km long Le Vorêt, new routes through the Aravis massif were designed. A dream come true for lovers of thrills and bike handling. The downhill and enduro tracks, especially tested by world-class specialists, will give them all the adrenalin they need. The Blue All Mountain Sud Aravis track was revamped to make it more accessible. It is now 10 km long and has an elevation drop of 510 m (60 m elevation gain). The corners of Le Loup downhill track are now more banked, much to the delight of descenders, who will also be pleased at the rising number of modules and bumps. They will also come up against La Fériaz black trail (3.3 km, Δ-: 600 m), the most technical descent in the discipline, the La Grenêche trail (2.7 km, Δ-: 400 m), a single track in the woods and grasslands with 19 corners, as well as the Crêt du Loup track (1.1 km, Δ- 200 m), La Clusaz leaves mountain bikers spoilt for choice. Participants in the Roc des Alpes can then tell the story. La Clusaz Aurélie Forge Press contact Phone no. : +33(0) Mob : +33(0) : presse@laclusaz.com Site : 27

30 MATRA Matra energises the Roc Already present since the first edition of the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz, this year Matra will be back at an event it particularly values. After several months in the Easybike group, which founded in 2004 and owns electric-assist bicycle brands such as Easybike and Solex, Matra hopes to use the event as a launch pad to turbocharge its ambitions. "We want to go back to the love of technology and high performance which laid the seed of Matra, first in the motor sector and then in bicycles", explains Benoit de Susbielle, marketing and communications manager at the Easybike group. "It is a market with lots of potential. Last year we sold 60,000 electric-assist bicycles, but we are now banking on growth in the order of 20 to 40%. We are very optimistic even though it remains a niche market. Even more so because the political will to promote this zero-pollution means of transport and sport is there. Our target used to be seniors. Today's more sports-focused approach means that is no longer the case. A growing number of people use electric-assist bicycles to go to work. The target is getting bigger." Yet another reason to strengthen the partnership with the Roc des Alpes - La Clusaz. Apart from Matra presenting its range electric-assist MTBs in the Roc Village, the brand will rent out MTBs for the E-Roc, a race scheduled for Saturday, June 13, with a strong sporting flavour, which will take riders where traditional MTBs cannot go (38 km with 1,870 m of positive and negative altitude difference). "We got the partnership up and running again after buying out Matra", explains the marketing director. "The organisers' ambition to develop e-bikes and consolidate their place in the field of sports is fantastic. Not to forget that everyone who has tried out our products has been amazed. We have good reason to be optimistic." The 2015 edition of the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz will no doubt open the eyes of many a mountain biker to the plethora of possibilities electric-assist MTB have to offer as a source of new sensations and the key to a whole new level of fun. MATRA Benoit de Susbielle Marketing and communication Director Groupe Easybike Tel : +33(0) Mob : +33(0) : b.desusbielle@easybike.fr 28

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