5-9 OCT PRESS KIT. Information: rocazur.com Registration: asochallenges.com #RocdAzur

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1 5-9 OCT A.S.O. (P. Alessandri / G. Demouveaux / M. Molle / P. Perreve) Information: rocazur.com Registration: asochallenges.com #RocdAzur PRESS KIT

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 5 th October: 2 pm to 7 pm Thursday 6 th October: 8 am to 7 pm Friday 7 th October: 7.30 am to 7 pm Saturday 8 th October: 7.30 am to 7 pm Sunday 9 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 to the podium and a boom-lift at the start. 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. * ON REQUEST FROM THE PRESS DEPARTMENT: Access to the boom-lift at the start zone Following the race in a press car Royalty free photos and videos SOCIAL NETWORKS Facebook: RocMTB #RocdAzur WEBSITE MOBILE APP iphone and Android Roc PRESS CONTACTS Press Relations Mille & une vagues Agency / Soazig GUÉHO / Eve MAILHO Tel. no.: +33 (0) / Mob.: +33 (0) / +33 (0) contact@milletunevagues.com presseroc@aso.fr A.S.O. Press Department Aude Raynaut / Tel. no.: +33 (0) araynaut@aso.fr

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Editorial - Alexandre Maslin Manager of the event...3 The History of the Roc d Azur... 4 The Roc d Azur s List of Winners... 7 From Rio to Fréjus in a spin of a wheel... 8 Interview - Frédéric Salomone Sports Director The race schedule The figures of the Roc The village / The exhibition The activities and the shows Interview - Rodolphe Beyer Director of Canyon France The partners The 2016 Roc Season

4 Roc d Azur Dames and Espoirs Dames 2015

5 EDITORIAL ALEXANDRE MASLIN Alexandre Maslin, Manager of the event, tells us what s new at the 2016 Roc d Azur. From entertainment and activities to new sporting disciplines, everyone will find a challenge to suit them. On the sports side, there are two new major events this year Can you tell us about them? Yes, in fact there are two new races on the schedule this year, the Gravel* and the Roc Trophy*. They re two totally different challenges but both are in keeping with our aim to remain the leaders in mountain biking events. Our objective is to be right at the heart of current trends, so we are constantly thinking about how to improve our sporting schedule. The Gravel clearly reflects a market trend. It s an emerging discipline, which is very likely to keep on growing in the future. So it had to feature on the Roc d Azur schedule. We are the first major event organisers to offer this kind of race. For the Roc Trophy, the figures proved us right: last year s race was open to 100 competitors but, in view of the demand, we doubled the number of places and in three days it was full. This shows that we are heading in the right direction with an ultra-endurance race. This year the Roc d Azur is changing and expanding, while keeping its traditional features. What are the changes in 2016? We are looking to organise things better in terms of spectator traffic flow, while ensuring that visitors can make the most of the entertainment and activities and have an overall view of the exhibitors present. We ve never received so many requests from different brands who want to exhibit here. It is THE mountain biking exhibition, so everyone wants to be showcased on the 25,000 m 2 of exhibition space. We ve created a central area for our partners and the podium, which will be busy all day. Our objective was to make each of the areas obvious to visitors so that they can find their way around very quickly. «The Roc d Azur is a golden nugget, our job is to make it shine» You have made slight changes to the village. Does this also apply to the activities and entertainment? Our aim is to offer activities involving the different disciplines related to mountain biking. We ll have trial, BMX, and Slopestyle events as well as entertainment and children s activities. Our shows emphasise this diversity of bike sports. We have an excellent base on which to build. This year we have further developed our activities for families and people accompanying the riders. This includes, for example, a balance bike competition for the little ones, which was already very popular at the Roc des Alpes. We want to ensure that everyone has a rewarding experience in the village whether they are mountain bike fans or not. Besides the races and the exhibition, we are a truly global mountain biking festival. The Roc d Azur is a golden nugget, our job is to do everything possible to further improve it. We are proud to be able to offer walks, rides and races for everyone. We are generalists at the same time as being very much at the cutting edge of each of the disciplines. The Roc d Azur is the leading mountain biking event in the world and we are working hard to keep it that way. *Discover the detailed race schedule on 3

6 THE HISTORY 2016 ROC D AZUR 1984 A year after Stéphane Hauvette brought the first mountain bikes over from Canada, he challenged his road-riding friends to a 60-km race between Ramatuelle and Saint- Tropez! There were 7 riders at the start. It was the beginning of the Roc adventure! 1989 Still in Ramatuelle, the Roc attracted over 1,000 competitors and an all-female event, the Roc Dames, was held for the first time The FFC (French Cycling Federation) and ISL (International Sport and Leisure) became the owners of the event The Roc was held at Cogolin for one year The Roc d Azur took up residence at the Base Nature in Fréjus and was held on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Wednesday was devoted to a new competition, the Générations Roc, in which local schoolchildren were invited to take part. A mountain bike exhibition was held alongside the main event for the 1 st time The number of competitors registered exceeded 10,000 for the first time Creation of the Roc Marathon, and the Roc took place on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday Havas Advertising Sports became the owner of the Roc d Azur. 4 PRESS KIT Rando Roc Electrique Noire 2015

7 OF THE ROC D AZUR 2005 A company called Sportys became responsible for the future of the event which was held over 5 days from Wednesday to Sunday. The Roc Ruelles and the Roc Water Jump were created and the Roc Marathon became part of the UCI World Cup circuit for the 1 st time More than 15,000 participants attended the event. The enduro race made its 1 st appearance at the Roc d Azur and the Base Nature hosted the BMX Supercross World Cup final for the first time A.S.O. became the owner of the Roc d Azur which welcomed 17,826 competitors A new event, the triathlon, known as the Tri Roc, was incorporated into the event For its 30 th edition, the Roc d Azur created a brother event: the Roc des Alpes The same year in which the Roc d Azur passed the symbolic threshold of 20,000 riders, the Roc de los Andes (Argentina) and the Roc d Ardenne (Belgium) were held for the 1 st time Constantly in search of new challenges, the Roc d Azur will be hosting new races with the Roc Trophy and the Gravel Roc ROC D AZUR An event that has accompanied the development of mountain biking in France and Europe The number 1 event, the world leader Strong links with the french riviera and the Var department Constantly seeking innovations Competitions for everyone, whatever their experience, age or level A rapidly growing brand (Azur, Alpes, Ardenne, Argentina) Strong values: friendliness, challenge, respect for the environment KEY FEATURES 5 PRESS KIT Tri Roc 2015

8 Victor Koretzky, winner of the Roc d Azur 2015 Men podium of the Roc d Azur 2015 Michalina Ziółkowska, winner of the Canyon Roc Marathon 2015 Women podium of the Roc d Azur 2015 Samuele Porro, winner of the Canyon Roc Marathon 2015

9 LIST OF WINNERS MEN YEAR WOMEN Victor KORETZKY (FRA) 2015 Julie BRESSET (FRA) Jordan SARROU (FRA) 2014 Margot MOSCHETTI (FRA) Miguel MARTINEZ (FRA) 2013 Elisabeth OSL (AUT) Stéphane TEMPIER (FRA) 2012 Anna SZAFRANIEC (POL) Moriz MILATZ (ALL) 2011 Maja WLOSZCZOWSKA (POL) Alban LAKATA (AUT) 2010 Maja WLOSZCZOWSKA (POL) Roel PAULISSEN (BEL) 2009 Aleksandra DAWIDOWICZ (POL) Roel PAULISSEN (BEL) 2008 Elisabeth OSL (AUT) Jean-Christophe PÉRAUD (FRA) 2007 Henzi PETRA (SUI) Christoph SAUSER (SUI) 2006 Alison SYDOR (CAN) Christoph SAUSER (SUI) 2005 Maryline SALVETAT (FRA) Miguel MARTINEZ (FRA) 2004 Alison SYDOR (CAN) Jean-Christophe PÉRAUD (FRA) 2003 Alison SYDOR (CAN) Peter POULY (FRA) 2002 Laurence LEBOUCHER (FRA) Thomas DIETSCH (FRA) 2001 Laurence LEBOUCHER (FRA) Thomas DIETSCH (FRA) 2000 Chantal DAUCOURT (SUI) Christophe DUPOUEY (FRA) 1999 Laurence LEBOUCHER (FRA) Christophe DUPOUEY (FRA) 1998 Laurence LEBOUCHER (FRA) Miguel MARTINEZ (FRA) 1997 Gunn Rita DAHLE (NOR) Christophe MANIN (FRA) 1996 Gunn Rita DAHLE (NOR) Bart BRENTJENS (HOL) 1995 Sophie EGLIN (FRA) Jean-Christophe SAVIGNONI (FRA) 1994 Sophie EGLIN (FRA) Bruno LEBRAS (FRA) 1993 Sylvia FURST (SUI) 7 Tim GOULD (GBR) 1992 Eva ORVOSOVA (SLQ) Tim GOULD (GBR) 1991 Eva ORVOSOVA (SLQ) Bruno LEBRAS (FRA) 1990 Sylvia FURST (SUI) Olaf CANDAU (FRA) 1989 Nathalie SÉGURA (FRA) Patrice THÉVENARD (FRA) 1988 Eric CHANTON (FRA) 1987 Jean-Pierre MOREL (FRA) 1986 Alain DALLENBACH (SUI) 1985 Larbi MIDOUNE (FRA) 1984

10 FROM RIO TO FRÉJUS 8 After the Rio Olympics, the stars of the games will meet again in Fréjus at the Roc d Azur, the great mountain biking festival, reinforcing the links between the Olympic Games and the Roc even further. On the last weekend of the Olympic fortnight in Brazil, the mountain biking competition provided a great finish to a Rio Olympics that was packed with emotions. This was particularly the case for Switzerland s Nino Schurter who won gold, the only victory missing from his list of achievements, having previously won many world titles. The same goes for the young Swedish rider Jenny Rissveds, who went from winning the under-23 World Championship title to Olympic gold in the same season. The 33 rd edition of Roc d Azur is set to be equally emotion-packed as it is the last event of the season where the big names in world mountain biking come to compete and party. Christoph Sauser Many of the riders who competed in the Olympics are also regulars on the trails in Fréjus, including the current Olympic champion, Nino Schurter and Julien Absalon, the two-time Olympic champion. But both riders legendary track records fall short of a victory at the Roc. This is not the case for Maxime Marotte, the Roc Marathon champion in 2014, who is keen to add his name to the list of winners once again in Fréjus this year. Maja Włoszczowska has similar ambitions and will be seeking the record for number of wins at the Roc d Azur following her victories here in 2010 and She is likely to come up against stiff opposition in the shape of Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, the current world champion. All this proves the strong affinity between Olympians and the Roc that goes back a long way.

11 IN A SPIN OF A WHEEL Julie Bresset Julien Absalon The rider with the greatest number of titles to his name is none other than France s Miguel Martinez, who was victorious at the Roc d Azur in 2013 and gold medallist at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. But he s just one example. Next to him on the podium in Sydney was Switzerland s Christophe Sauser, the bronze medal winner who went on to claim victory in Fréjus in 2005 and As for the women, Canada s Alison Sydor has three victories to her name at the Roc as well as an Olympic silver in In 2015, Julie Bresset won the Roc while she was the reigning Olympic champion following her victory in London in This is further proof that the Roc is an end of season classic that brings together the best riders in the world Pauline Ferrand-Prévot 9

12 Enduroc 2015

13 INTERVIEW FRÉDÉRIC SALOMONE Every year, the Roc d Azur evolves and develops to remain the benchmark for MTBiking events. This year s edition features an even more packed schedule. Overview with Frédéric Salomone, the Sports Director. There are two new races in this 33 rd edition. Can you tell us about them? Let s start with the Roc Trophy. The Roc Trophy is a race format that was tested this year at the Roc des Alpes La Clusaz. The idea was to take part in a stage race with a general ranking after all four races*. The Roc d Azur s Roc Trophy will take place over four days. It starts on Thursday with a short 23-km format on a route especially designed for this competition as is the 42-km race on Saturday. These two races are only open to participants who have signed up for the Roc Trophy. On Friday, the Roc Trophy competitors will set off in the first wave on the Canyon Roc Marathon (82 km), as well as on Sunday for the Roc d Azur (56 km). The riders cumulative times for the four competitions will determine the winner of this event, which is only open to the biggest cycling fans. Roc Trophy participants will have a special race number plate and there will be a leader s jersey throughout the stages. The idea is to give riders who like to compete in several challenges the opportunity to come face to face. We had originally allowed for 100 places. Given its popularity, we had to double the number of participants and the race was full in just a few days. The second new competition, the Gravel Roc. Can you briefly explain the Gravel? It s a variation of cyclo-cross with MTBiking tendencies. The rules are simple: riders have to use road bike handlebars whether they are riding specific Gravel bikes, which we re increasingly seeing on the market, or pure cyclo-cross bikes. In contrast to cyclo-cross races, Gravel races are based on long-distance circuits. Our circuit will be 50-km long, «A Gravel Roc and a Roc Trophy on the schedule» partly on the road and partly on forest trails with some fairly technical sections. Gravel has come from the United States where it has been incredibly successful. It s only just starting up in Europe, but the Roc d Azur wants to be the benchmark for this event. Can we expect to see any new sectors or any changes on the courses, especially on the legendary Roc d Azur race? No, strictly speaking there are no new sectors as such. However, we are always looking to be inventive with the courses. We are well aware that we have a loyal following so we need to provide participants with new features. So we are going to use some routes that have not been featured for a year or two and include them on the schedule again. Or maybe we ll choose a section of a race that was ridden in one direction in a particular year, which riders will take the other way round the year after. However, we are keeping the legendary sectors like the Fournel downhill, Bastide- Neuve, Pas-de-Louvet and Dalle en Béton. For this year s races, we have mostly worked on perfecting the courses, particularly when it comes to safety and ensuring that riders get the maximum enjoyment out of the technical sections. * see schedule page 13 11

14 THE RACE SCHEDULE The 33 rd anniversary for the Roc d Azur and a 120-hectare playground. But as all those kilometres create a healthy appetite, 10 tonnes of food will be distributed at the various feeding stations along with 50,000 litres of drinks. The 20,000 riders will have to find the energy to tackle the 30 races of this 2016 edition of the Roc d Azur. RACE DISTANCE START TIME WEDNESDAY 5 th OCTOBER ELEVATION GAINS AND LOSSES STARTING AND FINISHING POINT GÉNÉRATION ROC XC: 8km 2.15pm & 3.25pm - Base Nature in Fréjus 12 GÉNÉRATION ROC XC: 15km 2.35pm - - GÉNÉRATION ROC «SPORT POUR TOUS» XC: 8km 3.45pm - - THURSDAY 6 th OCTOBER ROC TROPHY #1* XC: 23km 8am +/- 350m Base Nature in Fréjus ISOSTAR MASTERS ROC XC: 42km 8.30am / 8.45am +/- 750m Base Nature in Fréjus RANDO ROC ALL MOUNTAIN Rando: 33km 9.30am +/- 1,050m Roquebrune-sur-Argens ROC LIGHT XC: 23km 10am +/- 350m Base Nature in Fréjus RANDO ROC ALTITUDE TRI ROC Rando: 42km 12h / 12.15pm +/- 700m Base Nature in Fréjus Triathlon: 1,5/23/11km FRIDAY 7 th OCTOBER 1pm - Base Nature in Fréjus ROC TROPHY #2* XCM: 82km 8am +/- 2,300m Base Nature in Fréjus CANYON ROC MARATHON XCM: 82km 8am / 8.15am / 8.30am / 8.45am +/- 2,300m Base Nature in Fréjus BUFF MID ROC XC: 38km 12.30pm / 12.45pm +/- 650m Base Nature in Fréjus RANDO ROC ODYSSEY Rando: 33km 1pm/ 1.15pm / 1.30pm +/- 420m Base Nature in Fréjus ROC RUELLES DE FREJUS XC: 800m 7pm - Place de l Église, Fréjus KID ROC RUELLES XC: 800m 7.40pm - Place de l Église, Fréjus Discover the schedule and details about the races on

15 THE RACE SCHEDULE RACE DISTANCE START TIME SATURDAY 8 th OCTOBER ELEVATION GAINS AND LOSSES STARTING AND FINISHING POINT GRAVEL ROC XC: 50km 8am +/- 720m Base Nature in Fréjus ROC TROPHY #3* XC: 42km 8.45am +/- 750m Base Nature in Fréjus ROC D AZUR JUNIORS HOMMES ENDUROC (5 SPÉCIALES) XC: 42km 9am +/- 750m Base Nature in Fréjus Enduro: 38km 9.30am +/- 1,500m Roquebrune-sur-Argens ROC TANDEMS XC: 42km 10am +/- 750m Base Nature in Fréjus RANDO ROC ÉLECTRIQUE NOIRE ALLTRICKS.COM RANDO ROC NOIRE RANDO ROC ROUGE DÉGUISÉE KID ROC *ROC TROPHY - 4 DAYS THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY WINNER 23KM 82KM 42KM 56KM Rando: 48km 10.30am +/- 1,000m Base Nature in Fréjus Rando: 48km 10.45am /11.15am / 11.45am / 12.15pm BEST TIME ACCUMULATED ON 4 TESTS +/- 1,000m Base Nature in Fréjus XC: 18km 2pm +/- 160m Base Nature in Fréjus XC: 2 / 4 / 6 / 8km 3pm / 3.30pm / 4pm / 4.30pm - Base Nature in Fréjus RANDO ROC FAMILLE Rando: 8km 4.45pm - Base Nature in Fréjus ROC RUELLES DE ROQUEBRUNE-SUR-ARGENS ROC D AZUR DAMES & ESPOIRS DAMES ROC D AZUR CADETS / CADETTES & JUNIORS DAMES XC: Boucles de 900m SUNDAY 9 th OCTOBER 7pm - Roquebrune-sur-Argens XC: 42km 8am +/- 750m Base Nature in Fréjus XC: 18km 8.30am +/- 160m Base Nature in Fréjus ROC TROPHY #4* XC: 56km 9.30am - Base Nature in Fréjus ROC D AZUR XC: 56km 9.30am/ 9.45am / 10am/ 10.15am / 10.30am / 10.45am / 11am / 11.15am +/- 1,300m Base Nature in Fréjus 13

16 THE FIGURES RACES 150KM OF TRAILS A 120-HECTARE PLAYGROUND ORGANISATION More than 900 volunteers 75 people involved in the organisation Security measures: 150 firemen, SAMU (emergency medical services), first aid associations + Municipal Police Force (Fréjus and Roquebrune), National Police Force, Gendarmerie FOOD AND DRINKS 10 tonnes of food, almost 50,000 litres of drinks ORGANISATION THE PARTICIPANTS PROFILES 20,500 participants in nationalities (Top 3): France- Belgium-Italy 51% are between 35 and 49 years-old Age groups Under % 18 to 24 years-old...4% 25 to 34 years-old...17% 35 to 49 years-old...51% 50 to 64 years-old...24% Over % Average age 41 years-old 94% men 6% women 43% first participants (vs 36% in 2015)

17 THE FIGURES TV BROADCASTING Production of a 26-minute film broadcast throughout the world 20 broadcasters of the Final Programme 140 territories DIGITAL Website Unique visitors: 530, 000 Visits: 592,218 Page views: 1,642,001 EXHIBITION Videos Youtube: Best of Roc d Azur 2015: 16,971 views Facebook: Best of Roc d Azur 2015: views Social networks Facebook: 33,469 Twitter: 2,364 Instagram: exhibitors More than 25,000 m 2 of exhibition space (8,000 square metres indoors + 17,000 square metres outdoors) More than 100,000 visitors 1,200 bikes tested 3 hours 40 minutes average visitor time Average spend per family: E1,225 (as of 30 th August, 2016) 15

18 Rue des Batteries 2016 ROC D AZUR THE VILLAGE Zone Animations Salon Intérieur Salon Extérieur Terre Espace Partenaires 16 PRESS KIT Salon Extérieur Mer Mer Méditerranée The Key Start VTT Tri Roc park/transition zone First Aid Finish Registration/Bibs Osteopaths Podium Roc Service Center Club Roc Team Space Bicycles renting Exhibitors car parks (P1 & P2) Drinks and food Espace Team Press - Organization - Volunteers car park (P3) Isostar Chill Zone Bicycles park Public car park Tri Roc start Press office Toilets

19 THE EXHIBITION Roc d Azur is as much about the exhibition as the races. Every year the exhibition attracts more than 100,000 visitors who want to discover the new features of major MTBiking brands as well as in terms of nutrition, clothing and accessories, with 300 exhibitors on over 25,000 square metres of exhibition space. We are receiving more and more requests each year from brands who want to exhibit at the exhibition, explains Alexandre Maslin, the Manager of the event. This popularity means that we have to work hard to improve the organisation of the exhibition areas and the management of the flow of visitors. In 2016, the Roc d Azur has a brand-new zone in the heart of the exhibition area, the Service Center. In this 100-square metre zone, visitors will be able to find useful information, race results, a map of the village and sign up to the Roc Test Camp all in the same place. The Roc Test Camp is a dedicated test zone where riders can exclusively try out new models offered by the major brands for Participants can therefore test their future purchases, whether they re looking for a new bike, clothing or nutrition products. They can also compare the products from leading brands and talk to the professionals. These discussions are beneficial to both parties, for one in terms of advice and providing product feedback to the other m exhibitors More than 100,000 visitors 1,200 bikes tested 3 hours 40 minutes average visitor time Average spend per family: E1,225 Riders will find many other services to help them make the most of the races and the exhibition, including a secure bike park, a cleaning and pump station, a mechanical workshop and even an osteopath service. Another new feature this year is that they will also be able to recover after the races in the Isostar Chill zone. The Roc app is available on Android, Apple Store and Windows Phone for an enhanced visitor experience of the exhibition. As well as information about races, users can search for products by brand or category (clothing, equipment, nutrition). They can also use the app to find the products that will be available to test so they can prepare their visit to the exhibition. 17 Salon du Roc d Azur 2015

20 THE ACTIVITIES AND THE SHOWS While the mountain bike addicts are out riding the trails in the Massif des Maures, their family and friends will be waiting for them at the Base Nature in Fréjus. But the wait will be enjoyable because at the Roc d Azur sport goes hand in hand with entertainment. And there will be plenty of it The packed and varied programme gives those accompanying the riders the opportunity to discover different bike disciplines including acrobatic and aerial stunt displays as well as technical performances. 18 On Thursday, all eyes will be riveted on the Freestyl Air show. A combination of trial, free running and scooter skills that pushes the concept of acrobatics on street furniture to the absolute limits. Spectators are sure to be thrilled by the show. The Roc N Ride is perhaps the most spectacular show of all. The principle is simple: a 10-m ramp gives riders enough momentum to tackle a series of clay bumps where they compete against one another to achieve the greatest heights and the best stunts. A spectacular show is guaranteed. The Roc N Ride begins on Thursday with the Rookie Contest, an under 19s competition, before the pros take to the stage for the qualifying rounds on Friday and the grand finale on Saturday. The BMX Roc Contest is another competition which is designed around twenty modules. BMX riders have two turns to ride across artificial blocks up to 5.5-m high within a certain time whilst attempting to perform the most dramatic or technical stunts. The goal is to impress a panel of experts who will choose the winner. See you on Saturday and Sunday for this two-round event. Lastly, the French Cycle Instructors (MCF) will be showcasing their talents from Thursday to Sunday, twice a day in technical demonstrations that involve audience participation. It remains to be seen if you will allow a rider to fly over your head on his bike Freestyl Air

21 THE ACTIVITIES AND THE SHOWS But the Base Nature is more than just a huge, spectacular show and competition venue, it s also the opportunity to try out some different sports little known to the general public. The Big Airbag is one of the favourites. Everyone can fly through the air after a 20-m run-up and try their hand at all kinds of acrobatics imaginable. Landing won t be a problem because riders will fall into a giant airbag. MCF instructors will be on hand from Thursday to Sunday to give riders tips for their next attempt. The MCF will also be introducing mountain biking to small children on a handling circuit that is open from Thursday to Sunday. The youngsters will also be able to learn how to manoeuvre around technical obstacles with a succession of bumps and small jumps over several dozen metres, all without having to pedal. This will take place on the Pump Track, under the supervision of the BMX Roc Contest MCF from Thursday to Sunday. The race on an untimed course for the under-fives featured at the Roc des Alpes will also be on the programme at the Roc d Azur. The Roc Draisienne is a few metres long and will attract spectators and children alike. And for the musical finale to this programme and the Roc d Azur, DJs from Fun Radio will be hosting evening entertainment at the Roc Ruelles in Fréjus and Roquebrune-sur- Argens. Roc N Ride 19

22 INTERVIEW RODOLPHE BEYER Rodolphe Beyer, Director of Canyon France, is clearly delighted with the partnership between his brand and the Roc d Azur. 20 The partnership between Canyon and A.S.O. is very much part of the Roc d Azur s history; how important is it for you to be actively involved in the race? Our partnership is now in its 5 th year and we have already renewed our contract until So we ve got a lot of shared history. The Roc d Azur is quite simply the major mountain biking event in France, of course, but also in Europe, and possibly also in the world. For us as a bike brand, and mountain bikes in particular, the event puts us in direct contact with mountain bikers and enables our athletes to take part in the races. The Roc d Azur is the major gathering in the mountain biking world and is both an excellent sporting event and an exhibition with increasing impact. It gives us the opportunity to improve our visibility in this market segment, as well as play our part in developing and enhancing this very special event in the season. This involves, among other things, improving the stands by focusing on the quality of our exhibition space. What will Canyon be doing at the exhibition? We ve actually got two stands. The main one where visitors will be able to see our full MTB range as well as our road and triathlon bikes. This will allow us to exchange views with the riders and the other partners. On the Roc Test Camp, we have a zone where people will have the opportunity to test our new 2017 mountain bikes. As well as our road and triathlon bikes, this 120-square metre area also includes our merchandising and spare parts shop as well as a mechanical zone. We are also going to set up our Canyon cafe here where we will serve non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day. It will be a friendly place where people can come for a chat and a drink. This is also where the 2016 partners evening will be held in conjunction with the Mavic stand just opposite. This will be a sociable event with our champions and visitors. Is the Roc d Azur an essential fixture? Yes absolutely. Firstly, because Fréjus is a magical place where good weather is guaranteed at this time of year. The race itself is also a very special event, particularly this year with the Olympic Games. Amateur riders will be able to rub shoulders with the champions on the same terrain and in exactly the same conditions. Finally, because it is the end of the season, it s the last chance to enter into the competition spirit, and enjoy the Roc and end of season festivities. For us as manufacturers, this is the time that riders are looking to buy new equipment to prepare for the following season. It s a golden opportunity to discuss trends with them and prepare the ground for off-season sales.

23 THE PARTNERS Le Roc d Azur thanks its 2016 partners MAJOR PARTNER OFFICIAL PARTNERS OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS 21 OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS MEDIA PARTNERS INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

24 THE 2016 ROC SEASON There were a host of ROC events throughout the 2016 mountain biking season, which were based on the same philosophy. The principle is to keep the same three-pronged approach that has made the concept successful, explains Alexandre Maslin, Manager of the Event. These three elements are sport, with numerous races, the Village that enables us to offer manufacturers excellent brand visibility and finally entertainment and events to involve families and not just riders. 22 ROC D ARDENNE 29 th April- 1 st May in Houffalize (Belgium) A key mountain biking event is often how Houffalize is described, 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 3 rd edition of the Roc Ardenne was organised by Golazo, A.S.O. s partner, in the heart of the Ardenne Bleue region and the province of Luxembourg. The 4,500 riders who participated in this 3 rd edition discovered that Belgium is anything but flat ROC DES ALPES - LA CLUSAZ 17 th to 19 th June, in La Clusaz (Haute-Savoie) With more than 4,500 participants, the 4 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, downhill) and a fantastic way to discover the Massif des Aravis, the Plateau des Confins and the valleys around La Clusaz. Roc d Azur - Canyon Roc Marathon 2015

25 THE 2016 ROC SEASON ROC D AZUR 5 th to 9 th October, in Fréjus (Var) This is where everything began in riders attended the 1 st 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 150,000 visitors also come to enjoy the biggest MTB village in the world at this essential fixture on the calendar. Roc d Azur Dames and Espoirs Dames

26 PRESS CONTACTS Press Relations Mille & une vagues Agency Soazig GUÉHO / Eve MAILHO Tel. no.: +33 (0) Mob.: +33 (0) / +33 (0) contact@milletunevagues.com presseroc@aso.fr A.S.O. Press Department Aude Raynaut Tel. no.: +33 (0) araynaut@aso.fr A.S.O PHOTOS CREDITS : P. ALESSANDRI / P. BALLET / R. BORD / S. BOUÉ / G. DEMOUVEAUX / M. MOLLE / H.TARRIEU rocazur.com #RocdAzur