The 39th edition of the Roc d’Azur will take place from October 4 to 8 in Fréjus

A major event for all mountain biking and outdoor sports enthusiasts, the Roc d’Azur is the perfect opportunity to extend summer on the trails of the Maures and Estérel massifs. With 5 event categories (MTB, electric MTB, gravel, outdoor, family/children), the Roc d’Azur offers a comprehensive program with a diversity of races, difficulties, and practices that allows everyone to enjoy this great gathering.

Photo: A.S.O./Jérémy Melloul

Mountain biking, the DNA of Roc d’Azur

Since 1984, the Roc d’Azur has supported the development of mountain biking. Now, more than 20,000 participants, amateurs and professionals, line up at the starts of the various races offered. Whatever the age, whatever the level, the Roc d’Azur is committed to delighting competition enthusiasts as well as those who come for leisure.

The Roc d’Azur, the event’s legendary race, the Ford Roc Marathon, and the Garmin Roc Masters will delight the most athletic, while the Randos Roc, the Rando déguisées (costumed rides), and the Ekoï Rando Odissey will suit those who don’t want to race against the clock.

Trail running and the Roc Trophy to vary the pleasures

Introduced last year, the Roc Trail returns on Saturday, October 7. Trail runners will be offered 4 events (16 km, 22 km, 32 km, 43 km), starting from Roquebrune-sur-Argens. Winner of numerous ultra trails around the world, Julien Chorier took the 32 km. He said he was “blown away”. “The organization is quite incredible with all the volunteers always in the right place and perfect marking. It’s a very nice discovery. Trail running perfectly has its place in this event.”

With 5 days of competition (1 event per day), 237 km to cover and 6,000 m of cumulative elevation gain to tackle, the Roc Trophy promises a particularly intense week at the Roc d’Azur. It’s an opportunity to take on a personal challenge and, above all, the guarantee of living every day to the rhythm of the Roc d’Azur.

Roc Trophy program here.

• Wednesday, October 4: Rallye Roc XC (34.1 km)
• Thursday, October 5: Rando Roc Enduro (38.9 km)
• Friday, October 6: Canyon Roc Marathon (91.3 km)
• Saturday, October 7: Individual Time Trial (18.1 km),
• Sunday, October 8: Roc d’Azur (54.5 km)

New for 2023

The Multi Roc Challenge is for complete athletes eager to multiply outdoor experiences. The program includes 4 events from Thursday, October 5 to Sunday, October 8, mixing the different disciplines present at the Roc. The general classification will be calculated by accumulating performances.

Multi Roc Challenge program here.

• Thursday, October 5: Tri Roc (Triathlon)
• Friday, October 6: Roc Marathon (MTB)
• Saturday, October 7: Roc Trail 32 km (running)
• Sunday, October 8: Roc d’Azur (MTB)

More and more numerous throughout France, walkers and hikers will also be able to participate in the great Roc d’Azur festival. On Sunday, October 8, four Hiking routes (5 km, 8 km, 13 km and 22 km) are included in the event program. From Place Perrin in Roquebrune-sur-Argens, participants will discover the beauty of the trails winding through the ocher rocks with the dazzling blue of the Mediterranean on the horizon.

Unique atmosphere and magnificent setting

Whatever the chosen event, all participants will be able to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the event, all the daily entertainment, and the village.

Stéphane Tempier, winner of the Roc d’Azur in 2012 and 2018

“There’s the competition, of course, but the Roc d’Azur is much more than that; it’s always a good time. It’s the only event of this scale. In the aisles of the exhibition, you meet amateurs, professionals, brands, and all the players in this universe. It even goes beyond mountain biking. Everyone mixes, it’s beautiful. There’s an atmosphere that you don’t always find in other sports. It’s a sharing of the same passion.”

The magic of the Roc: all events take place in a unique setting and breathtaking landscape: Massif des Maures, François Léotard nature base in Fréjus, Argens plain around Roquebrune-sur-Argens, heights of Saint-Raphaël, Estérel Côte d’Azur Agglomération territory. Even the heart of the old village of Fréjus is honored during the spectacular Roc Ruelles, held at night, in an electric atmosphere!

Return to the Estérel Massif

A new feature in 2022, the discovery of the Estérel massif was praised and appreciated by all. It was therefore obvious to bring it back for this 2023 edition with three rides: Rando Estérel, Rando Électrique Estérel, and Gravel Estérel. From the start of the Cap Estérel village in Saint-Raphaël, participants will once again be able to admire the magnificent panoramas of the Estérel Côte d’Azur Agglomération territory, on the heights of Saint-Raphaël. For each event, several distances will be offered (24, 20, 48, and 56 km for the two rides and 49 or 70 km for the gravel).

More information on the rides here.

For more information: www.rocazur.com

Source: Press Release

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