The disciplines

Downhill or DHI is certainly the most challenging and spectacular discipline in mountain biking. 

It’s not difficult to understand: the aim is to arrive at the finish line as fast as possible… on a course inaccessible to the average person! Different technical or fast sections alternate with a succession of jumps, roots, clusters of stones, bends, slopes and all sorts of other obstacles destined to undermine the riders’ control. Because in this race, control is the key ingredient, with a healthy dose of fear and adrenaline! 

We recommend thrill-seekers head for the Mont-Chéry track (don’t be fooled by the sweet name [literally “My darling”]) where you will be able to share all the emotions with the riders of the race… 🔥

➡️ Start altitude : 1740 meters
➡️ Length : 2,4 km
➡️ Descent : 571 meters
➡️ Mountain pasture / ski pistes : 40%
➡️ Forest undergrowth : 60%

Because it is the most accessible, Cross-Country (with the acronym XCO, X for Cross, C for Country, O for Olympic) is the most practised and common mountain bike discipline around the world, both for amateurs and competitors. 

Cross-Country became an Olympic sport in 1996 in Atlanta. It is raced on a closed track where riders do several laps. The elite events (men and women) last about 1.5 hours compared to 1.15 hours for the under 23s. The goal is to race on the course which rises and falls and alternates technically challenging sections and steep climbs. XCO performance requires endurance, strength and agility. 

Unlike downhill, where individuals start alone and the best time is required, XCO events are organised as mass starts.

➡️ Start/finish altitude : 1165 m
➡️ Max altitude : 1243 m
➡️ Distance : 3,55 km
➡️ Positive elevation : 140 m per lap
➡️ Degree of + slope average/ max : 6% / 17,4%
➡️ Degree of – slope average/ max : -7,7% / -23,9%
➡️ Surface : 35% forest undergrowth, 65% mountain pastures 

Since 2018, the UCI has integrated a new race format into all Cross-Country World Cup stages, the XCC “Short Track”. This is a placement round and the results will be used to determine the starting grid for the XCO events. 

This very short (7 loops of 1.2 km) and fast (20 minutes) race format has few technical difficulties but many challenges, requiring a great deal of physical effort and dedication to succeed. There are two schools of thought: either you observe and try to second guess each other and give it your all in the last few laps in the hope of keeping up the pace, or you give it your all from the start and try to open up the gaps quickly and race to the finish… Everyone has their own tactics in this relentless format, where suspense and emotions are felt all at once. In addition to this little game, the encouragement and excitement of the public, fired up to boost their favourite athletes, give the riders an energy spur that often makes the difference when they cross the finish line! 

➡️ Start/finish altitude : 1165 m
➡️ Max altitude : 1191 m
➡️ Distance : 1,074 km
➡️ Positive elevation : 43 meters per lap
➡️ Surface : 0% forest undergrowth, 100% mountain pastures

The Cross-Country Marathon (XCM) stands out for its unique blend of distance, endurance and strategy. This demanding event tests competitors over long distances and varied terrain, providing a captivating spectacle for participants and spectators alike.

The Cross-Country Marathon takes place over distances of around one hundred kilometres, with significant vertical drops – almost 4,000 metres for the Morzine course – and sometimes extreme conditions. Competitors have to combine speed, endurance and stamina to cover these demanding trails. But what makes this discipline even more interesting is the strategy involved.

Unlike other events where the start is decisive, the Cross-Country Marathon requires intelligent effort management throughout the race. Riders have to assess their energy reserves, choose the right moments to accelerate or rest, and take into account the weather conditions and the characteristics of the course. This combination of intense physical effort and strategic decision-making makes it a fascinating discipline to follow.

➡️ Distance : 100 km
➡️ Positive elevation : 4 200 m
➡️ Surface : 4X4 road : 75% – Single Track : 18% – Road : 7%

Enduro takes place on timed and untimed courses, combining fast, technical downhill sections with climbs where time is of the essence. Riders must demonstrate exceptional technical mastery to negotiate steep trails, jumps and obstacles while maintaining a high speed.

What sets Enduro apart is the notion of liaison. Between timed sections, riders have to ride non-timed links to get from one starting point to another. This means that endurance and the ability to manage effort over a long distance are also essential in this discipline. Competitors need to manage their energy to perform well in the timed sections while saving enough strength for the links.

The Enduro offers a thrilling spectacle for spectators, as riders compete on a variety of courses, from narrow forest trails to steep, rocky mountain slopes. The combination of speed, technique and commitment of the riders creates an electric atmosphere and guarantees moments of intense suspense and action.

While the E-Enduro has some of the same routes as the traditional Enduro, the difference lies in the electric assistance, which enables riders to offer shorter, but also more technically challenging, routes. This gives them the opportunity to compete on more timed courses than their non-motorised counterparts on the same day.

The E-Enduro race format also includes special stages, known as Power Stages, where riders have to demonstrate their ability to pilot their machines over short, highly technical timed courses, both uphill and downhill.