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If you're new to cycling and want to learn more about the different disciplines of mountain biking, you're in the right place. Today, we're introducing you to the marathon downhill.
What is marathon downhill mountain biking?
Like its big sister the downhill, the marathon downhill consists of the mountain biker racing down a trail. But, unlike the downhill, the start is grouped in mass-starts and on a much longer course, lasting more than 30 minutes or even an hour, usually over distances.
Marathon downhill events take place in the mountains, or even in the high mountains. Because of the distance, there can sometimes be flat or uphill portions. Because of these specifics, marathon downhill is often associated with enduro and the bikes used for this event are a bit different than DH bikes.
The most famous marathon downhill events
The most famous of all marathon downhill events is probably the Mégavalanche de l'Alpe d'Huez. This event originated in 1995 and takes place every year during the summer in the Alps. The start is at the top of the Sarenne glacier at 3300 meters above sea level and the finish is in Allemond at 2600 meters above sea level.
In this category, there are also events such as the Mégavalanche de la Réunion which also originated in 1995 or the Mountain of Hell which takes place in the ski resort of Les 2 Alpes.
The prize list
On the first two events mentioned above, there are several winners who have been able to win there several times, including some who come from DH or enduro.
Nicolas Vouilloz, seven-time DH world champion, thus won the Alpe d'Huez Megavalanche in 2006 and the Reunion one three times. The most titled Frenchman in these two events is undoubtedly Rémy Absalon (the brother of Julien Absalon, Olympic cross-country champion) with 5 successes in the Alps and seven titles in Reunion.
In the women's category, the most medaled is Anne-Caroline Chausson with 6 victories in Alpe d'Huez as well as in Reunion. She too comes from the downhill discipline.
Now that you are unaware of the downhill marathon, how about doing the same with the other mountain bike disciplines such as downhill, freeride mountain biking, enduro mountain biking, all mountain biking, cross-country, cross-country marathon, mountain biking, four cross, dual slalom, dirt mountain biking, street mountain biking, trials mountain biking or slopestyle?
