That's La Plagne
La Plagne Super8 Mountain Bike Event
July 12th to the 14th, 2024, La Plagne
Everything you need to know about the La Plagne Super8 mountain biking event
What to expect from the Super8
The Super8 is in its 4th year and is an amazing event, open for all abilities and ages to get involved.
Keep reading or click through the heading here to jump to the bits you need.
Join behind the scenes today and get the insider scoop
Summer Mountain Biking in La Plagne
You might have heard of La Plagne ski resort – after all, with 425 km to ski, it’s one of the biggest ski areas in the world! But what happens when the snow melts? We go mountain biking, of course! And this July brings one of the biggest La Plagne summer events to the stage: The Super Huit, or Super 8 mountain biking event! Read on to find out more about this mountain biking event in La Plagne and how you can watch it – or even get involved!
What is the Super 8 Event?
The Super 8 Mountain Biking Competition is an exhilarating event that brings together some of the most talented riders from around the world to compete in a variety of action-packed, adrenaline-fueled races. This event showcases the finest mountain biking skills while challenging participants to conquer demanding and diverse terrains. Whether you are a seasoned professional or simply an avid fan of mountain biking, the Super 8 event promises an exciting spectacle that will leave you in awe.
This summer, 2024, La Plagne is celebrating the 4th year of the Super 8 event and adding several more courses to the calendar!
When is the Super 8?
Mark your calendars because the Super 8 Mountain Biking Competition takes place every July. This summer, 2024, The La Pagne Super 8 events are happening over 3 days, from Friday 12th July to Sunday 14th July.
Where Can We Watch the La Plagne Super 8?
The Super 8 event is a thrilling spectacle to witness, and luckily for spectators, there are several fantastic vantage points to catch all the action. La Plagne offers numerous viewing spots along each of the challenging race courses, allowing you to immerse yourself in the excitement and cheer for your favourite riders.
From panoramic viewpoints to designated spectator areas, there are plenty of options to ensure you don't miss a single heart-pounding moment of this incredible event. Have a look at each race description below to see where to head to watch the Super8 events you want to see.
How Can You Get Involved?
There are several different races over the 3 days of the La Plagne Super8 event, and they are designed to cater to different cycling interests, from road cycling to mountain biking, as well as different fitness levels and ages. Have a look through all the events below to see which one takes your fancy.
This year, my kids will be able to participate in the Super Kids MTB races, and I might check out the Gourmet Discovery Ride – cycling with local food tasting and snack stops? Perfect!
Additionally, La Plagne is a mountain biking haven all summer round, offering an extensive network of trails for visitors to explore. Check out this article about mountain biking in La Plagne and how to get involved.
Do you need to register for the Super8 events?
Yes, it is essential to register for the events at the Super8. Registration ensures that you secure your spot in the competition and allows the organizers to effectively manage the event logistics. By registering, you will receive important information regarding the event, such as race details, course maps, and any necessary guidelines or requirements. It also enables the organisers to plan for the appropriate number of participants and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. So, if you are interested in taking part in the Super8 events, don't forget to complete your registration to secure your place in the action.
Is the Super8 a Family-Friendly Event?
Absolutely! La Plagne prides itself on being a family-friendly destination, and the Super8 Mountain Biking Competition is no exception. As well as the event welcoming spectators of all ages, making it an ideal outing for families looking to immerse themselves in the world of mountain biking. Summer 2023, saw the launch of the Super Kids' events, with races available from 2 years and upwards, all designed to let your kids begin to explore on their bikes and have some fun along the way.
For my children, witnessing the talented riders in action really inspires them and ignites a passion for the sport. They always learn more from watching their peers and other competitors than they ever do from listening to me!
The La Plagne Super8 Event Program
*Waiting on 2024 event program updates*
Grand8
Over 2 days:
Stage 1: Friday, July 14th, 1 pm
Stage 2: Saturday, July 15th. 9 am
This is the main event for the professionals. A long-distance timed and classified race on E Mountain Bikes. It’s limited to only 50 participants whose successful selection is based on their previous competition success.
The queen race with the dizzying name of “Grand8” is reserved for experts and elite mountain bikers in the form of a 2-day tour of La Plagne with a bivouac over the middle night. Starting in the valley, the Grand8 covers 100 km and climbs over 5 970 m of elevation over the 2 days!
At the end of the Grand8 event, the winners are crowned and will win 600€ for the top male and female racers.
The Double8
Sunday, July 16th, 8 am
The Double8 is a classified and timed mountain bike and electric mountain bike race. It’s the ideal race for sporty amateurs with successive loops in the form of a four-leaf clover in “stop or go” style.
The starting point (and finishing line) for the Double8 is Bellecôte, and within the 2 formats of the race, MTB or e-MTB, you can also choose to:
- Do the Double8 individually or as a 2-person relay
- Choose your distance from 23 km, 46 km, 71 km or 82 km
The four loops are:
Loop 1 – Plagne Montalbert sector – 23 km – 1025m D+.
Loop 2 – Montchavin-les-Coches sector – 23km – 815m D+.
Loop 3 – Champagny en Vanoise sector – 25km – 1165m D+.
Loop 4 – Tour du Saint Jacques – 11km – 576 m D+.
Individual MTB male and female winners will get 400€, and the e-MTB male and female winners will get 200€
The Simple8
Sunday, July 16th, 8 am
This is the perfect introduction to the spirit of the Super8 event. It is simply the two loops of the Double8 race, each at 23 km. It’s open to everyone, timed but not ranked.
Loop 1 – Sector Plagne Montalbert – 23 km – 1025m D+.
Loop 2 – Montchavin-les-coches sector – 23km – 815m D+.
The Climb of La Plagne (“Grimpee de La Plagne”)
Saturday, July 15th, 10 am to 12 noon at Plagne Centre
THE ROAD WILL STAY OPEN OR CARS FROM AIME TO LA PLAGNE CENTRE.
For road cycling lovers – and lovers of the 21 La Plagne hairpin bends! – this year sees the return of a road cycling event at the Super8. The event will take place on an open road.
The climb sets off from the main square in Aime La Plagne and is then 18 km up 1 300 m of constant elevation and climbing to reach the finish line in Plagne Centre.
This is the first event and sees the riders climb up the famous 21 hairpin bends from Macot to Plagne Centre.
The Super Kids’ Races
Saturday, July 15th
Finally! In 2023, the kids will have their chance to compete in the La Plagne Super8 event! There are 3 different events to cater to different ages and abilities.
We will see:
Super Kids Enduro: 9 to 14 years
Saturday, July 15th, 3.30 pm
The Super Kids Enduro features several special stages with a downhill profile, utilising the blue trails of the La Plagne Bike Park. The main objective of this race is to successfully complete the special stages, interconnected by connecting sections, all within a specified time limit.
The starting lift is in Plagne Centre, the Colorado Lift, ensuring easy access for participants. The specific details of the course are revealed on the day of the race, adding an element of surprise and anticipation.
Riders will be classified into different ranking categories based on gender and age.
Super Kids MTB: 5 to 8 years
Saturday, July 15th, 4 pm
Calling all little adventurers aged 5 to 8! This fun animation is specially designed for children to have a blast while exploring the world of mountain biking.
Starting from Plagne Centre, the course takes the form of a loop, to be completed multiple times based on the participant's age. Departures are organised according to age categories, ensuring a fair and enjoyable experience for all young riders. Parents will have the opportunity to cheer on and support their children as they tackle the fun and well-marked course.
While the Super Kids MTB is timed, it is not classified, meaning it's all about having a fantastic time rather than competing for rankings.
Super Kids Draisienne / Super Kids Balance Bike
Saturday, July 15th
11 am – 1230 pm: kids born in 2021 and 2020
2.30 pm: kids born in 2019, 2018 and 2017
The Super Kids Draisienne – draisienne means balance bike in French – offers a secure course specially adapted and supervised by professionals, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for your little riders. Taking place in the main square in Plagne Centre, departures will be organized by age group, ensuring fair and engaging competition for all participants.
The Super Kids Draisienne is not timed and not classified. The focus is purely on providing a playful environment where children can have a great time exploring their cycling abilities.
Discovery rides
Open for everyone to head out and explore La Plagne. There are 2 discovery rides this summer:
- The Sunset Hike
Friday, July 14th, 6.30 pm
A leisurely mountain bike ride, either MTB or e-MTB, setting off from Bellecôte. It’s a 17 km trail with a 500 m elevation. You’ll stop in the middle to enjoy the sunset and then head back in the dusk by headlight.
- The Rando Gourmet
Saturday, July 15th, 5.30 pm
If you like your sports mixed with good food, then this is the one for you! Setting off from Plagne Centre, the loop is about 15 km long with a 500 m elevation. But don’t worry, the ride is broken up by 3 different snack stops!
That’s La Plagne and how to enjoy the Super 8 Event this summer
La Plagne's Super8 Mountain Biking event is an unmissable event for mountain biking enthusiasts and those seeking an action-packed summer holiday in the French Alps.
With its breathtaking landscapes, challenging trails, and talented riders, the Super8 showcases the very best of the sport. Whether you choose to watch the competition from the sidelines or participate in the various biking activities available, La Plagne offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
So, pack your bags, bring your bike, and get ready to be captivated by the adrenaline-fueled excitement of the Super 8 event in La Plagne.
See you on the slopes!
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