DAY 1 : RECAP

by Ash Smith | Jun 21, 2023

Day 1 last year was a baptism of fire (snow) for us all, but in 2023 we were instead greeted with (mostly) bluebird skies and big vistas, setting the scene for a epic first day in the mountains.

A ‘big day’ by any measurement, but a fitting start to an adventure through some of the best terrain in this region.

PS1 had to be cancelled unfortunately due to some last minute issues, but the liaison to stage two more than made up for it, taking iconic balcony trails up to Col des Estronques and down PS2, towards Europe’s highest village Saint Veran and its pristine postcard view.

After a well needed break at the feed zone, it was time to face the second climb of the day to PS3, a freshly re-worked trail for the occasion with alpine singletrack galore at the start, and natural berms in the woods the whole way down.

A shuttle to the top of Col Agnel for PS4 gave the racers time to rest their legs before the last and… misty Stage of the day, down to Camp 1, in Pontechianale, Italy.

What will Day 2 bring? Check back in tomorrow for more content, live from the mountain.