The Vercors region continues to make its mark in the world of mountain biking. On 6 and 7 June 2026, the second edition of the Vercors Bike Experience brought together several hundred participants in Méaudre, confirming the growing interest in this event dedicated to mountain biking and outdoor sports. More than just a competition, the event has now established itself as a true celebration of mountain biking, combining sporting performances, exploring the region and sharing experiences among enthusiasts.
At a time when mountain destinations are seeking to diversify their activities beyond the winter season, the Vercors is once again demonstrating its ability to attract outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its exceptional terrain, solid organisation and a strong identity rooted in the great outdoors.
The Vercors: a natural paradise for mountain bikers
Located between Grenoble and Valence, the Vercors massif has long been renowned for its spectacular landscapes, high-altitude plateaus, dense forests and vast unspoilt areas. The region boasts a particularly well-developed network of trails suitable for all forms of mountain biking: cross-country, enduro, gravel, e-biking and even fitness cycling.
The routes offered during the Vercors Bike Experience allowed participants to discover the full beauty of the Autrans-Méaudre region. From technical sections in the forest to fast-flowing trails and crossings through mountain pastures, the mountain bikers rode through a stunning natural environment. The areas of the Molière plateau, renowned for their panoramic views of the Alps, provided a particularly stunning backdrop for the various events.
This immersion in nature is now one of the Vercors’ main attractions, drawing in competitive athletes, families and outdoor enthusiasts alike who are looking to get away from it all.
A sporting spectacle in store
The success of the Vercors Bike Experience is also down to the quality of its sporting programme. No fewer than fifteen events were held over the weekend, attracting more than 500 participants who came to tackle various challenges on the mountain range’s trails.
Some competitors even chose to take part in several races over the weekend, perfectly illustrating the spirit of pushing oneself to the limit that characterises the event. Others took the adventure a step further by cycling from the Grenoble metropolitan area to the start line before taking part in the competitions. An approach that reflects the latest trends in outdoor cycling, where the journey and the experience are just as important as performance.
Among the participants were several well-known athletes. Former Olympic champion and multiple world biathlon champion Marie Dorin-Habert excelled in several events, taking her place on the podium on numerous occasions over the weekend. French marathon champion Yohann Piguet was also present alongside numerous local athletes.
A lively village at the foot of the slopes in Méaudre
Beyond the competitive aspect, the Vercors Bike Experience has succeeded in creating a genuine destination experience. Situated at the foot of the Méaudre slopes, the event village served as the hub of activities throughout the weekend.
Under a constant sun, visitors, families, exhibitors and cyclists were able to enjoy a particularly packed programme. The major cycling brands were on hand to offer bike trials, allowing visitors to discover the latest innovations on the market. Over a hundred bikes were made available for test rides, offering a unique opportunity to try out different models in real-world conditions.
Airbag demonstrations, performances by Garage Bricolo, children’s activities and food stalls showcasing local produce all helped to create a particularly friendly atmosphere. This festive atmosphere is now one of the hallmarks of the Vercors Bike Experience.
An event that brings a whole region together
One of the key successes of this event lies in its ability to bring together all local stakeholders. Volunteers, local organisations, cycling professionals, producers, craftspeople, tourist offices and local authorities are united behind a shared project aimed at promoting the Vercors as a leading destination for outdoor activities.
This collective momentum is now essential to the development of tourism in mountain regions. In the face of climate change and visitors’ evolving expectations, Alpine destinations are increasingly focusing on events capable of attracting a diverse range of visitors throughout the year.
The Vercors Bike Experience is fully in line with this strategy. By combining sport, nature, exploration and a friendly atmosphere, the event helps to boost the region’s appeal to an ever-wider audience.
Figures that reflect a real craze
This second edition of the Vercors Bike Experience more than lived up to expectations. Over 500 participants took part in the various events organised throughout the weekend, confirming the event’s growing appeal among mountain bike enthusiasts. On the trails of Autrans-Méaudre, competitors covered a total of nearly 450 kilometres, with routes featuring up to 2,300 metres of elevation gain.
The event village was also a resounding success, thanks to the presence of key players from the cycling industry. Around a hundred bikes were available for test rides, allowing visitors to try out the latest models from the brands in attendance. In total, fifteen competitions and activities took place over the two days, which were blessed with constant sunshine, providing ideal conditions for visitors to fully enjoy the Vercors countryside.
Building on this latest success, the Vercors Bike Experience is already looking forward to welcoming cycling enthusiasts in June 2027. The organisers have made their ambition clear: to continue developing the event and further enhance its national profile.
Through this event, the Vercors region has demonstrated that it has everything it takes to become one of France’s top mountain biking destinations: spectacular scenery, well-developed facilities, recognised expertise and a particularly dedicated community of enthusiasts. For lovers of the mountains, cycling and adventure, this event is now firmly established on the calendar of major French outdoor events.
