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Mountain of Hell this weekend in Les Deux Alpes

featured in News & Reviews Author Caroline Face, Updated

The 2009 edition of the infamous Mountain of Hell downhill mountain bike race takes place in Les Deux Alpes this weekend from the 17th to the 19th July and promises to be as terrifyingly fun as mountain biking can possible get.

The course starts from the top of the glacier and demands a serious amount of concentration as you head down the 25km course with a not too shabby 2500m of downhill height difference. Over 400 riders are expected to take part in this, the 10th edition of the race.

It was indeed 10 years ago that a handful of mates got together to form 'Les Choucas Bikers' and the Mountain of Hell event was born. Since the very first year, the race has attracted hundreds of bikers - young, old, pros and amateurs all wanting to take on the hell of the mountain.

Friday the 17th July is a recce day, where riders can get a feel of the course and just how much snow, rock, ice and slippery ground they're going to have to negotiate during the race days of Saturday and (if they qualify) Sunday.

Extra motivation this year for the amateur riders with GT donating one of only three GT Force carbon bikes in spangly bling bling gold for the best placed amateur rider. If you win it, you'll properly stick out like a sore thumb, as there are only three of these said golden bikes in the world. Best buy a decent lock for it then if you win!

There's also an event within the event, the Alp'N Slopestyle competition, which takes place in the centre of resort and, with a total of 6000€ of prize money up for grabs, we suspect the standard will be pretty high. There are two Brit riders confirmed too for the freestyle; Lance McDermott and Sam Pilgrim.

If you're a bit mad you'll be entering the competition, but if not, it's destined to be a great weekend in Les Deux Alpes with a fabulous atmosphere and plenty of two-wheeled action to keep you entertained.

Watch highlights of last years Mountain of Hell here>>