At first glance, Alambike sounds terrifying; 24 continuous hours spent lapping Les Gets bike park with the aim of clocking up more kilometres in the saddle than any other participant, while raising as much money as possible for charity. Teams of between four and eight riders can enter the relay event, or you can compete individually, looping some of the most famous and legendary trails Les Gets has to offer. Yet Alambike isn’t simply a mountain bike challenge; it’s a coming together of two-wheeled enthusiasts from across the region and this event inspires even the youngest pedlars to jump into their saddle.
Suring summer 2024, Alambike takes place on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September. Charles Bergoend has been part of Les Wetzayers, a Les Gets association established to host events such as Alambike, since 2004. Here he explains why this event is important and what we can expect in 2024.
How was the Alambike born and what was your inspiration?
“In 2020, the Gêtoise (Les Gets) association “Les Wetzayers ” (which was founded in 2002) wished to re-launch an event in the village. This was seven years after the end of the Ebouelle Contest, a freestyle ski event which had become important in the world of skiing, hosting eight editions between 2005 and 2013. Some members of our association are passionate about mountain biking and we had the idea to create a 24-hour endurance relay race, drawing inspiration from the “Glisse en Cœur” ski event, organised in Grand-Bornand for nearly 15 years. The concept of Alambike took shape little by little, with the desire to create a sporting, friendly, but above all charitable event based around our collective love of cycling! The first edition would be postponed due to the Covid-19 crisis but finally saw the light of day the following year in 2021. After a successful first event, the Alambike concept develops each year with more and more cycling sporting events for all ages and all levels, with numerous activities and demonstrations, free concerts and more. We hope to see you for the fourth Alambike event on 7th & 8th of September, in Les Gets of course!
Why is Les Gets the ideal place to host this event?
For more than 30 years we have hosted national and international competitions, so mountain biking is clearly part of the DNA of Les Gets. After the first French MTB Cup in 1992, Les Gets continued to raise its profile with the French Championships, TNJV, the Enduro Series and without forgetting three editions of Crankworx, nine World Cups and two UCI World Championships in 2004 and 2022. These events will surely remain in the memories of all two-wheel enthusiasts, particularly with the French hat-trick in the Men’s DH (2022)! This summer again, the World Cup is once again stopping in Les Gets from 4th to 7th July, with the DH and Cross-Country events. Beyond the events, Les Gets has one of the most beautiful bike parks in Europe, with thousands of mountain bikers arriving every year to ride in the footsteps of the legends of yesterday… and tomorrow! The organisation of the Alambike would not be possible without the support of all the services Les Gets, including the town hall, SAGETS, the Office de Tourisme and the technical services. They work hand in hand with us to offer a fun, quality event. THANK YOU AGAIN for their help!
How many participants were present last summer and how much money did you raise?
The 2023 edition brought together 300 participants in the 24-hour relay, divided into 45 teams. After 24 hours of surpassing themselves – and each other – on electric or traditional mountain bikes, the totals are representative if their efforts! 15,374 cumulative kilometres were covered, resulting in donations of €16,674 collected, all of which were donated to the local association Bich’Rett 74, which supports young children suffering from Rett syndrome. The participants even had the honour of riding on the route dedicated to the UCI World Cup, which took place the following week. Let us add to these figures more than 60 children who took part with lots of smiles during the two balance bike races, without forgetting the many families who attended the various activities offered throughout the weekend.
What are your expectations for the 2024 edition? Are there any new developments to report?
In each edition, the objective is to grow the Alambike in terms of participants, quality, but also with new features. This year we hope to welcome 500 participants in the different mountain bike events, always with the desire to generate as many donations as possible at the end of the weekend. The formula will remain the same, but with even more sport, entertainment and concerts during two days in the heart of Les Gets village. And what’s new? Our desire is to open the event to all ages by offering mountain bike events to all audiences. For people looking for a sporting challenge, the 24 hours of Alambike will be open this year for individuals! A kids event is also appearing for 5-12 year olds, on an adapted mountain bike course. The course will be further improved with new routes and a few surprises. Find the entire program and register now on the event website: www.alambike.fr
What is the importance of partners and volunteers for this event?
As in all associations and events, partnerships and volunteering are essential elements. We thank all of our partners, always loyal, who have followed us since the start of this adventure. A huge THANK YOU to all the volunteers (they totalled 60 people in 2023) who take turns for 48 hours non-stop at the refreshment bar, reception, catering, refreshments, merchandising, mountain bike trails, etc. Without them, nothing would be possible! Fatigue is felt each time at the end of the weekend, but the atmosphere and the charitable dimension of the event push us to always do more the following year. We are waiting for you on 7th & 8th September for the fourth edition!
Online registrations for all Alambike events are now available at alambike.fr and close on 1st September 2024. Some details…
The 24 Event – For individuals and teams of 4-8 people
- For those aged 16 years and over
- Registration is €69 per person before 5th August, then €79 per person after
- Includes breakfast on the Sunday, refreshments, ski lift passes to use during the event, a 3x3m tent to use as your base, a 50% discount at Alta Lumina and an Alambike gift
The Three-hour Event – For children aged 12-17 years
- Registration is €20 per child before 5th August, then €25 per child after
- Includes refreshments and an Alambike gift
The Kids Event – For children aged 5-12 years
- Registration is €10 per child before 5th August, then €10 per child after
- Includes an Alambike gift
The Balance Bike Event – For children up to 5 years
- Registration is €5 per child
