Course preview: Vars MTB Challenge 2020

Damien and Max bring you down the Vars bike park on the Taillefer track, a black diamond track which is hosting a virtual race open to everyone this year. The Vars MTB Challenge!

The Vars La Forêt Blanche resort hosts each year a mountain bike event called the MTB TeamUp which is bringing together several events: an open DH, an enduro, and an all-mountain ride … The event brings a quite innovative concept since the stages can be ridden individually or in teams, up to 6 people!

But, as the event has been canceled this season due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the Vars bike park and the organizer Dose de Sport have set up an alternative event. It is called the Vars MTB Challenge, and it’sa virtual race which is standing on the iconic Taillefer track.

Maxime (and Damien) on the upper section / © photo: Vars La Forêt Blanche

The concept is very simple and no registration is required. All you have to do is go to Vars and ride the Taillefer track while recording your time on the Strava app. All you need is a GPS watch or a smartphone, and the free (or paid) version of Strava.

The race is open to all levels, all ages and all types of bikes. Two rankings (a man and a woman) are updated every week on the event page until the end of the challenge on August 30, 2020. There are many prizes to be won for the top ranking (helmets, gloves, jerseys, registrations for the 2021 MTB TeamUp event and lift tickets for the Vars bike park)!

Damien on the road gap, halfway down the trail / © photo: Vars La Forêt Blanche

Bunny hop over the double step / © photo : Vars La Forêt Blanche

After he filmed the course preview, Damien took part in the challenge and set a first time reference to beat. He completed the official Strava segment in 3″13! Now it’s your turn to try to do better!