Roc d’Azur isn’t just a race weekend — it’s the heart of mountain biking in Europe. Thousands of riders descend on Frejus and every October to test themselves on some of the most scenic and challenging trails along the Mediterranean coast.
The variety is a lot to get your head around: from grueling marathons and cross-country races to fast, technical descents and fun amateur events. Every type of rider has a place here — pros, veterans, and complete beginners alike. Even as a spectator, you can feel the excitement buzzing through the air as waves of riders take off at dawn, day and night.
I flew in from Málaga, where it’s still scorching hot at this time of year. When I landed in Nice, I discovered that this part of the Mediterranean was also holding onto its heat—blue skies, bright sunshine, and a sparkling sea. The mountains and landscape were on another level altogether. Honestly, I reckon it’s one of the most beautiful places in Europe. The base camp was set up in Base Nature in Fréjus, a small sea-front town with a well-organised venue where many of the rides and races began under imposing start gates, and where the Expo Village was hosted.
Having heard so much about it, I wanted to find out whether Roc d’Azur was a trade show with bike rides, or bike rides with a trade show. The answer? Both.
The Expo Village was on the scale of the biggest product fairs I’ve ever seen in cycling. All the major brands were there, showcasing their latest technology and styles. Visitors could test bikes, join fun competitions like the fastest wheel-change contest, or watch spectacular stunt shows. I bumped into plenty of familiar faces, friends from the past, and even a few cycling celebs wandering around.
Despite not having a bike, I was determined to follow the racing as much as I could and keep track of those taking part. Rides and races set off wave after wave. On Thursday, I watched the dusty MTB trails come alive with the Garmin Roc Masters and even the Roc Tandem race—which was quite a sight!
It was on the mountain sides that I first noticed the smell of the place—a smell that lingered for days and one I wish I could bottle: fresh mint, pine needles, a faint waft from the sea, and that specific scent of dust kicked up by bikes.
The highlight win for me was the Škoda Roc Marathon, just over 100 km of trails with nearly 3,000 m of climbing—won by Wout Alleman, who then packed up and headed straight to the Gravel World Championships. Truly inspiring for us mere mortals.
The atmosphere was fantastic. You could tell the riders were enjoying themselves. It had that end-of-season vibe, where having fun felt just as important as the results. The spectators brought it to life too—not in massive crowds, but in a steady stream of passionate cycling lovers, all smiles and friendly “bonjours” wherever I went.
The images that will stay with me most are of the kids’ races. They started under the same huge gates as the pros, with loud music and a buzzing start line. The dust and noise they kicked up was remarkable. I suspect many of them went to bed that night with vivid dreams of becoming champions.
And when I wasn’t race-chasing, I hung out at the Škoda We Love Cycling tent—a hub for community leaders and group rides.
Back home in Málaga, I can finally tick Roc d’Azur off my bucket list. It was a truly incredible experience. Even without a bike, it brought together the cycling community and radiated passion and joy. Coming back to reality feels like a bit of a comedown, to be honest. I guess it just means I need to plan my 2026 trip—this time with the bike, the family, and a clear decision about which races to sign up for. Now… where’s that spray bottle?
