THE CÔTE D’AZUR MERCANTOUR ULTRA-TRAIL: A UNIQUE LANDSCAPE!
Its climbs and technicality make it one of the most difficult trails in the world!
At 10:00 on 9 July, competitors in the 150 km and 180 km will set off from the Place du Palais in the Principality of Monaco! They will then head for the Roya Valley (severely affected by storm Alex in October 2020), crossing the balconies of the Riviera over the heights of Menton, via magnificent villages and hilltops with an incredible sea view.
The first stage will end at the base camp in Breil sur Roya, where a bivouac will be set up to welcome the runners.
The rest of the programme is just as attractive, with a magical and unique section through the heart of Mercantour National Park, along the route of the Grande Traversée du Mercantour [Great Mercantour Crossing], heading for Authion and the renowned Col de Turini, made famous by the Monte-Carlo Rally. Another pretty nod to the ties that bind the Alpes-Maritimes Department and the Principality of Monaco.
The end of this extraordinary adventure will end around Saint-Martin-Vésubie, where the second base camp will await the competitors, with sections at an altitude of almost 3000 m.
The other races, starting from and ending in Saint Martin Vésubie, will not be outdone with an extremely mountainous profile and sections along crests at 2500 m above sea level.
And all this with breath-taking views of the coast: assets unique to the Vésubie Valley.
A 10 km will allow the less-experienced to enjoy the joys of Trail running, over a more accessible course.
