The Trans-Savoie headed into backcountry of La Plagne for day three. 3,500m of timed descent over four stages greeted the riders- as well as unforgiving 850m climb to the top of Mont Jovet.
Stage one began on top of the Roche de Mio where competitors would have to tackle the “Brown Trouser Ridge” which, as the name suggests, is pretty gnarly.
The riders then took a lift from Champagny to the second stage of the day, known as “Spider Pig.” This section of the day’s racing featured more steep singletrack which cut into the deep woods.
After two and half days of pure downhill, the cross-country riders had a chance to show off their fitness with a calf-crushing 850m climb up a steep fire road.
The grinding climb finally did pay off though as the racers began to speed down a vast Alpine landscape before entering even more woodland area.
The final stage was technical- so much so that even the best of pros were forced to dismount as they made their way down the deep cut ravine and into the town of Bozel.
Nico Lau and Meggi Bichard are yet to be knocked from the top spots. Francois Billy-Maitre and Jamie Nicoll are still applying some pressure in second and third place. Kerstin Kogler and Monika Buchi occupy those places in the women’s category.
Current full standings available here.
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