Want to get on the front row of the Megavalanche?

November 25th, 2009 @ 12:41 PM

FlowMTB are offering you a chance to get on the front row of qualifying for the 2010 Megavalanche. I know it’s a while off yet, but a front row slot will give you a great chance at a top qualifying position for the main event.

I started on the front row once on my hardtail and formed a rolling road block giving me a top 25 result in the qualies (which I pissed away with a horrendous main event performance) but then again Rob Dazzla Breakwell started from the very back row and still managed to charge his way to a top 20 spot.

Here’s the official word:

Front row positions for 2010 Megavalanche

Do you want a guaranteed place in the front row of a qualifying wave? Book for the Alpe d’Huez Megavalanche with flowmtb and you could get just that. They have 5 guaranteed places in the front row of qualifying waves; 10 guaranteed 2nd row places; and 10 guaranteed 3rd row places. All available on a first come first served basis to anyone who books with flowmtb.
flowmeganov09 Want to get on the front row of the Megavalanche?

A good start position is key to getting a good place in the main event. Everyone registers hoping for a top position, but there are very few available as most go to pro riders with UCI points. You could be up there with the big names such as Nico Vouilloz, Brendan Fairclough, Fabien Barel, and Chris Kovarik.

The 2010 Alpe d’Huez Megavalanche takes place on the 5th-11th July.

Registrations for the 2010 Alpe d’Huez Megavalanche open on the 11th January at 3pm French time (2pm UK).

Flowmtb have a top notch small hotel in a great location in Alpe d’Huez (right near the pool in the centre of town), and are already taking bookings for individuals and small groups. Breakfast is served every morning and a three course dinner with wine every night. They’ll be on hand with info on registrations and with marked maps so you get to ride the best of the area’s trails.

Prices from €420-475 per person for a full week’s accommodation, food and wine.

www.flowmtb.com
ride@flowmtb.com
020 8123 5654

Tags:

32 Responses to “Want to get on the front row of the Megavalanche?”

  1. can we get popcorn with that;)

  2. Tim of the jungle
    November 25th, 2009 at 1:35 pm

    Fairclough just cheats anyway!! He snapped his chain in the qually then pushed his way up the field in the main event, he caused a pile up in front of me (now picture waving fists in an old man stylee). It’s all good craic though.

  3. SOOOOO for those of us who have riden hard from the back, middle but never the front to get good results on which to base the rankings in qualifying over the past 4 years, will in 2010 possibly have to start behind those who have paid for it?

    I rely on descent results to keep sponsors, try and get new one’s etc that enable me to afford to get to these events.

    This seems frankly wrong, why have the Mega organisation team allowed this?

  4. [...] of the amazing flowmtb Megavalanche package has already hit the UK MTB press: Dirt mag More [...]

  5. There’s 25 spots out of 1400. Not a big percentage.

    If you’re a racer with any sort of prior sponsorship or uci points or whatever you should be able to get on the front two rows by asking nicely.

    And as for the every day riders who enter – they could equally end up in any position – they could be slower or faster than you. Same goes for the people who will be joining us on this trip – who’s to say they’re all going to be slower than you and hold you up? They could be faster or slower, just like any other time you’ve entered the race.

    And as Billy pointed out at the top of this article – if you’re good, it doesn’t really matter where you start.

  6. Hello,

    Guy, I’ve just sent the below response to Mtb Flow, and also Olivia from Megavalanche. In response to your comments, I fully agree that any rider in front or behind may be faster than me, and indeed good luck to everyone who races, thats not my point.

    I was under the impression that your ranking for qualifying is based on your previous results and this is why there is a section on the entry form for such information. I have never asked anyone to take my sponsorship situation into consideration when entering; I was under the impression this was done in a fair and just manner. Otherwise, whats the point? I have noticed some riders who fail to qualify do appear in the main event also, seems a little unfair as I have had mechanicals in the past thus failed to qualify also. This isn’t my main race of the year, but I do enjoy if an awful lot; it seems this is a little unfair to other riders who enter the event. I have never started from the front row, this year I was on the second or third and finished 9th.

    I’m not trying to sound bitchy or angry regarding the situation, and I’ll still be there on the start line crapping myself as the euro techno music starts next year, but as I say, seem’s a little strange for the organisers to partake in such an arrangement with a company.

    I do hope this doesn’t come accross in the wrong way.

    James

    Email below -

    Just read an interesting article on the Dirt website, just after some clarification.

    Just to get his clear, I’ve posted this on the Dirt site to see others opinions..

    Sooo those of us who have riden hard from the back, middle but never the front to get good results on which to base the rankings in qualifying over the past 4 years, will in 2010 possibly have to start behind those who have paid for it?

    I rely on descent results to keep sponsors, try and get new one’s etc that enable me to afford to get to these events.

    This seems frankly wrong, why have the Mega organisation team allowed this?

    So is this the case or have I missinterpreted the meaning in any way? Frankly, this is a bit of a farce. I am sure there will be many other disgruntled riders out there also after hearing this news.

    From a H&S point of view, I dont mind sprinting into a corner with 200+ people if I know the riders in front/around me aren’t going to do anything stupid as they are clearly highly skilled riders to be in such a qualifying position; but to race into it with any rider who has paid for the privillege seems a little irresponsible.

    If someone could give me a response, I’d appreciate it.

    Regards

    James Norton.

    p.s I race WC 4x, so I’m not so bothered about getting stuck in, and I placed 64th this year in the main event, its simply that this method of entry seems to take away the fairness of the event for all.

  7. Hi Jim,

    I am sorry that you are not happy to hear this. I’d like to clarify though as I think you have not fully understood the places on offer. As the Dirt article says there are only 5 front row positions (shared out over 10 waves of riders) pre-reserved for flowmtb guests.

    If you are a racer with decent results you already get priority rankings, so this should not affect you. The fact that most early positions go to sponsored riders such as yourself is why we only have 5 front row positions. There are always a few spaces in the early row for ‘normal’ people who register. Because of our long standing relationship with the Avalanche Cup and our work with them on promoting their events we have been able to pre-reserve 5 of those. There are many many more early positions going to other ‘normal’ riders.

    For your H&S comment – as there are always a number of early positions given to these ‘normal’ riders then that issue would and has always been there. It’s part of the race!

    I think that possibly you have read more importance into this promotion than is actually there – so I am sorry if it has been misleading. However, if you look at our website it does state very clearly the number of positions available. As these are positions that would have been filled by anyone registering to ride, not by pro riders with points, this does not affect your position at all.

    I hope that clears things up for you.

    Sara

  8. To follow up, Sara from flowMTB has responded via email, thankyou.

    Appologies for getting the company name wrong the 1st time. Her email has clairified the number of positions available for their offer, and this is stated clearly on their website.

    I was not worried by the effect on my ranking only, there are others to which I would hope this situation may seem strange; it seems a little unjust that people can pay for priority entry, wether the number of entry’s is 1 or 100. In this case its only 25, just for clarity!

    Thanks for the response though, I do not mean to imply that what your company is proposing is dangerous or unfair, just a bit strange and its good to open such topics for discussion.

    Regards.

    James

  9. Hi Jim,

    Just seen your second point – so to clear up. Your UCI points and race results are taken into consideration for your position. Hence why the top riders are on the front few rows. However, all other positions (including some on the front rows) are given to anyone who registers, and mostly it’s pot luck. We’ve always had some guests in early positions and some at the back.

    As for those riders who are in the main event. That has happened for some pro riders, who have had bad mechanicals. As for what criteria is needed to do this, you’d have to ask the organisers direct.

    I have replied to your email and I imagine Olivia will do so too with more info on the rankings.

    As I said in the mail I hope we have put your mind to ease about this. Your position will not be affected at all by our deal with the Avalanche Cup, and as i said, feel free to call for further clarification.

    Sara

  10. Sara,
    Thank you for your prompt response, and I see your point and I agree from a company/potential customer point of view this is a very good idea, the very best of luck with it.

    My intention was not to cause your business/relationship with Oliva/megavalanche organisational team any difficulties or upset, just to broach the dialogue openly and clarify the qualification method for rankings.

    Have a nice day,

    Regards

    James Norton

  11. Hi everyone!

    I see, so pay more, get to rub shoulders with the pro’s, and then get left behind by the 3rd corner, or hopefully not. It does put you at a bit of an advantage, but there are plenty of overtaking opportunities early on so never mind.
    It might be worth checking the people your selling the front row spots to though, I wouldn’t like to be on the front row in my 1st ever mega race! I can’t think of anything scarier!

  12. Actually, if you look at it like the ends justify the means, this is cheating, and and has the same results as faking results, pushing in etc.. to get to the front of the pack when you havent earned it, you’ve bought it, and kinda defeats the point of racing a little bit. Your still buying an advantage over other people, Just my point of view,

  13. i know the mega isnt the mosts erious race in the world but i agree with lee. its not really a race if people pay to be at the front.
    the arguement that ‘if your a good rider it dosnt matter’ is flawed. come on think about it, it dosnt make sense
    whats wrong with using the placing from the sprint race in oz to determine grid possitiosn for the quali?

  14. Hi all,
    Nobody’s paying more in order to get this. In year’s gone by the first few hundred registrants got a free top and had to start in the first few rows. This is no different.

  15. I think the health and safety angle is very important and not to be ignored – I just booked with FlowMtb and asked for a second row slot, and I for one am going to wear a helmet and possibly gloves for the main event

  16. well i’ve just cheated my way to the front of the mega!!!
    no gloves for me though as it’s just not cool. and to mr norton, as a way of sorry for getting in your way how about i offer to fondle your balls as you rip past me

  17. Hi all,
    If your wondering why Brendan pushed his way to the front of the pack in the main race its because he is a “Prio” (Prioritaire) most of the top guys (Needles, Kovarik, Ruaridh etc) are Prio, What this means if you have a mechanical in qualifying you are guaranteed to be no less than row “D” for the main event. Remember these races are paid for by Marketing and promotion so to have the top riders at the front of the pack is beneficial for everyone, also there are the riders who are doing the whole of the Avalanche trophy series who are also Prio who are guaranteed a front row in qualifying and the Row D bonus.
    So, if you book in early and fill in the previous results bit on the entry form you may get a front row, front rows are allocated to Prios first then who ever booked in earliest or promotions like above.
    Charlie

  18. As one the above who have “cheated” there way to the 2nd row… I will be the one on the Halfords hardtail with V Brakes in a Hi Vis… with “novice” written across the shoulders! A full face helmet and mitten’s.

    Lets hope i’m still shiny side up after the first corner!

    Yes… Shi**ing bricks :) Can’t Wait!

  19. Lol, I’ve just had it pointed out to me that that is actually my Patriot 66 in the Photo and my mates M3, that would make that photo 2006 my first assault on the Mega (77th)memories….
    Bring on next years race

  20. 2nd row start… MINT! I’ll be the one on the Raleigh Grifter with the mudguards bent over onto the tyres so it sounds just like a motorbike.

  21. NO,

    I WANT TO KNOW WHO HAS WON THE YETI CATALOGUES!!!!!!!!!!!

    OR HAVE YOU SELFISHLEY KEPT THESE FOR YOURSELVES!!!!!!!!!

  22. I want to be next to Tony C… his ride sounds SWEET !

  23. I’ll skip the balls fondling thanks – unless the offer is from you mum? ;-)

    A few friends did have the idea to try and complete mega next year on a max budget of £100 for the bike.. I think for that price I’d have to skip the mudguards, and just force a coke can in my back wheel.

  24. But what would your sponsors think!!!

  25. I always tell my friends that on the Mega,the start is half the race.If you get a good start and manage to hang on,you’re set to get a good position,be it the qualifier or the main event.
    Sure you eventualy can start middle pack and get on the podium,if you are a ultra-fit-and-skilled rider,but for,say,a middle-pack finisher like me,unable to risk it all on some crazy overtakings,the start is crutial.
    In 2005 I started on the front row in the Mega Promo,and managed a 6th place with my Giant ATX One,so I know what I’m saying here.

    All this to say:It is unfair.Ok,this company has agreements with UCC,and all that,but this really don’t give a good image to the event,anyway you look at it.
    Come January 11th,I will be making my inscription,hoping for a 2nd or 3rd row placing in the start of the qualifier for my 8th Megavalanche.
    See you there!

  27. Absolutely shocking. At the end of teh day its paying for a race position. In ANY event this is just WRONG!!!!!!!

    Get it sorted and get rid of this ridiculous advertsiing gimic!

  28. does anyone complaining actually read or understand what has been replied to the complaints of ‘paying for positions’?
    regardless, the places are only for the qualifying, not the main event. so a ‘race position’ is not guaranteed.
    i dont think you should worry about the ‘punters’ in the front rows, its the hundreds buzzing your back wheel you should be worried about!!
    i promise not to hold you up ;)

  29. but as pointed out by jim. It only takes one monkey with more money than ability to wipe out half of the front row in a corner that you expect everyone at the front to commit to. And, as also pointed out. Being on the front row, with half a cup of ability can mean getting in the top 10 for race position.

    Ahhh, what they hey. its not a real race anyway. winning is mostly whether you got the best luck on the way down.

  30. yes gnarleyboots we do read the other bits….
    now then…

    i’d say i was alright/not bad at the old downhillering (got a top 80 position i think in the last mega – generally qualify for front 5 or 6 rows of the proper mega – not that promo shenanigans)

    and yet i probably wouldnt want to be plonked in row 1 of either the race propper OR the quali for fear of taking/getting taken out and causing huge scale carnage.

    your average lads-weekend/marin-riding/’hardest-race-in-the-world’/overly-body-armoured-but-crap-helmeted/beer-with-lunch/daytime-mutzig-loving ‘freerider’ SHOULD NOT be allowed to buy their way into the front row, for fear of casuing a pile up of weston beach proportions…

  31. well said averagejo
    sara “Nobody’s paying more in order to get this. In year’s gone by the first few hundred registrants got a free top and had to start in the first few rows. This is no different.”

    booking through flowmtb is more expensive, so yes they are paying more.
    i think youve missed the point no one here is concerned with a free shirt.
    having the first few hundred registrants start in the first few rows isnt the ideal situation but it is fairer than people paying to be there. as anyone can try to book these places at no extra cost.
    saying our company has supported the event so therefore we have earned this promotion is bull as well becuase no sponser contributes as much to the event as the race entry frees of all the average jos out there.
    macdonalds sponser the olympics but they dont say anyone with a happy meal gets a head start.

  32. ha ha ha. nice.

    well (IMO) the people that buy a package holiday to race a downhill race aren’t regular downhill racers, or over the course of a season they would be skint. additionally if they were up to the positions skill-wise they would have been seeded near the front anyway…

    therefore these folk are naturally likely to be less experienced.

    and hence my comment above stands!

Tell us what you think

Follow Dirt

Categories

DIRT WEBSITE PARTNERS

Dropping the Bomb

Sign up to “Dropping the Bomb” to enjoy all the best features of Dirt and receive our free newsletter.


Latest Forum Topics