La 3000 express
20July2025
The highest race in the French Alps! 22km and 1300m of elevation gain, mountain biking and trail running facing the Meije ! A challenge to take on in relay or solo!
The 3000 express is:
>> A total route of 22km
>> A 14km mountain bike section
>> An 8km Trail section including 3km of climbing
>> Max altitude of 3020m
>> A positive elevation gain of 1350m including 1000m in trail.
The goal of the 3000 express is to reach the Pic du Mas de la Grave as quickly as possible, located at an altitude of 3000m. An experience on bike and on foot, “this mountain race will warm up your legs both on bike and on trail for a breathtaking experience”.
On the southern slope of La Grave, it is the conquest of the Pic du Mas de La Grave which culminates at more than 3000m above sea level. Between mountain biking and trail running, its ascent is not the most accessible, but the view from up there is worth it. The landscapes of the Vallon de la Buffe will accompany you throughout your adventure. For lovers of the great outdoors and athletes looking to surpass themselves physically, this format will allow you to play tightrope walker on the fabulous ridge of the Pic du Mas de la Grave in a good mood! In addition, you can choose between doing it in relay or solo for maximum freedom.
By mountain bike (or gravel):
Departure from the old school of Chazelet by a long downhill ramp followed by a rolling and picturesque route that will take you through the alpine hamlets of Rivets and take you to the bottom of the Buffe. You will pass very close to the magnificent Refuge du Pic du Mas de la Grave, go back up along the Gâ on a false flat with the Pic itself as your focal point, which will become more and more imposing. After the last sheepfolds, you will find the supply base camp of the bottom of the Buffe, the relay point and the start of the trail section. The return will be after the refuge on the right bank via Clos Raffin.
On the trail:
This is the ascent of the Pic du Mas de la Grave, with a steeper first part over 3 kilometers along the grassy ridge South of the Pic to find yourself at 2500 meters above sea level at the level of the classic ascent path. You will follow this steep path in a lunar setting which after a slight dip straightens up at its steepest under the antecime at 2970 meters. Two volunteers will be there with emergency supplies and will mark your passage to the summit. The last part on the rocky ridge will be neutralized in order to avoid any incident and will allow you to fully enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Alps on this border marker between Savoie, Isère and Hautes Alpes. Here we are at 3020 meters!
3km & 1000m of positive elevation gain
Then, it's off for the rapid descent, following the official trail to return to the base camp at the bottom of La Buffe.
5km, 1000 meters of negative elevation gain.
It's time to get back on the mountain bike and let yourself be carried along by the very smooth descent, returning by the same route to the finish with the formidable and final climb to Chazelet.
Good physical condition is required before attempting this adventure. Those lucky enough to embark on this great challenge will have the opportunity to hike one of the most beautiful peaks in France: La Meije.
Relay or Solo: 14 kilometers of cycling (first relay) & 8 kilometers of trail including 3km of climbing (second relay) with 22 kilometers in total!
8 a.m.: briefing and collection of bibs
9am: Solo departure
9:30 a.m.: relay departure
>> A total route of 22km
>> A 14km mountain bike section
>> An 8km Trail section including 3km of climbing
>> Max altitude of 3020m
>> A positive elevation gain of 1350m including 1000m in trail.
The goal of the 3000 express is to reach the Pic du Mas de la Grave as quickly as possible, located at an altitude of 3000m. An experience on bike and on foot, “this mountain race will warm up your legs both on bike and on trail for a breathtaking experience”.
On the southern slope of La Grave, it is the conquest of the Pic du Mas de La Grave which culminates at more than 3000m above sea level. Between mountain biking and trail running, its ascent is not the most accessible, but the view from up there is worth it. The landscapes of the Vallon de la Buffe will accompany you throughout your adventure. For lovers of the great outdoors and athletes looking to surpass themselves physically, this format will allow you to play tightrope walker on the fabulous ridge of the Pic du Mas de la Grave in a good mood! In addition, you can choose between doing it in relay or solo for maximum freedom.
By mountain bike (or gravel):
Departure from the old school of Chazelet by a long downhill ramp followed by a rolling and picturesque route that will take you through the alpine hamlets of Rivets and take you to the bottom of the Buffe. You will pass very close to the magnificent Refuge du Pic du Mas de la Grave, go back up along the Gâ on a false flat with the Pic itself as your focal point, which will become more and more imposing. After the last sheepfolds, you will find the supply base camp of the bottom of the Buffe, the relay point and the start of the trail section. The return will be after the refuge on the right bank via Clos Raffin.
On the trail:
This is the ascent of the Pic du Mas de la Grave, with a steeper first part over 3 kilometers along the grassy ridge South of the Pic to find yourself at 2500 meters above sea level at the level of the classic ascent path. You will follow this steep path in a lunar setting which after a slight dip straightens up at its steepest under the antecime at 2970 meters. Two volunteers will be there with emergency supplies and will mark your passage to the summit. The last part on the rocky ridge will be neutralized in order to avoid any incident and will allow you to fully enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Alps on this border marker between Savoie, Isère and Hautes Alpes. Here we are at 3020 meters!
3km & 1000m of positive elevation gain
Then, it's off for the rapid descent, following the official trail to return to the base camp at the bottom of La Buffe.
5km, 1000 meters of negative elevation gain.
It's time to get back on the mountain bike and let yourself be carried along by the very smooth descent, returning by the same route to the finish with the formidable and final climb to Chazelet.
Good physical condition is required before attempting this adventure. Those lucky enough to embark on this great challenge will have the opportunity to hike one of the most beautiful peaks in France: La Meije.
Relay or Solo: 14 kilometers of cycling (first relay) & 8 kilometers of trail including 3km of climbing (second relay) with 22 kilometers in total!
8 a.m.: briefing and collection of bibs
9am: Solo departure
9:30 a.m.: relay departure
Further information :
>> Cold meal provided to all runners at the end of the race.
>> A medical certificate of no contraindication to the practice of mountain biking and trail running in the mountains and in competition must be attached MANDATORILY when registering online. It must be less than 6 months old on the day of the race.
>> The number of places for organizational and security reasons will be limited to 200 participants in total.
*The 3000 express is a mountain race, which requires good physical condition to safely reach the 3000m of the Pic du Mas de la Grave. Weather conditions change quickly, remember to check the weather forecast.
*You must leave before 8:30 a.m. to give yourself enough time to reach the relay crossing point. A space to park your bikes will be set up at the refreshment point at the bottom of La Buffe. You will be riding on marked paths used by other mountain enthusiasts (hikers, farmers, shepherds), for their safety and yours as well as to respect local agropastoral activities, you will need to adapt respectful behavior in order to ensure good understanding between all users of the Buffe valley.
>> A medical certificate of no contraindication to the practice of mountain biking and trail running in the mountains and in competition must be attached MANDATORILY when registering online. It must be less than 6 months old on the day of the race.
>> The number of places for organizational and security reasons will be limited to 200 participants in total.
*The 3000 express is a mountain race, which requires good physical condition to safely reach the 3000m of the Pic du Mas de la Grave. Weather conditions change quickly, remember to check the weather forecast.
*You must leave before 8:30 a.m. to give yourself enough time to reach the relay crossing point. A space to park your bikes will be set up at the refreshment point at the bottom of La Buffe. You will be riding on marked paths used by other mountain enthusiasts (hikers, farmers, shepherds), for their safety and yours as well as to respect local agropastoral activities, you will need to adapt respectful behavior in order to ensure good understanding between all users of the Buffe valley.
Themes:
Dates and times
| Opening hours on July 20, 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Sunday | Open |
Pricing
| Pricing | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 30 € | Not disclosed |
Further information :
30€ individually.
40€ as a team.
Goodies, refreshments and drinks on arrival for all registrations
40€ as a team.
Goodies, refreshments and drinks on arrival for all registrations
Payment methods
Practical information
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