‍1224 words of pure stoke.
Read time: 5 min 26 seconds.

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Photo of the Day

Fedko’s the model, the trick, and the moment.

📷 Esben Zøllner Olesen behind the lens.

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Video of the Day

Ever wondered what it’s like to throw yourself down an active volcano on two wheels? Wonder no more.

This Ecuadorian adventure has it all - insane descents, epic ridgelines, and the kind of shuttle rides that are a little more sketchy than what you’re familiar with.

Pure, unadulterated bliss.

Trust us, you won’t want to miss this.

⏰ Watch time - 2 min 37 sec

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Bonus: Max’s approach to riding is simple: full throttle, no brakes, and leave the mountain shaking.

Every corner he carves looks like a victory lap, and the only thing faster than him is the dust he leaves behind.

⏰ Watch time - 1 min 47 sec

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Send of the Day

Would we survive this? Emotionally, maybe. Physically? Debatable.

‍Watch here

From Paris to Pic Blanc: The Evolution of Mass-Start Racing

Let’s be honest.

Who actually wants to start a race calmly, with space, dignity, and maybe a warm-up lap?

Nah.

We want chaos. We want carnage. We want 1,500 people trying to clip in on ice at the same time.

We want mass start racing!

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But before we were shoulder-checking strangers on a glacier, there was Paris–Rouen in 1869.

The concept of mass-start races dates back to the 19th century, with the Paris–Rouen race being one of the earliest recorded events.

In this race, 120 riders, including two women, set off simultaneously from Paris, with James Moore emerging victorious after covering 123 kilometers in 10 hours and 40 minutes.

The rules were simple: no sails, no dogs pulling you, and a strong pair of legs.

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Megavalanche: The Crown Jewel of Mass-Start MTB Races

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Fast forward to the present day, and the Megavalanche stands as a testament to how far (and how insane) mass-start mountain biking has become.

Imagine this: you're perched atop Pic Blanc at 3,330 meters, surrounded by 1,500 other adrenaline junkies, all eyeing the same icy descent.

The air is thin, the tension palpable.

Suddenly, the signal blares, and you're off - plunging down a glacier at breakneck speeds, handlebars clashing, tires skidding, and the occasional rider cartwheeling past you.

Welcome to the Megavalanche.

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A Brief History of the Madness

Since its inception in 1995, the Megavalanche has been the crown jewel of mass-start mountain bike races.

Conceived by mountain bike pioneer George Edwards, this annual event in Alpe d’Huez, France, has grown from a modest gathering of 400 riders to a global phenomenon attracting over 2,000 participants from around the world. ​

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The Course: Not for the Faint of Heart

The race kicks off on the Sarenne Glacier, where riders navigate treacherous snow and ice before transitioning to rocky alpine trails and forested paths.

Over the course of 20 kilometers, participants descend more than 2,600 vertical meters, facing a relentless barrage of technical challenges that test both skill and nerve.

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Race Format: Survival of the Fastest

The Megavalanche unfolds over several days:​

• Practice Day: Riders familiarize themselves with the course, hoping to memorize every twist and turn.​
• Qualifiers: Participants compete in heats, with top finishers advancing to the Elite race.​
• Race Day: The main event features a mass start, with riders positioned based on their qualifier results. The top 35 from each qualifier enter the Elite race, followed by the Challenger and Amateur categories.

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The Megavalanche isn't just a race; it's a rite of passage for mountain bikers seeking the ultimate thrill.

It's where skill meets chaos, and only the boldest emerge unscathed.

So, if you think you have what it takes, saddle up and prepare for the ride of your life.

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Notable Mass-Start MTB Events in 2025

While the Megavalanche remains a flagship event, several other mass-start races are scheduled for 2025:​

Mountain of Hell – Les 2 Alpes, France

📅 June 20–22, 2025

The Mountain of Hell lives up to its name with a 25km descent that starts on snow and ends in the valley below.

With a 2,500-meter drop, it's a high-speed, high-stakes ride that will leave your knuckles white and your shorts brown.​

The event spans three days, including course reconnaissance, qualifying runs, and the final race.

There's also the e-MOH for e-bike enthusiasts and the MOH Kids race for the next generation of adrenaline junkies.​

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Maxiavalanche Series – Europe

The Maxiavalanche series brings the mass-start madness to various European locales.

Each event features seeding runs and two race heats, ensuring plenty of opportunities to eat dirt.​

📅 June 6–8, 2025

Vallnord, Andorra: Set in the picturesque Pyrenees, this race offers stunning views if you can take your eyes off the trail long enough to enjoy them.​

📅 July 19–20, 2025

Auron, France: Auron's course combines alpine beauty with technical challenges. The event includes free practice sessions, seeding runs, and two race heats.

There's also an E-Maxi category for e-bikers and a Mega Kid race for the young guns.​

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Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic – Michigan, USA

📅 August 9, 2025

For those stateside, the Ore to Shore offers a mass-start experience without the altitude.

This point-to-point race covers 48 miles of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, featuring a mix of forest roads, two-tracks, and the occasional bear sighting.​

It's the largest mass-start MTB event in Michigan, attracting riders of all levels.

Whether you're gunning for a podium spot or just aiming to finish, it's a race that delivers on challenge and camaraderie.​

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Where Sanity Goes to Die

Mass-start mountain bike races are the ultimate test of nerve, skill, and questionable decision-making.

From the icy chaos of the Megavalanche to the high-speed descent of the Mountain of Hell, these events push riders to their limits.

Whether you're dodging handlebars on a glacier or navigating Michigan's forests, one thing's certain: mass-start races are not for the faint-hearted.​

So, if you crave adrenaline, don't mind a few bruises, and have a penchant for chaos, saddle up.

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Dream Rides ❤️

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Want a bike that climbs like it’s got somewhere to be and descends like it’s being chased?

Spectral AL is your dirt-fueled middle child with something to prove.

It's like Canyon took their carbon Spectral, yelled “YOLO,” and built a metal version to do dumb stuff with.

Your wallet and your inner child will thank you.

We wanna see it! Shoot us an email at editorial@thesenditdaily.com, and maybe your ride will be the next superstar.

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Trail of the Day

Freight Train - Whistler Mountain Bike Park

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Sketch factor is medium-low, stoke factor is dangerously high.

You’ll finish the trail thinking you’re ready for Rampage (you’re not).

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Laugh of the Day

They say he's out there somewhere, still running.

Watch Now

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That’s all for this week folks. We hope everyone gets some saddle time out there. See you all Monday! 🤙

For the ❤️ of two wheels.

We write The Send It Daily Monday - Friday (we’re out riding on the weekends). We do not proofread our material before sending and did not get A’s in English.

Our mission is simple: To advocate and bring awareness to the athletes that Send It and the media teams that capture it.

If you’re looking to feature content on The Send It Daily, reach out to editorial@thesenditdaily.com.

For more information, visit us at thesenditdaily.com

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