Official federal label for the MTB-Trial stadium
Under a beautiful autumn sun, the “Julien Absalon” stadium, twice world mountain bike and cross-country champion, was inaugurated in October 2021. In the presence of Guy Muller, Mayor of Epône, and Éric Jacoté, FFC Vice-President in charge of mountain biking. MPs Bruno Millienne and Michel Vialay were present. Franck Prestat, President of ORC Epône, and Guillaume Pasquier, ECT Development Director, also took the floor.
On this occasion, Éric Jacoté made official the “Stadium VTT et Trial” label awarded by the French Cycling Federation. This is the 1st time that this double label has been awarded by the federation: a fine recognition of the quality of our facilities.
After the official speeches and the traditional ribbon-cutting, free mountain bike and trials demonstrations took place throughout the day.
A winning partnership between the town of Epône, the ORC mountain bike and trials association and ECT
It all began when the town council entrusted ECT with the construction of a new mountain bike and trials stadium. ECT proposed to reuse inert soil excavated from nearby building sites to create a new plateau for the stadium. The stadium, gradients and equipment were designed by Épône’s ORC (Off Road Cycliste) association.
This project is part of a truly responsible approach to the circular economy of land. Its success reflects the involvement of local players and the shared ambitions of the 3 partners for this facility.
Training, apprenticeships and competitions: the future of the stadium
This new 1.9-hectare site will continue to serve as a training ground and local sports facility. The “Julien Absalon” Stadium also has the capacity to host major competitions thanks to this new label and new facilities:
- 150 m² rock garden with a stone floor layout
- 300 m² trial area
- 600 m² of pumptrack, including a loop with several bumps.
