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New event to explore the spectacular, pristine natural beauty—and unique challenges—of Mercantour National Park, France

The event rolls out for the first time ever on June 19, 2016.

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There are many firsts happening in the cycling world this year, from new tours to new rosters. Among those new arrivals on the scene is the first edition of la Mercan Tour Cafe du Cycliste, a new event that’s a collaboration between Club Alpes Azur and Cafe du Cycliste, a French clothing brand.

The event rolls out for the first time ever on June 19, 2016.

One notable aspect that makes this event unlike others is the terrain it covers, specifically that of Mercantour National Park in France. At over 18,000 acres, the park is usually closed to similar events. This June, though, la Mercan Tour Cafe du Cycliste will trace a route through its pristine, unspoiled natural landscape—a geography that will quickly become interesting for participating riders with the Col de la Bonette, a high mountain pass along the French-Italian border that’s one of the park’s most distinguishing features.

Those riders will also have the choice of taking two routes: a shorter 119-kilometer route that navigates the slops of Col de Cayolle, or a longer route of 180 kilometers, covering a “holy trinity” of mountain passes: Col de Cayolle, Col de Couillole, and of course, Col la Bonette.

As Cafe du Cycliste co-founder Remi Clermont explains, the event pays homage to tradition.

“It’s become something of a tradition for us to ride the Bonette every year as soon as the snow ploughs open the road,” Clermont said, “so it has a special resonance. With privileged access to the Mercantour Park and its incredible backdrop, we’re very excited to be involved.” As the ride kicks off, the peloton will be headed by Nicolas Fritsch, the event’s ambassador and an eight-year veteran of the pro scene, having counted himself among the ranks of La Francaise des Jeux and Saunier Duval.

Importantly, the event’s course has been laid out and its specifics designed to have a minimal impact on the surrounding landscape. As well, a tree will be planted for each participating rider, an initiative the organizers have undertaken in association with Reforest’Action to ensure that la Mercan Tour Cafe du Cycliste has a positive environmental legacy.

Further information can be found at lamercantourcyclo.com.