In the commune of Epône (78), ECT collaborated with the ORC Epône cycling club on this project to build the first stadium in Ile-de-France dedicated to trials and mountain biking.
The club has over 70 members. He is involved in several disciplines (MTB Cross-Country, Trials, Cyclo-cross, Adult Randonnée Sportive). The ORC has been awarded the « École de Vélo » and « Club de Compétition » labels by the French Cycling Federation (FFC).
4 questions to ORC Epône , President Franck Prestat and Vice-President Philippe Gaudens.
Introduce us to the trial and mountain bike disciplines?
Trial riding is done on a special bike (without a saddle). A spectacular sport, it requires flexibility, agility and balance to complete the various obstacle sequences without setting foot on the ground. The more common mountain bike (MTB) is a bike designed for use on rough terrain off paved roads.
Why is ECT's intervention of interest to the CRO?
ECT’s involvement makes the project a reality. Bringing in inert soil to the site finances the design of new developments. The club will thus become the first in the Paris region to offer a terrain dedicated to two-wheelers, mountain bikes and trials. It will also be able to host competitions under optimum conditions.
How does the design of the new site integrate soil inputs?
The addition of inert soil is an opportunity to transform flat ground into a highly varied terrain that resembles a « stadium ». This layout means we can now use the entire surface area of the site, and better distribute the more varied and numerous technical spots. The height of the terrain means that we can offer both positive and negative gradients, giving us greater scope for creating technical spots.
What are your ambitions with this new project?
The project’s ambitions match our 2 cycling practices. Trials enthusiasts are always on the lookout for new technical areas with obstacles, to vary their training, gain experience and perform at competitions.
The complete redevelopment of the site will enable us to totally rethink the zones to achieve a better, more progressive technical level, while delighting our drivers by offering them new layouts with both existing and new obstacles.
As far as mountain biking is concerned, we used to have to go off-road to find terrain with educational potential.
Thanks to this project, we will be able to offer technical and diversified spots for all levels directly on site.
We’ll be able to train our youngest customers more efficiently, with shorter distances to spots and greater safety (no roads to cross, etc.).
Beyond our youngest members, the technical reference spots will help validate the passage of levels for the constitution of our groups and prepare our competitors for the technical skills expected.
Our adult hikers will also be able to perfect their skills on a benchmark terrain.
