On Friday, September 23rd, the first edition of our "Heroes of the Puya" race took place. A short and intense format for a successful premiere, a look back at this unique evening.

First, some background on the format and its origins.

Matchy is a brand that has been breaking new ground since its creation in 2016. It's one of the first brands in the cycling industry to offer so many products for men and women, to work with recycled materials, and to offer clean and timeless designs. Beyond the brand, we aim to be real players in the cycling industry. This is why we created La Brigade 5 years ago and more recently opened our clubhouse, a place for cyclists to live. Héros de la Puya is part of this tradition to shake up the rules of cycling and bring life to the Annecy cycling community. A short format, since the climb is only 500 m long, and explosive with a gradient flirting with 20% several times. But also fun since the individual time trial allowed for qualifications for the next round. Everyone was therefore able to pass at least twice, either in the final phase or in the consolation round! And up to 4 times for the finalists.

The race

Few had been able to scout the course before signing up. The warm-up was brutal for them! For the others, they had been able to get to know this climb, its length, its turns, the climbs, and the steepest sections. At the end From the passage of each of the 36 registered, a ranking was made, allowing the tables of the final stages to be established. The 4-man starts were the highlight of the evening, with the elimination of 2 riders on each lap. A fun, strategic, but above all difficult moment with the chain of efforts. As night fell, the noose tightened among the favorites and we found, without much surprise, the best times of the qualifications at the front. Among the 4 finalists, there were the 3 best times of the qualifications. But the final climb was not the easiest and the top 3 full of twists and turns until the final straight. The same goes for the consolation match which allowed the second part of the classification to play such a thrilling final!

Although it was the first edition, the atmosphere was also there. departure, thanks to the entertainment of our speaker and the refreshment bar present for the occasion. But also along the climb and especially in the two bends displaying 20%, photographers, spectators and even smoke bombs for an ultra atmosphere and unique memories!

Thanks to the entire Matchy Racing Team, without whom this event would not have been possible. Registration, refreshment stands, signage, and speakers—thanks to them!

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Oakley for providing additional prizes that were greatly appreciated by the winners!

Find all your photos here
Don't forget to tag @augustedvr the photographer and @matchy.cycling organizer.

Congratulations to all participants!
Thank you all and see you next year in even greater numbers!

The MATCHY team