The mountains of France are truly the bee's knees for road cyclists and mountain-bikers. The mountain stages of the world's most famous cycle race are renowned for being the Tour de France's most spectacular, and French mountain resorts have been at the forefront in growing mountain biking into the vibrant, multi-discipline sport it is today. 2016 sees oodles of new developments for riders of all abilities, both on the road and on the trail, from initiatives to encourage new riders into the sport right up to world class events attracting the best riders on the planet.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

In an initiative to get more girls into mountain-biking, Les 2 Alpes and its bike partner Giant have combined to offer “Liv Giant” in summer 2016. Available as half-day sessions every tuesday exclusively for girls, taught by girls and on female-specific Liv Giant bikes. Also offered as a full week's immersive course (18th-22nd July) including morning stretching, zumba and yoga sessions. www.les2alpes.com

Le Lioran in the Massif Central has an even-more-off-road take on what constitutes a mountain-bike! “Dirt Monster” bikes are fitted with quad-bike wheels and moto-X shock-absorbers for maximum downhill mayhem! www.lelioran.com

In keeping with the growing electric- assisted (E-MTB) trend, La Plagne will open 100km of specially prepared E-MTB tracks through its forest and mountain pastures for summer 2016, complete with designated recharge points. The resort has also ordered kids E-MTB bikes so riders of all ages can enjoy the new trend. www.la-plagne.com.

Similarly, Val d'Isère has created an E-park 100% dedicated to E-biking. www.valdisere.com

Previously taking place in Les 2 Alpes, the world's best riders and thousands of spectators will this year meet in Les Gets, one of the world's premier MTB destinations, for Crankworx. A veritable fiesta of all things MTB, Crankworx is an opportunity to witness astonishing action from the world's best riders across a variety of disciplines, and party with the best of them! 15th-19th June 2016 www.crankworx.com

Riders (all levels) in Les Angles in the Pyrénées Orientales can ride the iconic 23km singletrack descent from the resort down through 1400 vertical metres of stunning country to the village of Olette, before jumping on the iconic “Little Yellow Train” back up to the resort. www.lesangles.com

ROAD CYCLING

Having hosted 22 Tour de France stages in the past, and as the host for the crucial penultimate stage for 2016, Morzine is without question one of the world's foremost road cycling destinations. For 2016, Morzine Mountain Cycling is offering an all-inclusive package to introduce riders to what makes Morzine so special, including: guided rides; external speakers presenting on physical preparation and maximising performance; equipment testing with partners Scott, 6-day “multipass” multi-activity card, end-of-course mountain chalet party and entry to the Morzine-Chablais Cyclosportif day-race. 12th-19th June 2016 www.morzinemountaincycling.com

For summer 2016, the Isère département has marked out 9 of its most famous climbs and Cols, many of them Tour de France classics including Col de la Croix de Fer and Col de Morte, equipping them with free to use timers, allowing road cyclists to test themselves against their heroes. For 2017 8 more will be added. http://www.isere-tourism.com/

For those looking to cover lots of ground but a leisurely pace (and not necessarily 100% under their own steam), Val d'Arly is introducing a 3 day/2 night itinerary on e-bikes and specially-prepared tracks with recharge points. Cyclists are given a road book allowing them to complete the route autonomously. One night is spent in a mountain refuge and stunning views of Mt Blanc and the Aravis range throughout make for a 100% authentic mountain experience. www.valdarly-montblanc.com

Please also find attached the France Montagnes summer 2016 press pack.

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Note for editorial teams: France Montagnes is an agency whose remit is to promote the mountains of France as a tourist destination. For further information about the French mountains in winter or in summer, please contact Matt Carr at the offices of Atout France in London, at matt.carr@atout-france.fr or on 0207 061 6623