Luc Alphand is a true competitor at heart and runs his own Team Lucho (the nickname given to the 1997 Crystal Globe-winning skier). The squad finished seventh last year and this time Alphand at least intends to make it onto the podium, just as he did after coming third in class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2006. He will be backed by some other major sportsmen who, given their list of achievements, will undoubtedly be racing for the win: Pierre Vaultier, 2014 Olympic boardercross champion, Cyril Despres, five-time winner of the Dakar rally, Matthias Dandois, five-time world BMX champion, Milko Potisek, who competes in the world motocross championship, Johnny Aubert, twice world enduro champion, and Romain Vozniak, rally raid biker.

The race starts at 3 pm on Saturday 20 August, but beforehand cycling fans will have the chance to discover the Bugatti Circuit for themselves as part of the Matinale le Maine Libre, an hour-long ride around the track, open to all the family. There will also be plenty of entertainment in the village, such as the BMX freestyle display.

See the official website for more information: www.24heuresvelo.fr/en/