The Megavalanche has perhaps the most iconic race start in the business. Here, Pic Blanc is covered in snow with hundreds of ant-like mountain bikers dropping in to one of the toughest races out there.

I was lucky enough to bag myself a seat in the event’s helicopter, albeit leaning over the event filmer and photographer wondering why I was the only one without a harness. I was ecstatic hanging out the side of the chopper, watching one of the most prestigious races from an angle experienced by very few. I was in awe of the mountains, the riders battling and the terrifying manoeuvres by the pilot.

An hour later, I was out of the helicopter, the race was over and I was sat on the side of the road waiting for a service bus to take me back to Alpe d’huez. At the Mega, even working as media is an adventure.