Cyclists depart from Place de Melen in Mercurey starting at 7:30 AM for La Mercurey, a mountain-bike randonnée held on the Côte Chalonnaise in southern Burgundy. This event, organized by volunteers, supports the young riders of Avenir Cycliste Chalonnais and marks its 29th year. Seven route options are available: a 13 km family route, a 17 km beginner route, a 26 km route for experienced amateurs, a 32 km classic route, a 41 km grand route, a 49 km expert route, and a 55 km gravel circuit.
The routes traverse the South Burgundy countryside, offering views of the Saône plain and the Jura mountains; Mont Blanc may be visible on clear days. Feed stations are positioned along the course, with a snack provided at the finish. Much of the mountain-bike riding takes place on private tracks, and the organizers emphasize that access was secured through extensive negotiations with landowners. Participants are requested to remain on the marked paths, refrain from reusing restricted sections post-event, clearly indicate such sections if sharing GPS data, adhere to traffic regulations, reduce speed near pedestrians and vehicles, and carry all refuse back to the designated bins at the finish.