Megavalanche – Part 2: The Final Gauntlet DiscoBrakes - August 2025
The rocky mid-section of the Megavalanche tested both riders and brakes with sharp scree and relentless dust.
1. Race Day: The Descent of Descents
At 3,330 m, the horn sounded and the Megavalanche 30th Anniversary edition was underway. Riders launched into one of the most unforgiving descents on Earth: a 30 km rollercoaster from Pic Blanc to Allemond.
The race was divided into four categories:
Elite – the professionals chasing seconds and podiums.
Challenger – the next tier of highly competitive racers.
Amateur – the beating heart of Megavalanche, determined riders taking on the same monster course.
Affinity – for those seeking the thrill without cutthroat competition.
The 2025 Megavalanche featured four categories: Elite, Challenger, Amateur, and Affinity.
2. Compound by Compound: The Race Verdict
Ceramic Pro – The Racers’ Choice
Favoured by Elite and Challenger riders. Heat resistance and consistent bite made them perfect for the full 30 km at race pace.
Sintered – Power With the Right Setup
Thrived on abrasive terrain. Best results came with a 203 mm floating rotor, which shed heat faster, delivered greater leverage, and reduced fatigue.
Kevlar – Durability Kings
Long-lasting that ceramic and low-maintenance. A strong choice for Youth or Amateur riders wanting pads that last the full festival.
Copper-Free – Smooth and Sustainable
Buttery modulation and eco-friendly. A favourite for Affinity riders tackling rooty forest sections.
Semi-Metallic – The Big Surprise
Reliable, versatile, and budget-friendly. Worked in snow, rock, mud, and roots. The surprise all-round champion of the 2025 Megavalanche.
Use the cairns to help pick your lines and braking zones
3. Special Side Events
No Chain Race – descending without a chain meant finesse and momentum. Ceramic Pro was the clear winner thanks to sharp bite and predictable modulation.
Dual Slalom – head-to-head racing demanded lightning responses. Once again, Ceramic Pro pads dominated with quick engagement and consistency.
Side events like the No Chain Race and Dual Slalom added extra drama to the week-long festival.
4. Rider Voices:
Ceramic Pro gave me total confidence on the glacier—I could brake later and stay in control.” – M. Huber (GER), Elite
“Semi-metallic were just brilliant. As an Amateur, I felt like they worked in every condition.” – T. Schuster (AUT), Amateur
“With sintered and a 200 mm rotor, it felt like I had bottomless power.” – J. Braun (GER), Challenger
“Kevlar pads lasted all week for me. I never had to swap them once.” – L. Steiner (AUT), Youth
“Copper-free were so smooth in the woods. Modulation was spot-on.” – F. Mayer (GER), Affinity
From Elite champions to first-time finishers, every rider who reached Allemond conquered a legendary challenge.
5. Compounds at a Glance
6. Final Recommendations
Best for Serious Racers (Elite/Challenger): Ceramic Pro – the power pad of choice for chasing podiums.
Best Budget (Amateur/Affinity): Semi-Metallic – reliable, versatile, and unbeatable value.
Best for Heat: Ceramic Pro – heat-resistant, perfect for technical, sustained descents.
Best Durability & Heat: Kevlar – long-lasting, ideal for youth or riders prioritizing low maintenance.
Best With Rotor Upgrade: Sintered + 203 mm rotor – the long lasting powerhouse for heavy braking.
Best for the Environment: Copper Free – super performance, great modulation and green.
7. Closing Thoughts
The Megavalanche 2025 was the ultimate brake test. Ceramic Pro delivered for the pros, Kevlar impressed with durability, Copper-Free shone in the forests, Sintered dominated rocky lines with big rotors—
But the biggest surprise? Semi-Metallic pads: the all-around heroes that worked flawlessly across every surface.
8. What’s Next?
Our next challenge: the Maxi Avalanche in Auron. New terrain, new conditions, another test of our compounds.
