Le Grand Raid Nord-Pas de Calais
Anne-Marie Dunhill / 22.01.2010
A new adventure race is set to take place this summer in France. Karine Baillet launched last week, at a press conference attended by over 100 people, the Grand Raid Nord-Pas de Calais. She kicked off the press conference with an absail down town hall.Karine is probably the most well-known French female adventure racer on the international circuit, racing with her team Wilsa. A logical extension to her impressive career is course designing and on the 23rd of June 2010 fifty elite teams will embark on 450km over five days with a prologue and four stages on a course concocted by Karine.
The stage race is to be a showcase for the Nord-Pas de Calais region of France, going through some of the most spectacular scenery in the region which is conveniently accessed from Paris and London. The disciplines involved include canoe kayak, cords,roller blading, bike and run, mountain biking, trail running and navigating. The roller blading should especially appeal to certain English teams who perfected the art during the World Champs in Portugal.
Alongside the elite adventure race will be a traveling village to increase citizens’ awareness of issues such as the environment, health and sustainable development. As well, in each of the towns that the race goes through (Gravelines, Arques,Courrieres,ValJoly,Courrieres,Orchies and Lille) individuals or teams from aged 7 to 77 will be able to try their hand at several disciplines in adventure racing.
The official website is due to go live on February 8th and will be in English and French but several top international teams have already confirmed their participation and the prize money is consequential. Of course Sleepmonsters will be covering the race in French and English.
For further information: contact@legrandraid.org
