Raid in France - Alps to Sea 2009

---

Day One

Anne-Marie Dunhill / 31.05.2009

And they're off ...! At 9:OO a.m. the Mayor of La Chapelle sounded the starting bell and the teams were off for an hours\' orienteering in this tiny mountain town. A rafting section, Grade II/III followed and teams came out of the river with huge smiles of their faces.

The winners of last years\' Estoril Portugal XPD race are here (racing this time as Cateye - Outdoor Expreiences) and they shared last nights accommodation with us. They look intent on repeating their Portugal performance judging by their pre-race preparations, including pottering around at 4:30 a.m. to verify last minute details.

They were first out of the water with a rapid transition and then on to an extended trekking stage of 43 kilometers with elevations up to 2800 km. As it snowed last night on the higher peaks, teams were warned not to skimp on the gear.

My lot were the sixth team out of the water and they immediately embarked on what proved to be a wobbly transition with frantic searches for socks. A certain team member who will remain anonymous will be doing this section \"commando\" although it remains uncertain if it was through choice or necessity. Assistants will be dropping off mountain bikes at the next transition and then tucking in for a 17 hour wait. See All Event Posts