Raid in France - Alps to Sea 2009

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Saddle Up

Rob Howard / 05.06.2009

Raid in France is moving down from the mountains towards the finish on the coast and Quechua remain in a commanding position and look likely to take the win and the place in this year’s World Championship in Portugal.

Quechua passed through Assistance Point 2 where they took a couple of hours rest before setting off on the 35km horse riding section. They were glad of the opportunity to be off their feet and said how important the additional assistance point on the long mountain ride had been. This extra AP at Chateauneuf-les-Moustiers (between CP13 and CP14) was tough on the support crews who had to carry lots of supplies up a steep ascent, but they were all glad to see their teams.

The joint Italian/Canadian team, Endurance Aventures - Pédini Iret, led by Quebec racer Daniel Poirier, have also reached AP2 (although they have not completed the full course). They were enthusiastic about the race. "The format of this race is 100% forwarding, very hard and very committed, but within an exceptional framework. France is an incredibly wild country … it is hard to believe it part of mainland Europe – the scenery is so amazing.�

They are one of several teams carrying penalties which have been applied to teams taking shortened routes. Others include Yoga Tea (15 hours), Hey Lo (72 hours and now unranked after a team member withdrew at CP13), Passion Extreme Liege (TBD), Energie Côté Sud – Ville de Fréjus (15 hours), Intersport (TBD) and Endurance Aventure - Pédini Iret (20 hours). All those penalties are still provisional.

Today, both Cateye Outdoor Experience and Energie Côté Sud – Ville de Fréjus should reach the horse riding, which is open until 5pm, and it is possible some of the slower team will be brought forward to start the ride as well.

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