RAIDARAN-LLEIDA PIRINEUS

Aran Valley and Lleida Welcome the AR European Championships

Press Release / 12.07.2016

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The third edition of the Raid Aram, organized by CEM Pardinyes, will take place around the Aran Valley, Sierra Montsec and end in the city of Lleida, and for the first time the race will host the European AR Championship between 18 and 24 July.

The Raid is similar to the World Championship with teams being unsupported and racing between 300 and 500 kilometers. They face all kinds of tests, such as kayaking, hiking, canyoning, hiking and via ferrata. The 31 elite teams from all over Europe won’t know the complete route until Tuesday 19th, when a briefing will be held in Vielha, and the race starts on the 20th.

The organization has just published through social networks the different sections of the raid.  Xavi Rodriguez, Director of the competition said; "The information we have given participants will give the racers some idea of what lies ahead and at some point they will move above 3,000 meters and combine kayaking with the verticality of a via ferrata.

At the pre-race press conference different authorities supporting the race stressed the importance of promoting the territory of Lleida and of Catalonia in general.  Gerard Sabarich said: “that many of the sports in the raid are included in the program to promote tourism in the province of Lleida.  We are a European leader in adventure tourism."  Jordi Ignasi Vidal also comments; "Athletes from around Europe will help us promote our territory." He highlighted that "everyone can enjoy the places where the raid will go throughout the year."

The final finish line will be located in La Seu Vella, but as yet no details have been revealed on how the competitors will get there. You can follow the race at http://raidaran.com