---

Les Arcs Quechua are the Champions

Rob Howard / 15.09.2005

The crowds began to gather around the finish arch in the centre of Gstaad from 7.30am. but with little information coming from the course no one quite knew how long they would have to wait for the winning team to arrive. Everyone assumed it would be Les Arcs Quechua and as the sunshine hit the street and time ticked away news came through that they’d finished the via ferrata and were on the long free abseil just outside of town.

The team’s small army of supporters began to line the streets, ringing cow bells and blowing hooters – getting ready to celebrate. And at 10.15 am, after just over 5 full days on the course, the team walked around the corner to approach the finish to rousing cheers, whistles and the sound of horns being blown.

Lead by Christophe Faure, as always, they were in no hurry, strolling along and shaking hands and hugging their supporters on the road side. Then they lined up together to pass under the arch, but for a few minutes didn’t make it as their support crew rushed in to greet them. Surrounded by a tight press of media, Raid staff and friends they gradually moved to the final control to punch in the finish and raised their arms in victory. Les Arcs Quechua were the new Raid World Champions!

Yves Billodeau was the most emotional of the team, tears streaking his sweat stained, but broadly smiling face. Christophe Faure was laughing and joking with the course director Sylvain Thuault (no doubt about being stopped overnight close to the finish and the long, long course), and Rudy Gouy and Florence Marguet were hugging their two support crew Helene Rochas and Nicholas Termier.

See All Stories On This Race