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A strong field of racers, with many international racing credits, will be vying for the title

02.11.2007

Eighteen teams, along with their support crews, coming from four different continents, have gathered in new Caledonia for the 2007 running of Dream Raid Grands Hôtels de Nouvelle Calédonie. This is a really strong international field, and it is a tough call to pick who might be the favourites.

The Australians of team Hôtel Le Surf have a chance to replay their success of 2005, and are certainly one of the strong teams here.

This year, New Caledonian sponsor Socafer, winner of the first Dream Raid edition, is supporting two team, that include some of the best competitors from New Caledonia, New Zealand, and France at this present time. Sylvain Mougin, winner of the Raid Gauloises, the Dream Raid 2002 and la Boliviana 2004 and 2006 will team up with Gael Hansel, winner of the Transmarocaine and the Boliviana 2006. They will join the winning couple of the Dream Raid 2002, Martine and Olivier Limouzin.

The other team Socafer team is of a more or less Anglo make-up. The New Caledonian Philippe Lepoul, winner of the Mini Dream in 2005, is running with Emily Miazza, winner of the coast to coast 2006; Eric Billoudin ranked in the first 5 Coast to Coast, winner of the Veterans category for 2002 and 2003 and winner of the outdoor Quest Borneo 2004; and Jim Hawkridge, 5th in the southern Traverse 2007 and winner of the Routeburn classic 2007.

A mixed-nationality team Lefriod will be made up of Francois Faloci, Vice Raids world Champion 2005, 2006 and 2007, teaming up with the Kiwi Sarah Fairmaid, 2nd at the Coast to Coast 2007, racing with New Caledonians, Martial Devillers and Alexandre Guichet, 2nd at the Dream Raid 2005 and winner of the Transcal 2004 and 2005.

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