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A Sad Day

Raid Gauloises Reporting Team / 11.06.2003

Tim Bel Range/Kyrgyzstan – Yesterday evening the 2003 Raid Gauloises experienced a tragic episode when Dominique Robert, a member of ENDURANCE-AGF (FR), was drowned during the first canoeing section. It was a dreadful event that caused profound consternation among the organisation and competitors alike. However, a large majority of those taking part expressed the desire to continue the race in homage to Dominique who, with participations in 10 Raid Gauloises, including a win in Costa Rica in 1990, was recognised as a pioneer in the realm of adventure racing.

Last night was one of the most harrowing the Raid Gauloises has ever known, after hearing about the loss of Dominique Robert, of ENDURANCE-AGF (FR), on the first canoeing section shortly after leaving CP3. Alain Gaimard, race director, later elucidated the circumstances in which the accident took place.

Around 17:30, the water level of the river, classed II to III, rose dramatically. Described as a relatively light flowing, dynamic river, it had a very regular flow rate and presented very few risks. There are a number of possible causes for the sudden increase in level. The likeliest explanation is the rupture of a natural dam somewhere upriver or on one of the tributaries. 17 teams had already passed the same spot, in midstream, without incident.

Like all difficult passages, the spot was closely monitored by river guides and conspicuously indicated in accordance with markers described in the Road Book. These markers indicate the easiest route to take. The sudden rise in water level increased the speed of the flow on this portion of the river.

Dominique and her fellow team member took the wrong arm of the river, to the right of the indicated route, and were dragged under the branches of a tree. Dominique was trapped beneath the boat. Two paramedics and a river guide were on the scene immediately and a doctor arrived by helicopter within five minutes.

Dominique was cut free of the branches but, despite every effort to revive her by the medical team, she passed away. At 46, Dominique Robert, from Megève, was on her 10th Raid Gauloises and was on the winning team in Costa Rica in 1990. Recognised as a pioneer in the sport, this ski instructor and upper mountain guide was married and mother to two children.

In light of this catastrophe, all the teams still in the race began to wonder what would be an appropriate reaction for the rest of the race. Alain Gaimard, devastated by the loss of a competitor, who was first and foremost a good friend, took it upon himself to break the dreadful news, one by one, to the 17 teams that had preceded ENDURANCE-AGF (FR) on the river.

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