The Grand Raid des Pyrenees
The calm before the storm
Anne-Marie Dunhill / 25.08.2010
The tiny village of Vielle-Aure in the high Pyrenees of France is experiencing the calm before the storm. In 48 hours 1,500 trail runners will embark on the third edition of this ultra trail in the heart of the Pyrenees. The race route will take them over 160km with a positive climb of 10,000m. A tantalizing addition has been added this year: the ascent of the world famous Pic du Midi and its observatory.
International interest is high for the 2010 edition with over 24 nationalities registered, up from 4 for the second edition. Racers are converging from all over the world, including Senegal,La Reunion, Hong Kong, Singapore and Carole Adam has come all the way from Australia.
In spite such interest and even though the race quickly filled up, the organizers have said that they are determined to keep the numbers limited to 1,500 racers on the ultra and the Grand (which is 80km with a positive ascent of 5,000m). Their choice is probably a wise one as racers last year invariably commented on the friendliness of the race and all of the volunteers, as well as the beauty of the race route.
The ultra trail of the Grand Raid des Pyrenees will start at 05:00 on Friday, August 27th and the Grand will start at 05:00 on Saturday, August 28th. The first racers are predicted to finish at 03:00 on Saturday for the ultra and at 15:00 for the Grand. The roadbook shows that they will go through the villages of Bareges,Luz St. Sauveur,Cauterets,Pic de Cabaliros,Villelongue,Pic du Midi, Artigues, Neouvielle and then back to Vielle-Aure which is next to the ski resort of St. Lary.
Oscar Perez Lopez, who recently won the 6000D is one of the favorites, as is former adventure racer Bruno Bareilles. Geraldine Leroy, who won the Grand in 2008 and was on maternity leave last year is listed as one of the women favorites for this years ultra.
There can be no doubt that although it is calm now, soon this town will be electric with 1,500 racers and over 2,500 people accompanying them.
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