From the Mountains to the Sea - The Longest Raid Ever

Chris/Raid Gauloises / 27.04.2002

Pierre Beguin, the race director for the Raid Gauloises, has just revealed the course for the 11th edition to the captains, accompanied by one member of their assistance team. Now the clock is really ticking …

1008km, 52 check points and 3 assistance points, where every team must stop for a compulsory three hours rest… This is a rough overview of the raid-book presented today which will traverse regions of Northern Vietnam hitherto unexplored by “outsiders�. Regions of mountains and rice-paddies inhabited by peoples of diverse ethnic backgrounds with rich, ancestral lifestyles.

Going from East to West, the itinerary is characterised by the variety of activities and the frequency with which they change: 52 control points and 3 assistance points. For the first time in the history of the Raid, there will be no dark zones and that means racing at night.

Starting from BAC HA, a small village nestling in the mountainous district of HA GIANG near the Chinese border, the racers will set off on a strength sapping 120kms trek through luxurious vegetation and up steep mountain climbs. After a breathtaking 100 Km plunge downhill on their bikes the teams will ascend and rappel a spectacular waterfall leading to the start of a canoeing section.

After an obligatory 3-hour stopover at the first assistance point, the racers leap back onto their bikes and cover the 45kms to the next change of activity, the flying fox and cable-bridge. Next comes a demanding jungle orienteering stage divided in two by a stretch of water to be crossed using authentic Vietnamese bamboo rafts. They’re over seven metres long!

With the second assistance point behind them, the teams will begin another trek of 60kms. This year the race is going underground too with a caving section deep in the jungle. Another 50kms on Mtbs followed by 70kms on foot and the racers head for the home stretch: an enthralling and critical stage in sea kayaks across the Halong Bay.

The finish will take place on the island of CAT BA after 1008kms of blood sweat and tears … and hopefully an equal number of smiles. The longest race in the history of the Raid Gauloises.

See All Stories On This Race