” This is really crazy “

Grégory Coupet is the Raid in France 2014 sponsor. An interview with this ex goal keeper who played for the French team and the Olympique Lyonnais, and also a native of Puy-en-Velay.

Why have you accepted to sponsor Raid in France ?

I share the same values as the Raid in France. Going beyond ones capabilities, respecting nature, progressing within a team, pushing oneself to the limits via sport….. we speak the same language. Also, this year, the race starts from my town, Puy-en-Velay, and arrives in a region which I know very well. I admire the racers who throw themselves into this non stop 5 day adventure and the hard work put in by the organisers. It’s quite something……

Have you ever participated in a trail, what draws you to outdoor sports?

Since I retired, I have been looking to awaken my sporting spirit. I need to be active, to run, do mountain biking…. All without actually competing. Yet I like a challenge. If I don’t use a stop watch then I want to finish the race having found pleasure. This is also a means of discovering oneself , to try out new sensations and to get away from siestas and aperitif time… Why not participate in the Raid in France in a few years time!

What is the Raid in France to you ?

I get the feeling, having looked at racer’s comments, that it’s not simply a race. It’s a sportive, human and mental adventure taking place in a great landscape. Team spirit, cohesion and mutual aid are all necessary in order to advance, physical force alone does not suffice. The back to nature promess held by Raid in France each year makes it a very great sporting eve.

A message for the racers ?

Prepare yourself well in order to profit from the race, the scenery and your team members… I am impatient to see you all in action in this beautiful country side of “la Haute-Loire”, an exceptional outdoor playground…

Greg’s palmares

> Born on the 31 December 1972 in Puy-en-Velay
> 7 times French league1 football champion for « Olympique Lyonnais » team as goal keeper
> 34 selections for the french team
> Finalist in the 2006 World Cup