« Everyone can live their adventure »
Never tired of adventure and a challaenge, Pascal Bahuaud has concocted a 2010 shorter edition but which is just as intense and magic as his unforgettable Raids in France.
- What’s the spirit behind this 2010 Raid in France?
Raid in France remains an authentic race:— competitor’s autonomy wherever possible, no GPS, sections of maps on which not all of the touristic and marker points are not indicated, and always fundamental – respect of nature!
The competitors pass by places so magnificent that they say « whaou, let’s look after and preserve this spot! » To sensitize and take responsibility for ones actions is a much more useful forfeit to wage rather than not allowing entry into a certain spot; a controlled and reasonable use of an area seems to me to be more appropriate. This permanent idea towards nature has shown to be a real driving force behind the race, we are also very vigilant as regards the number of competitors crossing a certain section at a certain stage in time, in order to minimise their impact on the environment.
The 2010 edition will take place in the Pays du Buech, an area which I spent a lot of time crossing during the the last Raid in France course setting. I often thought that this valley was very imposing, with on one side le Dévoluy – a mountain in the form of a fortress and on the other side valleys and mountains covered with thick vegetation. A heart throbbing experience, as the entire Hautes-Alpes are, one which I would like to share.
- With the 2010 edition, the race is open to more competitors, what is the principle behind this ICDI circuit?
It’s a natural approach to the matter. I hope to help more participants to make the step towards participating in a « grand raid », that is to say: a non stop raid, in total autonomy, in a team with real criteria of discovery and adventure. Twenty years ago when I began the Raid Gauloises, we knew nothing........ With a bunch of friends we said « Yeah! In one year we’ll go and do the Gauloises! » Simply because we desired to take on this challenge together. Today, people are much more reluctant, the raids have evolved towards a type of professionalism which has set aside those who came to live an adveture. To the point where many think that these races are reserved only for the « big teams ».
The raid ICDI, meaning « I Can Do It », is a first step. The route taken is in reality a section of the Raid in France ARWS circuit. The rules will be the same:– very few passing points, autonomy, map reading and the same activities (orientation traks, mountain bike with map reading and some walking with the bike... one of our strong points). All lasting for about 10 to 12 hours for the first teams and a bit longer for those finishing at night fall.
The race ICDI will begin at the same time as the ARWS circuit and we invite the participants to follow the adventure, the Saturday and Sunday, with the idea of discovering the Raid in France spirit by tasting a section of a much longer route.
- Raid in France remains a high level competition, what can the participants expect to encounter?
This year the route is a little shorter in terms of time and distance covered. The goal is to attract the maximum number of teams. Firstly because the investment needed is reduced: shorter and less expensive, the race becomes accessible to a larger number. It seems that the bet is already being won; the number of teams required is already attained. Once participants realise that a 3 day race is within their reach then they are motivated to go further.. with a 5 day race for example!
Raid in France 2010 remains a round on the ARWS circuit, qualifying for the final in Spain; All will be as with the last 2 editions, with the same level of commitment, of autonomy and the assistants with an overlooking role. The only change being a total of approximately 50 hours with rest time and assistances adapted accordingly. With, as always, the assurance for the least rapid teams to go to the end of their adveture by crossing the finish line.
In 2011, we will go back to a longer raid of 5 to 6 days, around the middle of September. And as Raid in France is postulating for the final of the ARWC in 2012, I hope that the 2011 edition will be the rehearsal!
