Closing interview

What a relief to finally be able to launch this race that was initially designed in 2020 and postponed in 2021: happy racers on the finish line ; no injury ; a weather challenging just as needed, with rain, fog, storms but also sun… gathering all the ingredients for a genuine expedition, says Pascal Bahuaud, race director.

Could you explain your motivation to stage an Alpine Race…
Pascal Bahuaud: Where we live we are constantly surrounded by some of the most beautiful summits of the Alps and mountains is now part of our DNA. Being a skiing instructor in les Arcs during Winter, riding my bike up the Alpine passes since my younger age, and truly aiming for racers to discover some new territories each time on Raid in France, the challenge to organise an adventure race on this area, became vital.

How do you feel after 4 long years since the world Chamionship in Reunion Island ?
Pascal Bahuaud: 4 years, its a long time to keep the flame alive. Even with the track mostly ready, we had to work on the race set up all again, each year. The administrative and operating procedures had to be redone every time, leading to some modifications and new restrictions. It might not be noticeable afterwards, but organising this race has been a real challenge for us :  personally, technically and financially. This makes the success of this 11th edition even more pleasing. Our Rif family, and all our volunteers (120+), have once again, with some extreme kindness, willingness and dedication,  answered the call and allowed the race to function.

Could you say something about the race too: its nature and what you felt about the most significant stages
Pascal Bahuaud: Back in 2007, when we thought of creating Raid in France, the aim was to show the world, all the diversity and prettiness of our nature and landscapes here in France, besides Paris and Cote d’Azur. Today, I think this is our major win.
This year, the track was very mountainous, with some progression in high altitude (above 3000m high), which gave our race a technical aspect and another type of challenge. Indeed, even if we had less snow than expected on the glacier, the teams had a long trek around Mont-Blanc and through Beaufortin, where they had to make use of their mountaineering skills. Then, in the valleys the rivers are very lively. Being surrounded by the mountains, they can get very tumultuous and the section on Isere might stay in many racers memories as a key moment ! At the end of the race, the navigation section, going through the wild parts of the river Rhone, the canal de Savières and Bourget lake, is also a magical section. Some teams even experienced some horrendous conditions (over 80 km / h of wind), making some memories even more indelible. To finish, we must note all those little secluded areas discovered by the racers such as Chéran river or Pont du Diable canyon that add some more magic to this beautiful environment ! Basically, the area is so amazing that the challenge is to choose where to go !