13th of May 2008
Dear competitors
As you will have seen in the press release which we sent out to you, the first Raid Canéo Nature will be setting off from Versailles, beginning with the “ride and run”. This will be a superb, prestigious event, and one worthy of the route both for this first stage and for the rest of this exciting competition.
We were delighted with the enthusiasm shown by the Conseil Général des Yvelines (Yvelines District council). This region will certainly astonish you thanks to its outstanding heritage sites and its local environment, both well-known and otherwise. Additionally, the Conseil Général is preparing a warm welcome for you. We will certainly be coming back!
As you can see, the BMW Group France is now a partner of the event. This is something of which we are immensely proud, as it is extremely heartening to see a major brand known for its professionalism in marketing and communication taking a keen interest in our sport. This is also an encouraging sign, as BMW has certainly not chosen to join us by accident. The brand is carrying out remarkable work in the ecological field, particularly in the reduction of the emission and therefore the consumption of CO2. The BMW 118d was recently voted “global ecological car of the year” “Green Car 2008” at the New York show. Additionally, the BMW Group has scooped the first three places at the recent “Monte Carlo clean energy” event.
The race route
In appendix 1 you will find the promised information concerning the race route, which should certainly set your mouth watering. This information will also enable your sponsors to take the necessary steps if they wish to be present in the “partners’ villages” which we will be setting up along the route. We are working with VITABRI who are offering attractive prices for tents in these “villages” where we are expecting both local visitors and holiday makers.
Disciplines
We would like to draw your attention to the fact that there will be several orienteering trials in the strict sense of the term, on foot and by bicycle, organized by our friends at the FFCO, who, as you know, are partners of the event. Special, highly detailed maps will be supplied to you for these stages. Brush up your skills in advance, especially if you have ambitions in the “Extreme” category.
Sea kayaking
You will also be travelling by sea. Consequently, you should ensure that you are equipped with the necessary compulsory equipment for vessels navigating up to 6 nautical miles offshore.
For navigation up to 6 nautical miles offshore, all of the kayaks must be registered with the maritime affairs department and are exempted from displaying external identity markings. The “blue traffic card” issued at the time of registration must be onboard. Vendors certifying kayaks as being suitable for navigation up to 6 nautical miles offshore must be able to supply documents demonstrating this.
If the kayak is not registered, you will need to register it with the maritime affairs department situated closest to the owner’s home. The kayak must conform to various technical characteristics. You will be required to produce this “blue traffic card” during the verification sessions on July 26 and 27.
We have therefore added to the compulsory equipment for the sea kayaking section, which you will find in the attached pre-event requirements for the Raid Canéo Nature in appendix 2.
This can also be downloaded from our website.
Bivouacs.
Along the race route, your support crews will occasionally need to manage their own bivouacs and possibly yours. We will shortly be providing you with information in order to make your bookings.
For July 26 and 27, the Conseil Général des Yvelines has negotiated an agreement with the Huttopia camping site in Rambouillet whose commitment to “natural” values strongly mirrors our own.
It is at the Huttopia campsite that the organization’s headquarters will be based. It is here that the administrative and technical verification sessions will be held, and the major briefing session to be held on July 26 in the late afternoon will also be based in Rambouillet.
You will be leaving the Huttopia campsite on July 28 at around 7.00 AM for the departure point in Versailles, where the event is scheduled to start at 9.00 AM.
Please see below details of the special prices proposed by Huttopia. Please contact them directly and notify us of your decision.
- €15 / 2 nights/person (1 individual tent brought by the camper) without electricity.
- €10 / 2 outdoor buffet breakfasts (a glass of orange juice + a hot drink + a Viennese pastry and 1/3 of a baguette with butter and jam)
Participants should pay and register at the latest by 31/05/2008:
Huttopia Rambouillet
Route du Château d’Eau
78120 – Rambouillet
tel 33(0)130410734 Fax 33(0)30410017
rambouillet@huttopia.com
http://www.huttopia.com/
http://www.camping-indigo.com/
Markings
During June you will be receiving a set of Raid Canéo Nature badges and transfers to be featured on your personal equipment.
These sets are based on six people per team:
- 30 adhesive transfers for “tops” (jackets, t-shirts, etc.)
- 6 sew-on embroidered badges for fleeces
- 14 adhesive transfers for trousers, shorts and leggings
- 8 sew-on embroidered badges for the backpacks
- 4 sew-on embroidered badges for life jackets
The sizes for these markings are described in appendix 3 (attached). You will also find details of the markings, locations and sizes permitted for your partners’ markings.
Raid Canéo Nature stickers for your vehicles and kayaks will be given out to you during the equipment verification sessions on July 26 and 27.
Our partner Quintenas is pleased to offer you a Kover cap. This is made from an innovative fabric providing protection against ticks and mosquitoes. You will be receiving this along with the markings during the month of June.
Good luck! We look forward to seeing you all soon.
Gérard Fusil and the GFC and ADAPNA teams
DATES
27 juillet au 9 août 2008
ROUTE
VERSAILLES-MARSEILLE
TEAMS
Four competitors including a minimum
SUPPORT CREW
1 or 2 people
Disciplines
Walking/orienteering, horse riding (ride & run), mountain biking, bike and run, rollerblading, rope techniques (abseiling…), canyoning, caving, sea kayaking…
Enrolment charges
€900 ex vat per team
Verification sessions
July 26/27 in RAMBOUILLET (Huttopia camp site)
Number of teams
40
Stages
6
Départements crossed
Yvelines, Essonne, Seine-et-Marne, Yonne, Côte-d’Or, Saône-et-Loire, Rhône, Lozère, Ardèche, Gard, Bouches-du-Rhône.
Categories
Extreme, Raider, Adventure
Distances
Extreme +/- 1 100 km, Raider +/- 900 km, Aventure +/-800 km.
Ride and run : 80 km in in 2 stages. Mountain biking (including bike and run) : 520 km in 2 stages. Trek and trail (including an orienteering race): 90 km in 5 stages. Caving : 12 km in 3 stages. Canyoning : 12 km. Kayaking : 320 km in 8 stages.
Rollerblading : 30 km in 2 stages.
Prizes
1/ 12 000 euros, 2/ 8 000 euros, 3/ 5 000 euros
Press
Constant multimedia coverage for the general public
Images produced by GFC
TV broadcasting agreements with terrestrial television
Organisation
ADAPNA (Association pour le Développement durable des activités de pleine nature – Association for the Sustainable Development of Outdoor Sports)
GFC (Gérard Fusil Consultants)
Press contacts
Gérard Fusil Consultants :
Botergollec – 56400 Brec’h
Tel. : 33 (0) 2 97 57 53 57 Fax : 33 (0) 2 97 57 50 35
E-mail : gfusilcy@aol.com - raidcaneo@aol.com
http://www.authentiqueaventure.com/
Press contacts CanéO : AirPur
Sophie Gilibert : tel : 33 (0) 3 81 57 13 29
e-mail : sgilibert@agence-airpur.fr
Showing posts with label International Adventurers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label International Adventurers. Show all posts
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Raid Caneo Nature to start from Versailless, Place D'armes
The first Raid Canéo Nature will be setting off from Yvelines on July 28, 2008
Departing from the Place d’Armes in Versailles
The 40 teams enrolled for the first Raid Canéo Nature will be setting off from the Place d’Armes in Versailles on July 28 on horseback.
The chosen discipline for the crossing of the Yvelines area will be “ride and run”. Each team comprising four competitors (including at least one woman) will have two riders and two “trailers” to cover this 56 km route taking them out into the heart of an attractive natural environment as they cross the département.
Over the space of 11 days, taking in more than 1000 kilometres on foot, on horseback, by kayak, by rollerblade and by mountain bike crossing mountains and forests, canals, streams and rivers, not forgetting the sea, canyoning, caving, abseiling or via ferrata, these 160 advanced to top-level sportsmen and women will be making their way to Marseilles from Versailles. They will be crossing a France largely unknown or badly known by many of our fellow citizens, including one of the richest and most diverse environments in the world, featuring a wealth of cultural and historical heritage unrivalled anywhere else on earth.
With this in mind, the decision was taken to start the race in Yvelines, an area known for its marvellous historical sites. What many people do not realise however, is that Yvelines is also a valuable “lung” for the Paris region, a splendid natural setting in which virtually all kinds of sports are practiced, with horse riding taking pride of place.
Over above the excellent symbol represented by Versailles, the choice of Yvelines as the starting point for this exciting event will also make it possible to put the spotlight on some less famous and occasionally unknown and unexpected sites just a stone’s throw from the Paris conurbation.
The complete and detailed race route for this first Raid Canéo Nature will be announced shortly before the start date to avoid prior reconnaissance. It will be passing through eleven départements, guaranteed to reveal no shortage of outstanding natural and cultural attractions.
The 160 competitors enrolled for this first event come from very different backgrounds. Some are hardcore veterans of numerous rallies from around the world while others have participated in a small number of the 700 short rallies organized each year in France. All are well trained sportsmen and women, and have carefully prepared for the various disciplines on the event programme. However, to take account of the differing ability levels and to ensure that everyone can get the best from their adventure without exceeding their capacity, at the end of the first stage they will be dividing into three separate categories: “Extreme” for the best trained athletes, “Raider” for competitors with a good level and “Adventure” for those with an excellent physical condition but who have trained less intensively.
The routes differ in length according to the category but all of the participants will be crossing France, making their way to Marseille day and night, with five short pauses to mark the end of each stage. At each changeover of activity, the competitors will be joined by two fellow team members who are not involved in the race but who will be managing the sports equipment and supplies with devotion and efficiency!
Drawn from all sections of society, and aged from 17 to 57 years old, the competitors in this Raid Canéo Nature are shining examples of the new breed of enthusiasts for what is today becoming known as “sustainable sport”. They stand as living examples of forward-looking sporting behaviour, being health conscious, focused, determined to live better, and to put the spotlight on our environment and everything which comprises our culture.
Each year, the Raid Canéo Nature will be covering a new route, revealing France from a new angle as it crosses the country.
Paul PELLETIER
The RAID CANEO NATURE
DATES July 27 to August 9, 2008
ROUTE VERSAILLES-MARSEILLE
TEAMS Four competitors including a minimum of one woman
SUPPORT CREW 1 or 2 people
Disciplines Walking/orienteering, horse riding (ride & run), mountain biking, bike and run, rollerblading, rope techniques (abseiling…), canyoning, caving, sea kayaking…
Enrolment charges €900 ex vat per team
Verification sessions July 26/27 in RAMBOUILLET (Huttopia camp site)
Number of teams 40
Stages 6
Départements crossed Yvelines, Essonne, Seine-et-Marne, Yonne, Côte d’Or, Saône-et-Loire, Rhône, Lozère, Ardèche, Gard, Bouches-du-Rhône.
Categories Extreme, Raider, Adventure
Distances Extreme +/- 1100 km, Raider +/- 900 km, Adventure +/-800 km.
Ride and run: 80 km in 2 stages. Mountain biking (including bike and run): 520 km in 12 stages. Trek and trail (including an orienteering race): 90 km in 5 stages. Caving: 12 km in 3 stages. Canyoning: 12 km. Kayaking: 320 km in 8 stages.
Rollerblading: 30 km in 2 stages.
Prizes 1/ 12 000 euros, 2/ 8 000 euros, 3/ 5 000 euros
Press Constant multimedia coverage for the general public
Images produced by GFC
TV broadcasting agreements with terrestrial television
Organisation ADAPNA (Association pour le Développement durable des activités de pleine nature – Association for the Sustainable Development of Outdoor Sports)
GFC (Gérard Fusil Consultants)
Contacts press E-mail: gfusilcy@aol.com - raidcaneo@aol.com
Gérard Fusil Consultants: Botergollec – 56400 Brec’h
Tel.: 33 (0) 2 97 57 53 57 Fax: 33 (0) 2 97 57 50 35
http://www.authentiqueaventure.com-
Contacts Presse CanéO : AirPur
Sophie Gilibert : tel : 33 (0) 3 81 57 13 29
e-mail : sgilibert@agence-airpur.fr
Departing from the Place d’Armes in Versailles
The 40 teams enrolled for the first Raid Canéo Nature will be setting off from the Place d’Armes in Versailles on July 28 on horseback.
The chosen discipline for the crossing of the Yvelines area will be “ride and run”. Each team comprising four competitors (including at least one woman) will have two riders and two “trailers” to cover this 56 km route taking them out into the heart of an attractive natural environment as they cross the département.
Over the space of 11 days, taking in more than 1000 kilometres on foot, on horseback, by kayak, by rollerblade and by mountain bike crossing mountains and forests, canals, streams and rivers, not forgetting the sea, canyoning, caving, abseiling or via ferrata, these 160 advanced to top-level sportsmen and women will be making their way to Marseilles from Versailles. They will be crossing a France largely unknown or badly known by many of our fellow citizens, including one of the richest and most diverse environments in the world, featuring a wealth of cultural and historical heritage unrivalled anywhere else on earth.
With this in mind, the decision was taken to start the race in Yvelines, an area known for its marvellous historical sites. What many people do not realise however, is that Yvelines is also a valuable “lung” for the Paris region, a splendid natural setting in which virtually all kinds of sports are practiced, with horse riding taking pride of place.
Over above the excellent symbol represented by Versailles, the choice of Yvelines as the starting point for this exciting event will also make it possible to put the spotlight on some less famous and occasionally unknown and unexpected sites just a stone’s throw from the Paris conurbation.
The complete and detailed race route for this first Raid Canéo Nature will be announced shortly before the start date to avoid prior reconnaissance. It will be passing through eleven départements, guaranteed to reveal no shortage of outstanding natural and cultural attractions.
The 160 competitors enrolled for this first event come from very different backgrounds. Some are hardcore veterans of numerous rallies from around the world while others have participated in a small number of the 700 short rallies organized each year in France. All are well trained sportsmen and women, and have carefully prepared for the various disciplines on the event programme. However, to take account of the differing ability levels and to ensure that everyone can get the best from their adventure without exceeding their capacity, at the end of the first stage they will be dividing into three separate categories: “Extreme” for the best trained athletes, “Raider” for competitors with a good level and “Adventure” for those with an excellent physical condition but who have trained less intensively.
The routes differ in length according to the category but all of the participants will be crossing France, making their way to Marseille day and night, with five short pauses to mark the end of each stage. At each changeover of activity, the competitors will be joined by two fellow team members who are not involved in the race but who will be managing the sports equipment and supplies with devotion and efficiency!
Drawn from all sections of society, and aged from 17 to 57 years old, the competitors in this Raid Canéo Nature are shining examples of the new breed of enthusiasts for what is today becoming known as “sustainable sport”. They stand as living examples of forward-looking sporting behaviour, being health conscious, focused, determined to live better, and to put the spotlight on our environment and everything which comprises our culture.
Each year, the Raid Canéo Nature will be covering a new route, revealing France from a new angle as it crosses the country.
Paul PELLETIER
The RAID CANEO NATURE
DATES July 27 to August 9, 2008
ROUTE VERSAILLES-MARSEILLE
TEAMS Four competitors including a minimum of one woman
SUPPORT CREW 1 or 2 people
Disciplines Walking/orienteering, horse riding (ride & run), mountain biking, bike and run, rollerblading, rope techniques (abseiling…), canyoning, caving, sea kayaking…
Enrolment charges €900 ex vat per team
Verification sessions July 26/27 in RAMBOUILLET (Huttopia camp site)
Number of teams 40
Stages 6
Départements crossed Yvelines, Essonne, Seine-et-Marne, Yonne, Côte d’Or, Saône-et-Loire, Rhône, Lozère, Ardèche, Gard, Bouches-du-Rhône.
Categories Extreme, Raider, Adventure
Distances Extreme +/- 1100 km, Raider +/- 900 km, Adventure +/-800 km.
Ride and run: 80 km in 2 stages. Mountain biking (including bike and run): 520 km in 12 stages. Trek and trail (including an orienteering race): 90 km in 5 stages. Caving: 12 km in 3 stages. Canyoning: 12 km. Kayaking: 320 km in 8 stages.
Rollerblading: 30 km in 2 stages.
Prizes 1/ 12 000 euros, 2/ 8 000 euros, 3/ 5 000 euros
Press Constant multimedia coverage for the general public
Images produced by GFC
TV broadcasting agreements with terrestrial television
Organisation ADAPNA (Association pour le Développement durable des activités de pleine nature – Association for the Sustainable Development of Outdoor Sports)
GFC (Gérard Fusil Consultants)
Contacts press E-mail: gfusilcy@aol.com - raidcaneo@aol.com
Gérard Fusil Consultants: Botergollec – 56400 Brec’h
Tel.: 33 (0) 2 97 57 53 57 Fax: 33 (0) 2 97 57 50 35
http://www.authentiqueaventure.com-
Contacts Presse CanéO : AirPur
Sophie Gilibert : tel : 33 (0) 3 81 57 13 29
e-mail : sgilibert@agence-airpur.fr
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Raid Caneo Nature Newsletter
April 08
Hello everyone;
A large number of you have now signed up for the Raid Canéo Nature. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your enthusiasm and your sense of adventure!
As you can see, this is a new concept as it involves a long trek interspersed with brief pauses and gatherings to avoid it becoming an excessively exhausting race. This is in keeping with our wish to put the focus firmly on "sport for health" and "sustainable sport" through competitions combining sport and nature.
That said, the Raid Canéo Nature is very much in line with the tradition and the ideal that we have always promoted, of total immersion in a natural environment while practising an endurance sport over a lengthy period.
Despite this, we do not wish to see this become a competition reserved only for highly trained athletes. Although they will naturally be racing for victory in the "Extreme" category, the Raid Canéo Nature also enables less able competitors to enjoy their hobby too. For this reason, we have carefully adjusted the route for the three categories: Extreme, Raider and Adventure. The accuracy of the 1/25000th IGN maps employed has certainly facilitated this task for us. And now, here are the details you've all been waiting for: practical information to help you prepare for your participation in the first Raid Canéo Nature.
We should begin by stating that we never cease to find the sheer wealth of resources offered by France for sporting and nature events both rewarding and astonishing. Where sports activities are concerned, as everyone knows, the richness and diversity of our natural environment is renowned the world over. However, we should also add that we are constantly surprised and delighted by the attractive natural or historical sites we come across during our reconnaissance, including villages, canyons, trails, caves and other sites that can only be discovered through nature sports. The event will provide an excellent opportunity for French viewers to discover these sites as they follow your adventures this summer on their television screens and on the Web.
A fabulous route awaits both the teams and the support crews, who will have a chance to discover France as they could never have imagined it. This is an experience they will certainly never forget.
We were amazed by the beauty of these marvellous sites at a time of year when nature was not at its best, during the winter. The cold and the rain followed us right throughout our reconnaissance period. I'll leave you to imagine just how these locations will look during your competition in the middle of the summer.
The race route
The starting point for the competition will be announced officially in mid-April. Be prepared for a (pleasant) surprise. The start will be magnificent, spectacular, prestigious and interesting. The various checks concerning the equipment and techniques required will be carried out on July 26 and 27. The first Raid Canéo Nature will begin on July 28, with the prize-giving on August 9.
The list of départements (regions) through which the route will pass will be given to you on July 26 and 27.
A non-detailed route will be supplied to you in May in order that you or your partners and those of the race organisers can prepare trips and meetings along the route, particularly at the gathering points. We will also be inviting the public to come along and cheer you on at certain points along the route where this is technically possible.
Also in May, we will be supplying you with the list of IGN maps that you will need.
Full details of the route will be supplied to you one week before the event to enable you to prepare your maps
.
We can already tell you that the distances are as follows:
Ride and Run: 80 km in 2 stages.
Mountain bike: 520 km in 12 stages.
A bike and run route will probably be included.
Walking - Orienteering, including an orienteering race: 90 km in 5 stages.
Caving:12 km in 3 stages.
Canyoning: 12 km.
Kayak: 320 km in 8 stages.
Roller: 30 km in 2 stages.
We have decided not to include the sailing option this year as it is not particularly suited to the route and to the winds forecast by the "pilot charts". On the other hand, it is possible that a new discipline may be announced in the next 30 days. This will not require prior training, although simple technical training is highly recommended. No additional equipment will be needed.
The Extreme route will cover some 1100 km.
The Raider route will be approximately 900 km.
The Adventure route will be 800 km.
The "missing kilometres" for the Raiders and Adventurers will be taken from areas with positive differences in height and will enable struggling teams to keep going until the end. Based on the feedback we have from the teams concerning their experience, this route should enable all of them to reach Marseille during the competition.
The route will include five pauses for gatherings, i.e. six stages. The first competitors should reach Marseille on August 7 or even on August 6 late in the day. The last should arrive on August 8 and at the latest August 9 (the prize-giving date).
Naturally, minor modifications may occur with regard to this description to take account of administrative or other obligations.
Please see attached the documents concerning the various levels required for various disciplines, and the compulsory equipment requirements. Here is some additional information to help you select your equipment.
Sea kayaking
The 320 km of sea kayaking routes will include: - Class 2 streams with a number of class 3 sections- Calm but powerful rivers- Canals, carrying the kayaks through the locks - The sea - Lakes
Both we and our kayaking specialists recommend that you use sea kayaks of the sturdy, lightweight, hiking variety. The DAG brand’s "Biwok" is the best option. Our specialists advise you to avoid using sprint Kayaks, which they consider to be too fragile.
If you wish to obtain these kayaks, there is not a moment to lose. Please refer to our special kayak circular or contact GFC.
Mountain biking
All mountain biking disciplines are welcome. The route will sometimes be backbreaking and at other times perfect for freewheeling. There will be extremely steep slopes to climb and high-speed downhill sprints. There will be very little carrying involved, but lightweight bicycles are nevertheless recommended. Above all, though, the priorities are robustness and an excellent braking system.
Support crews
The support crews will intervene at each change of activity, and always in areas suitable for motor vehicles.The ideal vehicle is a van equipped with roof racks to carry two double kayaks and a mountain bike transportation system. This vehicle should be able to carry the 6 team members in full observance of the highway code (i.e., with 6 seats).During May, the organisers will supply the support crews with information enabling them to prepare their bivouacs and those of the teams at the gathering points. There will be no enclosed secure area.
To be confirmed: a GPS provided free by the IGN and including the road and mapping systems for France at a scale of 100,000. This is the ultimate tool to ensure that you don't miss any of the equipment changeover sessions.
Equipment supplied by the organisers
A GEOPOINTER tracker will be supplied by the organisers. This will show your position at any time with absolute precision, and will prove that you have kept to the specified route.
Insurance and certificates
GFC will shortly be offering you individual accident insurance. You are free to take up this offer or otherwise as you choose, but in both cases you must send us your signed decision.
You must imperatively supply the organisers with a medical certificate dating from during the last three months prior to the start date of the Raid Canéo Nature, demonstrating that you are fit to practise a long-haul multi-sport competition including horse riding, mountain biking, kayaking and rollerblading, etc.
Certificates
It is vital that you supply us with certificates signed by the state certification/qualification bodies or by professionals for the following disciplines: horse riding, rope techniques, kayaking and topography skills when caving. You should send copies of your certificates to GFC and present the originals during the verifications.
Good luck with your preparations!
Best regards from the GFC team
Gérard FUSIL
TECHNIQUES THE COMPETITORS HAVE TO MASTER
ORIENTEERING
- Orienteering using a compass- Use of orienteering maps
CANYONING
- Correct use of personal equipment: harness, helmet, etc.- Installation of a figure of eight descender and safe descent techniques using it- Progressing on hand line - Progressing in autonomy - teams will be autonomous on vertical sections pre-equipped with fixed lines
SINGLE ROPE TECHNIQUES (DESCENT)
- Progressing on hand lines- Abseiling on a fixed rope with an autostop caving descender- Crossing a rebelay on the way down- Using handle ascender as “self belay” on short slope or ladder
CAVING
- Progression in through trip cave with vertical sections already equipped in single rope technique (the descent techniques described above will be used)- Orienteering using a cave survey
SEA KAYAKING
- Leaving a stationary position to go back into the current- Paddling across a river- Positioning in an eddy- Negotiating a bend in the river- Mastery of the use of a throw line
HORSE RIDING (RIDE AND RUN) for a minimum of two team members
- Saddling and bridling the horse- Finding the gentlest route and avoid stones- Never trotting or galloping on stones, concrete or tarmac- On uneven ground, knowing when to let the horse stop to regain its breath- Avoiding helping the horse over difficult sections - Crossing rivers - Judging the physical condition of your horse.- Evaluating the importance of an injury- Raising the foot, checking the shoe, using a foot pick- Attaching a horse to a tree with 10 m of rope (or lead)- Repositioning the saddle and blanket- Feeding the horse- Watering the horse
COMPETITOR EQUIPMENT – 2008 CANEO NATURE RACE
Safety equipment compulsory throughout the competition unless otherwise indicated in the Raid book
Per competitor
• A survival blanket• A storm lighter• A compass• A knife (flick knife or with a safety ring), minimum length of blade: 7 cm• A whistle• A survival mirror• A head lamp• A fleece jacket• A sleeping bag• A waterproof jacket
Per team
• 1 “team” first aid kit compliant with the organisation’s requirements (first aid contents to be indicated by email later)• 1 waterproof flashing stroboscopic lamp• 1 mobile phone with its waterproof bag• A GEOPOINTER beacon supplied by the organisation
Recommended equipment:
• 1 GPS and its waterproof bag
WALKING-ORIENTEERING
Compulsory equipment:
Per team
• 15 m of dynamic (climbing) rope, minimum diameter 8.5 mm• Two 15 to 25 mm wide tape slings of about 2 m in circumference• Two locking type karabiners • An altimeter
Recommended equipment:
Per competitor
• A hat• Sun block• A pair of gloves• Sunglasses
ROLLER
Compulsory equipment:
Per competitor
• 1 pair of roller (in line) or quad skates• A helmet conforming to EC standards• Protection for knees, elbows and wrists
Recommended equipment:
• Trousers or long shorts in canvas or denim • Gloves
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Compulsory equipment:
Per competitor
• 1 mountain bike equipped with functioning lights conforming to normal standards• A helmet conforming to EC standards
Recommended equipment:
Per competitor
• A bike with front suspension fork• V or disk brakes• A pair of gloves• Glasses
Per team
• 1 chain tool• 1 multitool• 2 tyre levers• Inner tubes and puncture patches• Bike rack to carry the bikes on the support team’s cars• 1 pump
CAVING AND SINGLE ROPE TECHNIQUES (caving techniques)
Compulsory equipment:
Per competitor
• A helmet (caving or mountaineering) in conformity with EC standards equipped with an electric LED light• A caving seat harness in conformity with recognised standards (professionally made only). The seat harness can be a canyoning type harness.• A 10 mm diameter half-round or Petzl omni lock (or Petzl omni triact) to hold the seat harness front buckles if no system is already in place (tape loops)• An automatic locking descender with fixed pulley for abseiling on single rope (bobbin type : example : Petzl stop type)• A screw-type karabiner to connect the descender to the harness (on the maillon or the front loop)• A braking karabiner; a FREINO karabiner to link the descender to the harness, or mastery of the VERTACO technique, in which case the braking karabiner is not obligatory• A double cowstail of dynamic rope, minimum diameter 8.5 mm. The length of the two ends of the cowstail will be set according to their use in crossing a rebelay during the descent on single rope technique• 2 auto-locking karabiners, to fix at the two ends of the cowstail• A handle ascender
Recommended equipment:
Per competitor
• A pair of gloves
CANYONING
Compulsory equipment:
Per competitor
• 1 helmet conforming to EC standards• 1 seat harness conforming to EC standards (professionally made only)• A figure of eight descender• A locking type karabiner to connect the descender to the harness• A double cowstail of dynamic rope, minimum diameter 8.5 mm• 2 auto-locking karabiners, to put at the ends of the double cowstail• A minimum 5 mm-thick one piece wetsuit or two part wetsuit
Recommended equipment:
Per competitor
• A pair of neoprene socks• Waterproof bags or plastic waterproof drums to protect the various pieces of equipment
SEA KAYAK
Compulsory equipment:
Per competitor
• 1 life vest for sea kayaking conforming to EC standards, with buoyancy corresponding to the person’s weight. Persons weighing between 40 to 60 kg: 55 Newtons; persons weighing over 60 kg: 70 Newtons • 1 PVC or neoprene apron to fit over the weatherboards, for pointed kayaks• 1 pair of closed shoes• 1 stroboscopic waterproof lamp to fix on the life vest (to be lit in the event of capsizing at night) • 1 kayaking helmet conforming to EC standards
Per team
• 2 two-seat sea kayaks (one seat kayak or 4 seat kayak is permitted)
Per kayak
• 4 lightsticks• A 15 m long safety rope • A bailer or hold pump• 1 spare paddle that can be dismantled
Recommended equipment:
Per competitor
• A pair of gloves (mountain bike or cross-country skiing)• Sunglasses• A large-brimmed hat• Neoprene socks
Per team
• Sun block• Map protection (plastic covering or waterproof pocket)• Waterproof bags or drums• Water bottles
HORSE RIDING (RIDE AND RUN)
Compulsory equipment:
Per competitor• 1 riding hat conforming to EC standardsPer team
• Two 10 m long ropes (500 daN resistance)• A hard brush (wisp), a currycomb, a picker
Recommended equipment:
Per competitor• Mini chaps• Jodhpurs• Gloves
Hello everyone;
A large number of you have now signed up for the Raid Canéo Nature. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your enthusiasm and your sense of adventure!
As you can see, this is a new concept as it involves a long trek interspersed with brief pauses and gatherings to avoid it becoming an excessively exhausting race. This is in keeping with our wish to put the focus firmly on "sport for health" and "sustainable sport" through competitions combining sport and nature.
That said, the Raid Canéo Nature is very much in line with the tradition and the ideal that we have always promoted, of total immersion in a natural environment while practising an endurance sport over a lengthy period.
Despite this, we do not wish to see this become a competition reserved only for highly trained athletes. Although they will naturally be racing for victory in the "Extreme" category, the Raid Canéo Nature also enables less able competitors to enjoy their hobby too. For this reason, we have carefully adjusted the route for the three categories: Extreme, Raider and Adventure. The accuracy of the 1/25000th IGN maps employed has certainly facilitated this task for us. And now, here are the details you've all been waiting for: practical information to help you prepare for your participation in the first Raid Canéo Nature.
We should begin by stating that we never cease to find the sheer wealth of resources offered by France for sporting and nature events both rewarding and astonishing. Where sports activities are concerned, as everyone knows, the richness and diversity of our natural environment is renowned the world over. However, we should also add that we are constantly surprised and delighted by the attractive natural or historical sites we come across during our reconnaissance, including villages, canyons, trails, caves and other sites that can only be discovered through nature sports. The event will provide an excellent opportunity for French viewers to discover these sites as they follow your adventures this summer on their television screens and on the Web.
A fabulous route awaits both the teams and the support crews, who will have a chance to discover France as they could never have imagined it. This is an experience they will certainly never forget.
We were amazed by the beauty of these marvellous sites at a time of year when nature was not at its best, during the winter. The cold and the rain followed us right throughout our reconnaissance period. I'll leave you to imagine just how these locations will look during your competition in the middle of the summer.
The race route
The starting point for the competition will be announced officially in mid-April. Be prepared for a (pleasant) surprise. The start will be magnificent, spectacular, prestigious and interesting. The various checks concerning the equipment and techniques required will be carried out on July 26 and 27. The first Raid Canéo Nature will begin on July 28, with the prize-giving on August 9.
The list of départements (regions) through which the route will pass will be given to you on July 26 and 27.
A non-detailed route will be supplied to you in May in order that you or your partners and those of the race organisers can prepare trips and meetings along the route, particularly at the gathering points. We will also be inviting the public to come along and cheer you on at certain points along the route where this is technically possible.
Also in May, we will be supplying you with the list of IGN maps that you will need.
Full details of the route will be supplied to you one week before the event to enable you to prepare your maps
.
We can already tell you that the distances are as follows:
Ride and Run: 80 km in 2 stages.
Mountain bike: 520 km in 12 stages.
A bike and run route will probably be included.
Walking - Orienteering, including an orienteering race: 90 km in 5 stages.
Caving:12 km in 3 stages.
Canyoning: 12 km.
Kayak: 320 km in 8 stages.
Roller: 30 km in 2 stages.
We have decided not to include the sailing option this year as it is not particularly suited to the route and to the winds forecast by the "pilot charts". On the other hand, it is possible that a new discipline may be announced in the next 30 days. This will not require prior training, although simple technical training is highly recommended. No additional equipment will be needed.
The Extreme route will cover some 1100 km.
The Raider route will be approximately 900 km.
The Adventure route will be 800 km.
The "missing kilometres" for the Raiders and Adventurers will be taken from areas with positive differences in height and will enable struggling teams to keep going until the end. Based on the feedback we have from the teams concerning their experience, this route should enable all of them to reach Marseille during the competition.
The route will include five pauses for gatherings, i.e. six stages. The first competitors should reach Marseille on August 7 or even on August 6 late in the day. The last should arrive on August 8 and at the latest August 9 (the prize-giving date).
Naturally, minor modifications may occur with regard to this description to take account of administrative or other obligations.
Please see attached the documents concerning the various levels required for various disciplines, and the compulsory equipment requirements. Here is some additional information to help you select your equipment.
Sea kayaking
The 320 km of sea kayaking routes will include: - Class 2 streams with a number of class 3 sections- Calm but powerful rivers- Canals, carrying the kayaks through the locks - The sea - Lakes
Both we and our kayaking specialists recommend that you use sea kayaks of the sturdy, lightweight, hiking variety. The DAG brand’s "Biwok" is the best option. Our specialists advise you to avoid using sprint Kayaks, which they consider to be too fragile.
If you wish to obtain these kayaks, there is not a moment to lose. Please refer to our special kayak circular or contact GFC.
Mountain biking
All mountain biking disciplines are welcome. The route will sometimes be backbreaking and at other times perfect for freewheeling. There will be extremely steep slopes to climb and high-speed downhill sprints. There will be very little carrying involved, but lightweight bicycles are nevertheless recommended. Above all, though, the priorities are robustness and an excellent braking system.
Support crews
The support crews will intervene at each change of activity, and always in areas suitable for motor vehicles.The ideal vehicle is a van equipped with roof racks to carry two double kayaks and a mountain bike transportation system. This vehicle should be able to carry the 6 team members in full observance of the highway code (i.e., with 6 seats).During May, the organisers will supply the support crews with information enabling them to prepare their bivouacs and those of the teams at the gathering points. There will be no enclosed secure area.
To be confirmed: a GPS provided free by the IGN and including the road and mapping systems for France at a scale of 100,000. This is the ultimate tool to ensure that you don't miss any of the equipment changeover sessions.
Equipment supplied by the organisers
A GEOPOINTER tracker will be supplied by the organisers. This will show your position at any time with absolute precision, and will prove that you have kept to the specified route.
Insurance and certificates
GFC will shortly be offering you individual accident insurance. You are free to take up this offer or otherwise as you choose, but in both cases you must send us your signed decision.
You must imperatively supply the organisers with a medical certificate dating from during the last three months prior to the start date of the Raid Canéo Nature, demonstrating that you are fit to practise a long-haul multi-sport competition including horse riding, mountain biking, kayaking and rollerblading, etc.
Certificates
It is vital that you supply us with certificates signed by the state certification/qualification bodies or by professionals for the following disciplines: horse riding, rope techniques, kayaking and topography skills when caving. You should send copies of your certificates to GFC and present the originals during the verifications.
Good luck with your preparations!
Best regards from the GFC team
Gérard FUSIL
TECHNIQUES THE COMPETITORS HAVE TO MASTER
ORIENTEERING
- Orienteering using a compass- Use of orienteering maps
CANYONING
- Correct use of personal equipment: harness, helmet, etc.- Installation of a figure of eight descender and safe descent techniques using it- Progressing on hand line - Progressing in autonomy - teams will be autonomous on vertical sections pre-equipped with fixed lines
SINGLE ROPE TECHNIQUES (DESCENT)
- Progressing on hand lines- Abseiling on a fixed rope with an autostop caving descender- Crossing a rebelay on the way down- Using handle ascender as “self belay” on short slope or ladder
CAVING
- Progression in through trip cave with vertical sections already equipped in single rope technique (the descent techniques described above will be used)- Orienteering using a cave survey
SEA KAYAKING
- Leaving a stationary position to go back into the current- Paddling across a river- Positioning in an eddy- Negotiating a bend in the river- Mastery of the use of a throw line
HORSE RIDING (RIDE AND RUN) for a minimum of two team members
- Saddling and bridling the horse- Finding the gentlest route and avoid stones- Never trotting or galloping on stones, concrete or tarmac- On uneven ground, knowing when to let the horse stop to regain its breath- Avoiding helping the horse over difficult sections - Crossing rivers - Judging the physical condition of your horse.- Evaluating the importance of an injury- Raising the foot, checking the shoe, using a foot pick- Attaching a horse to a tree with 10 m of rope (or lead)- Repositioning the saddle and blanket- Feeding the horse- Watering the horse
COMPETITOR EQUIPMENT – 2008 CANEO NATURE RACE
Safety equipment compulsory throughout the competition unless otherwise indicated in the Raid book
Per competitor
• A survival blanket• A storm lighter• A compass• A knife (flick knife or with a safety ring), minimum length of blade: 7 cm• A whistle• A survival mirror• A head lamp• A fleece jacket• A sleeping bag• A waterproof jacket
Per team
• 1 “team” first aid kit compliant with the organisation’s requirements (first aid contents to be indicated by email later)• 1 waterproof flashing stroboscopic lamp• 1 mobile phone with its waterproof bag• A GEOPOINTER beacon supplied by the organisation
Recommended equipment:
• 1 GPS and its waterproof bag
WALKING-ORIENTEERING
Compulsory equipment:
Per team
• 15 m of dynamic (climbing) rope, minimum diameter 8.5 mm• Two 15 to 25 mm wide tape slings of about 2 m in circumference• Two locking type karabiners • An altimeter
Recommended equipment:
Per competitor
• A hat• Sun block• A pair of gloves• Sunglasses
ROLLER
Compulsory equipment:
Per competitor
• 1 pair of roller (in line) or quad skates• A helmet conforming to EC standards• Protection for knees, elbows and wrists
Recommended equipment:
• Trousers or long shorts in canvas or denim • Gloves
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Compulsory equipment:
Per competitor
• 1 mountain bike equipped with functioning lights conforming to normal standards• A helmet conforming to EC standards
Recommended equipment:
Per competitor
• A bike with front suspension fork• V or disk brakes• A pair of gloves• Glasses
Per team
• 1 chain tool• 1 multitool• 2 tyre levers• Inner tubes and puncture patches• Bike rack to carry the bikes on the support team’s cars• 1 pump
CAVING AND SINGLE ROPE TECHNIQUES (caving techniques)
Compulsory equipment:
Per competitor
• A helmet (caving or mountaineering) in conformity with EC standards equipped with an electric LED light• A caving seat harness in conformity with recognised standards (professionally made only). The seat harness can be a canyoning type harness.• A 10 mm diameter half-round or Petzl omni lock (or Petzl omni triact) to hold the seat harness front buckles if no system is already in place (tape loops)• An automatic locking descender with fixed pulley for abseiling on single rope (bobbin type : example : Petzl stop type)• A screw-type karabiner to connect the descender to the harness (on the maillon or the front loop)• A braking karabiner; a FREINO karabiner to link the descender to the harness, or mastery of the VERTACO technique, in which case the braking karabiner is not obligatory• A double cowstail of dynamic rope, minimum diameter 8.5 mm. The length of the two ends of the cowstail will be set according to their use in crossing a rebelay during the descent on single rope technique• 2 auto-locking karabiners, to fix at the two ends of the cowstail• A handle ascender
Recommended equipment:
Per competitor
• A pair of gloves
CANYONING
Compulsory equipment:
Per competitor
• 1 helmet conforming to EC standards• 1 seat harness conforming to EC standards (professionally made only)• A figure of eight descender• A locking type karabiner to connect the descender to the harness• A double cowstail of dynamic rope, minimum diameter 8.5 mm• 2 auto-locking karabiners, to put at the ends of the double cowstail• A minimum 5 mm-thick one piece wetsuit or two part wetsuit
Recommended equipment:
Per competitor
• A pair of neoprene socks• Waterproof bags or plastic waterproof drums to protect the various pieces of equipment
SEA KAYAK
Compulsory equipment:
Per competitor
• 1 life vest for sea kayaking conforming to EC standards, with buoyancy corresponding to the person’s weight. Persons weighing between 40 to 60 kg: 55 Newtons; persons weighing over 60 kg: 70 Newtons • 1 PVC or neoprene apron to fit over the weatherboards, for pointed kayaks• 1 pair of closed shoes• 1 stroboscopic waterproof lamp to fix on the life vest (to be lit in the event of capsizing at night) • 1 kayaking helmet conforming to EC standards
Per team
• 2 two-seat sea kayaks (one seat kayak or 4 seat kayak is permitted)
Per kayak
• 4 lightsticks• A 15 m long safety rope • A bailer or hold pump• 1 spare paddle that can be dismantled
Recommended equipment:
Per competitor
• A pair of gloves (mountain bike or cross-country skiing)• Sunglasses• A large-brimmed hat• Neoprene socks
Per team
• Sun block• Map protection (plastic covering or waterproof pocket)• Waterproof bags or drums• Water bottles
HORSE RIDING (RIDE AND RUN)
Compulsory equipment:
Per competitor• 1 riding hat conforming to EC standardsPer team
• Two 10 m long ropes (500 daN resistance)• A hard brush (wisp), a currycomb, a picker
Recommended equipment:
Per competitor• Mini chaps• Jodhpurs• Gloves
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Raid Caneo Nature Course
Gerard Fusil has now released more details concerning the Raid Caneo Nature which will traverse France from Paris to Marseilles and is for all levels of adventure racers. Competitors and support teams alike will have time to discover features and sites on their 1,000k journey
The Course
The starting point of the race will be finalised in mid-April. It will be one (good) surprised. This departure will be splendid, spectacular, prestigious, interesting. The checks of the material and the necessary techniques will take place July the 26 and 27. The departure of the first Raid Canéo Nature is fixed at July 28 and the prize giving will be held August 9,
The list of the crossed departments will be transmitted to you at the same time. The outline course will be communicated in May so that your sponsors, together with those of the organization can prepare trips and meetings on the route and in particular at the points of regrouping. We will also invite the public to come to watch and support you certain places where that is possible technically. In May also, we will provide you the list of the maps IGN which will be essential for you.
The full detailed route will be released to you will be given one week before the start so that you can prepare your maps.
Disipline breakdown:
Ride and run: 80 km in 2 sections.
Mountain Bike: 520 km in 12 sections. A course bike and run is probable.
Trail running: 90 km in 5 sections.
Caving:12 km in 3 sections.
Canyoning: 12 km.
Kayak: 320 km in 8 sections.
Roller: 30 km in 2 sections.
Normally course details are kept secret. On the other hand, it is possible that a new
discipline is announced in the next thirty days. It will not require specialist training or extra equipment.
discipline is announced in the next thirty days. It will not require specialist training or extra equipment.
The Extrême course will border 1 100 km.
The Raider course will be approximately 900 km.
The Aventure course will be of 800 km.
These shorter distances for Raider and the Adventure will allow weaker teams to complete the course. The course thus laid out should guarantee to all the teams will remain in the race and reach Marseilles. This course will have five regrouping stops, that is to say six stages. The first teams should reach Marseilles on August 7, even on August 6 . The last could arrive on August 8 or on August 9 at the latest, when prizes will be awarded.
You will find other posts concerning the necessary levels in certain disciplines and the obligatory material, together with some complementary details which will help you to choose your equipment.
International Adventurers
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Raid Caneo Nature Adventure Race -Equipment
The provisional Equipment list providesfor the Raid Caneo Nature adventure race a little in sight into the disciplines competitors will face It seems that Canyoning will be full on requiring wetsuit. the Rollerblading does allow the use of rollerskates. Most other items are pretty standard.
Care should be taken on the type of helmet that you use, whilst you can use a combination helmet certified for horseriding, mountaineering biking, rollerblading, and canyoning. If you helmet is damaged as a result of a fall you might not be able to continue, So I would suggest taking a mountain bike helmet for biking and rollerblading and a combination helmet for canyoning and horseriding.
Preliminary Equipment list
IV.1 . Compulsory Security Equipment
Care should be taken on the type of helmet that you use, whilst you can use a combination helmet certified for horseriding, mountaineering biking, rollerblading, and canyoning. If you helmet is damaged as a result of a fall you might not be able to continue, So I would suggest taking a mountain bike helmet for biking and rollerblading and a combination helmet for canyoning and horseriding.
Preliminary Equipment list
IV.1 . Compulsory Security Equipment
All Competitors must have the following equipment with them at all times during the race as laid out below.
Each Competior
· Survival Blanket
· Lighter
· Compass
· Locking knife with a minimum 7cm long blade.
· Whistle
· Survival Mirror
· Headlamp
· Polar Fleece
· Windbreaker water proof and breathable
Per Team
· Team first Aid Kit conforme as specified by organisation.
· Waterproof Strobe light
· Mobile phone able to work in waterproof cover
IV.2. Race Equipment
This equipment varies according to the disciplines. The competitors must have the beginning of each stage, the equipment conforming with the specifications defined on the Raid - Book and to the rules in force in France.
ORIENTEERING IN MONTAIN SECTIONS
Per team
15 m dynamic rope @ 8,5 mm diameter minimum
2 Slings of 15 @ 25 mm wide and about 2 m in circumference
2 Screwgate Karabiners
Altimeter
ROLLERBLADING
Per competitor
1 pair of Roller Blades (single) or Roller Skates (four)
1 Helmet CE-UIAA Certified
Protection : Knees, Elbows and Wrists
MOUNTAIN BIKE (VTT)
Per competitor
1 Mountain Bike
Helmet CE-UIAA Certified
CANYONING
Per competitor
1 Helmet CE-UIAA Certified
1 harness-waterleg standard CE-UIAA (fabrication artisanale forbidden)
1 Figure 8 Decender
A Screwgate Karibiner to attache deender to harness.
A Long double Cowstail in dynamic rope 8,5 mm diameter minimum with two Safety Karibiers, or 2 autolock Karibier,at the ends.
A one piece combination wetsuit 3mm thickness minimum
SEA KAYAK
Per competitor
1 Helmet CE-UIAA Certified
1 Lifejacket CE-UIAA
HORSE RIDING
Per competitor
1 Riding hat or Helmet CE-UIAA approved.
My next post about the Raid Cane Nature Adventure Race will be about race rules.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Raid Caneo Nature Disciplines
Once a team has entered a race such as the Raid Caneo Nature, you need to study all available information you can find out about the race, the disciplines are of course very important and you need to ensure you have the right skill levels.
The Disciplines for the Raid Caneo Nature are Walking / running and orientation, sailing (dinghies), horse riding (ride and run), mountain biking, rollerblading, rope techniques (abseiling), canyoning, sea kayaking, canoeing. Sometimes these will vary between the launch of the race and the actual start, but registred teams will be kept informed. sharp eyed people may have notices that the January Raid Caneo Newsletter talked about having at least one member of your team who knows how to read a potholing map, so there is some caving involved in the
race
The Skill levels and certification for the Raid Caneo Nature will be advised in April. Some certificates will be required issued by national sporting bodies.
You can get a good idea of the standards required from past races organised by Gerard Fusil, such as The Elf Authentique Adventure, The Reunion D'Adventure and to a lesser extent the Oman Adventure.
Below are my thoughts for the Raid Caneo Nature
Sailing was included in two of Gerard Fusil's races and took place in local boats. The Raid Caneo Nature talks about dinghies so perhaps it will be something the size of a 420 or a Vaurien or a little bigger. At least you will steer with a tiller and rudder rather than a oar. One member of the
team must be able to know how to rig a boat, tack and gybe, reef, recover from a capsize and know the rules of the road. It is helpful if the whole team can understand the basics.
Horse Riding two members of the team need to be able to ride and control a horse, walking, trotting and cantering. You may also be required to know how to saddle and bridal the horse, but I imagine this will be done by the stables. Tactically your slowest runners should be riders, so this could vary depending on which stage(s) of the race ride and run takes place , as the rider might be able to get some rest.
Rollerblading, French roads are certainly better than those in the Philippines where the stage was over 100K and I would not expect anything near this length but be prepared for uphill and downhill gradients. I know in Reunion some teams used skates rather than blades but you will need to check the rules.
Abseiling- Canyoning. Abseiling is a usual skill and Gerard Fusil used to prefer the Petz Stop so you will need to check the gear list. Canyoning levels could be anything from small jumps swims and bouldering to perhaps abseiling down a waterfall(s) have to wait until April to find out.
Sea Kayaking/Canoeing The Talk of turbulent waterways in the January Newsletters make me believe that the start in Paris will be in Sea Kayaks and perhaps the finish of the Raid Caneo Nature into Marseilles will be via the water, however both are quite busy with commercial traffic so we will have to wait a see. Normal Kayak skills including capsize and recovery and rules of the
road.
David Ogden
International Adventurers
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Raid Caneo Nature Logistics Tips
Preparing for an expedition adventure race such as the Raid Caneo Nature, needs careful planning, when you first register you may only have some outline details such as in the case of Raid Caneo Nature
Event Information
Dates 27th July - 9th August 2008
Course Paris - Marseille
Teams Four competitors with a minimum of one woman
Support teams Two people per team
Disciplines Walking / running and orientation, sailing (dinghies), horse riding (ride and run), mountain biking, rollerblading, rope techniques (abseiling), canyoning, sea kayaking,
canoeing.
Registration fee €900 per team
Closing date for registration 31st March 2008 (or before if the limit has been reached)
Maximum number of teams Fifty
Stages Six reassembly points
Bivouacs Located on secure sites
Event activities Event villages for the general public throughout the course.
Press Continuous multimedia coverage aimed at the general public. Image production by GFC. Television broadcasting agreements with a major terrestrial channel.
Organisation GFC (Gérard Fusil Consultants)
ADAPNA (Association pour le Développement durable des Activités de Pleine Nature)
Contacts E-mail : gfusilcy@aol.com and raidcaneo@aol.com
Gérard Fusil Consultants :
Botergollec, 56400, Brec’h, France. Tel. : +33 (0) 2 97 57 53 57. Fax : +33 (0) 2 97 57 50 35 http://authentiqueaventure.com/
You need to consider the logistics, in this case the Caneo Raid Nature which starts in Paris and finishes 700K away in the South of France, how are you going to get to start and return home.
Much depends on where you live and remember you have a lot of equipment to move include two sea kayaks.
For example if you are flying in you can get an open Jaw ticket into Paris and outwards from Marseille, however you will need to hire a support vehicle plus sea kayaks, which will need to be returned to Paris unless other drop off arrangements can be made. An alternative is a round trip air fare to Paris and then at the end of the race the team drive back in the support
vehicle.
This raises the 2nd question what kind of vehicle is best for support. I would recommend a panel van or even a minbus, fitted with a roof rack, the larger the better according to your budget. If you are using a van be aware that passengers are probably not allowed to travel in the back unless in a seat, you can get away with it for short distances but not recommended on Autoroutes.
If you are going to need to hire sea kayaks you may need to search on Google, however be aware that its hard to find a sea kayak in Paris, you may need to contact the organisers of the Raid Caneo Nature for assistance.
David Ogden
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Raid Caneo Nature
Raid Caneo Nature takes place in France from 27th July - 9th of August and is the biggest adventure race of its type to be held in France. The start is on the beach in Paris, yes Paris does have a beach with sand that is built annually along the river Seine for tourist and locals alike to save the travel to the coast. The finish is in the Port of Marseilles in the South of France some 660 Kilometres away as the crow flies.
The Race is the brainchild of Gerard Fusil, the father of adventure racing, with a pedigree stretching from the Raid Gaulloses, Elf Authentique Adventure, Reunion d' Aventure, and the worlds longest annual bike and run race, Oman Adventure. It is fitting that therefore that the competitors in the Raid Caneo Nature, will discover some hidden parts of his home country.
Gerard Fusil's passion is to keep the sport of adventure racing within the reach of ordinary people, competitors who will race to pit themselves against nature and the courses that he sets outs, rather than semi professionals who chase pots of gold.
50 teams of four persons, one of whome must be female will be supported by one of preferably two support persons, who will transport teams equipment between transition points and provide ongoing maintenance, repairs,first aid and encouragement to their team mates.
The route for the raid Caneo Nature between the two cities is being kept secret, but teams will cover around 900 Kilometes during the race. by means of mountain bikes, kayaks, sailing dinghies, horse riding, ropework and of course on foot. There will be dark zones at night so teams will need to be prepared for lightweight camping. Major transition areas will be set up as park fermes, in or around town or villages along the route, and this will give the chance of locals to learn a little about the sport.
If you are intereted in taking part or want more details
Contact David Ogden International Adventurers
http://davidogden@internationaladventurers.com
+6088258702
201 793 8702 After 6PM EST USA
Friday, January 25, 2008
Raid Caneo Nature January Newsletter
PRESS RELEASE
January 2008
Dear Friends,
Enthusiasm for the Raid CanéO Nature is definitely not waning and more teams are registering all the time. Over thirty-five teams have already registered. The teams include GFC race regulars – the French Navy, Lattitude 55, the Fous de Bassin – as well as lots of new competitors who have experience of shorter races but are ready for a big adventure – the Ecole Normale Supérieure – and other teams who take part in numerous races such as Aigle Sybelles, Intersports Liège, Guaranis Brasil, and two female teams.
Amongst other important pieces of news, we have decided to ensure that the top ranking teams can recoup their expenses, following the same principle as for the Raid Gauloises. The winners will therefore receive €12,000 (about $17.500), the second placed team will receive €8,000 (about $11.500) and the third placed team €5,000 (about $7.000).
Even more importantly, so that outdoor sports finally achieve the recognition that they deserve, our media agreements are progressing well and we should soon be able to confirm twice daily TV coverage of this major sporting adventure at peak time on the number one French TV channel. Radio broadcasting agreements with a major broadcaster are also being prepared.
As for the event itself, many of you have been sending us questions. We are not able to provide you with all of the answers before the end of March, but here is some information to help you prepare for the event.
Question from the two CHTI RAID teams: “Could you provide more information about the route and the stage villages for the sponsors?”
Every day a race village/bivouac will be set up close to a town. The village may simply be a place through which the race passes. Villages will also often be transition areas. They will sometimes be a stop-off/regrouping point.
The village/bivouac will offer technical services (race HQ, press centre and TV production centre). They will also be a meeting point for support teams and guests. Finally, villages will be a place for race spectators who will be informed about this by the press and a poster campaign. A presenter will provide information about the progress of the race, and will introduce each team as it goes through.
The race organisers will ensure that large number of spectators come to these lively villages, with activities being organised for children. These villages will be open to team partners in return for a financial contribution that we are currently defining, in order to make the event as attractive as possible for them.
More information about the “villages” will be sent shortly to all the teams that have registered. The stage districts will be unveiled in April.
A question asked by the PSA team and many others: “What levels and certificates are needed for the various activities?”
You will be given specific information at the beginning of April. We will send you forms containing very precise requirements which must be signed by state-certified instructors, and which will broadly certify:
- That you know how to abseil independently.
- That at least one member of your team knows how to read a potholing map.
- That at least two members of your team know how to care for horses.
- That at least one member of your team knows how to sail a dinghy.
Checks may be carried out before the start of the race.
We recommend that:
- At least one member of your team has good orienteering skills.
- That all the members of your team know how to rollerblade and sea kayak.
- That they have all practiced mountain biking and endurance sports.
A question asked by the “Fun Events” team: “What sort of kayak is required? Will there be white water sections?”
A sea kayak is required for the race. You will use it on rivers and maybe at sea. Ideally, each team should have two double kayaks, which should fit on the vehicles’ roof racks. These kayaks need to be suitable for flat water, but easy to handle on turbulent waterways.
If white water sections require other craft, the organisers will provide them.
We strongly recommend that you hire your kayaks so that you can train on the type of craft that you will be using during the race. The sea kayaking sections will be very long.
We are looking at the option of kayak hire with or without the hire company’s assistance for transport.
“Will there be bivouacs during the race stages?”
The stages are non-stop but there will be dark zones which are impassable at night. These need to be incorporated into your race strategy and sometimes offer an opportunity to rest. Consequently, you will need the necessary equipment. Teams can stop and sleep at transition areas. As for the race regrouping bivouacs when the clock will be stopped, teams must stay in the zone reserved for them and their support teams, as stated in the race rules.
“Can sponsor representatives come to the event?”
- Sponsors can come to the villages/bivouacs, and need to request a pass from the organisers to enter the competitors’ paddock.
Céline Pommerel, who “put up with" the Aigle-Sybelles ESF team during Oman Adventure, would like to know:
“Will there be any childcare facilities during the school holidays?”
- We are working on the idea of a “Kids Camp” in order to see if such a service can be provided by a team of staff over the duration of the race. We will let you know about the results of our enquiries and the costs involved very shortly. If you are in this situation, please let us know. Please also be aware that any “Kids Camp” that we do provide will only be open to the over-sixes for legal reasons.
-
From the Air France team: “How many support staff must each team have?”
On the request of some of the teams, we have reduced the number of compulsory support staff to one. However, we advise each team to have two support staff.
Another question from the vétos: “Are teams allowed to change support staff?”
- Yes, but you must inform the race organisers about your planned change when you register.
The Vétos again: “Local sportspeople can join some of the starts in the stage villages. But who can actually participate?”
- Anyone can take part but they must register first (free of charge). We will provide more information about this.
The vétos are definitely on the ball: “Are the stage towns those indicated in the first presentation?”
- No. You will receive more information in April.
Some questions asked by competitors have demonstrated the need to restate that the entire team takes part in the whole race and that competitor / support team rotations are banned.
Answer to Régine’s question about the intensity of the course: with her background, she should be able to easily compete in one of the three categories.
Regarding distances, precise information will be provided at the beginning of April. The race will be extreme for the extreme category and doable for the other categories – we can promise them that they will push themselves to the limit but in an enjoyable and fun way.
Registrations: those of you who are slightly late sending back your team information sheets or your registration payment need to get into contact with the race organisers very quickly.
Best of luck to you all!
Gérard Fusil and the GFC team
January 2008
Dear Friends,
Enthusiasm for the Raid CanéO Nature is definitely not waning and more teams are registering all the time. Over thirty-five teams have already registered. The teams include GFC race regulars – the French Navy, Lattitude 55, the Fous de Bassin – as well as lots of new competitors who have experience of shorter races but are ready for a big adventure – the Ecole Normale Supérieure – and other teams who take part in numerous races such as Aigle Sybelles, Intersports Liège, Guaranis Brasil, and two female teams.
Amongst other important pieces of news, we have decided to ensure that the top ranking teams can recoup their expenses, following the same principle as for the Raid Gauloises. The winners will therefore receive €12,000 (about $17.500), the second placed team will receive €8,000 (about $11.500) and the third placed team €5,000 (about $7.000).
Even more importantly, so that outdoor sports finally achieve the recognition that they deserve, our media agreements are progressing well and we should soon be able to confirm twice daily TV coverage of this major sporting adventure at peak time on the number one French TV channel. Radio broadcasting agreements with a major broadcaster are also being prepared.
As for the event itself, many of you have been sending us questions. We are not able to provide you with all of the answers before the end of March, but here is some information to help you prepare for the event.
Question from the two CHTI RAID teams: “Could you provide more information about the route and the stage villages for the sponsors?”
Every day a race village/bivouac will be set up close to a town. The village may simply be a place through which the race passes. Villages will also often be transition areas. They will sometimes be a stop-off/regrouping point.
The village/bivouac will offer technical services (race HQ, press centre and TV production centre). They will also be a meeting point for support teams and guests. Finally, villages will be a place for race spectators who will be informed about this by the press and a poster campaign. A presenter will provide information about the progress of the race, and will introduce each team as it goes through.
The race organisers will ensure that large number of spectators come to these lively villages, with activities being organised for children. These villages will be open to team partners in return for a financial contribution that we are currently defining, in order to make the event as attractive as possible for them.
More information about the “villages” will be sent shortly to all the teams that have registered. The stage districts will be unveiled in April.
A question asked by the PSA team and many others: “What levels and certificates are needed for the various activities?”
You will be given specific information at the beginning of April. We will send you forms containing very precise requirements which must be signed by state-certified instructors, and which will broadly certify:
- That you know how to abseil independently.
- That at least one member of your team knows how to read a potholing map.
- That at least two members of your team know how to care for horses.
- That at least one member of your team knows how to sail a dinghy.
Checks may be carried out before the start of the race.
We recommend that:
- At least one member of your team has good orienteering skills.
- That all the members of your team know how to rollerblade and sea kayak.
- That they have all practiced mountain biking and endurance sports.
A question asked by the “Fun Events” team: “What sort of kayak is required? Will there be white water sections?”
A sea kayak is required for the race. You will use it on rivers and maybe at sea. Ideally, each team should have two double kayaks, which should fit on the vehicles’ roof racks. These kayaks need to be suitable for flat water, but easy to handle on turbulent waterways.
If white water sections require other craft, the organisers will provide them.
We strongly recommend that you hire your kayaks so that you can train on the type of craft that you will be using during the race. The sea kayaking sections will be very long.
We are looking at the option of kayak hire with or without the hire company’s assistance for transport.
“Will there be bivouacs during the race stages?”
The stages are non-stop but there will be dark zones which are impassable at night. These need to be incorporated into your race strategy and sometimes offer an opportunity to rest. Consequently, you will need the necessary equipment. Teams can stop and sleep at transition areas. As for the race regrouping bivouacs when the clock will be stopped, teams must stay in the zone reserved for them and their support teams, as stated in the race rules.
“Can sponsor representatives come to the event?”
- Sponsors can come to the villages/bivouacs, and need to request a pass from the organisers to enter the competitors’ paddock.
Céline Pommerel, who “put up with" the Aigle-Sybelles ESF team during Oman Adventure, would like to know:
“Will there be any childcare facilities during the school holidays?”
- We are working on the idea of a “Kids Camp” in order to see if such a service can be provided by a team of staff over the duration of the race. We will let you know about the results of our enquiries and the costs involved very shortly. If you are in this situation, please let us know. Please also be aware that any “Kids Camp” that we do provide will only be open to the over-sixes for legal reasons.
-
From the Air France team: “How many support staff must each team have?”
On the request of some of the teams, we have reduced the number of compulsory support staff to one. However, we advise each team to have two support staff.
Another question from the vétos: “Are teams allowed to change support staff?”
- Yes, but you must inform the race organisers about your planned change when you register.
The Vétos again: “Local sportspeople can join some of the starts in the stage villages. But who can actually participate?”
- Anyone can take part but they must register first (free of charge). We will provide more information about this.
The vétos are definitely on the ball: “Are the stage towns those indicated in the first presentation?”
- No. You will receive more information in April.
Some questions asked by competitors have demonstrated the need to restate that the entire team takes part in the whole race and that competitor / support team rotations are banned.
Answer to Régine’s question about the intensity of the course: with her background, she should be able to easily compete in one of the three categories.
Regarding distances, precise information will be provided at the beginning of April. The race will be extreme for the extreme category and doable for the other categories – we can promise them that they will push themselves to the limit but in an enjoyable and fun way.
Registrations: those of you who are slightly late sending back your team information sheets or your registration payment need to get into contact with the race organisers very quickly.
Best of luck to you all!
Gérard Fusil and the GFC team
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Oman Adventure 2007 Local Teams Challenge
The final of the Oman Adventure 2007, included the traditional night stage. the two local teams from Oman A'Rustaq and Bahla made a spirited attempt to win the stage, coming in 3rd and 4th on the stage.
Later in the day on the final leg along the beach to the finish, they both dropped a place, but had done enough to retain their positions on the day.Having raced for a total of just under 23 hours
Photo Regards du Sport / Darasing (vandystadt.com)
The winners of the event were Aigle Sybelles ESF,Who were only headed once on during the second stage when they made an navigation error, having won every day, with a total time of just under 23 hours
ENS Cashan Bretagne La Post finished second as they had on every day and they were some two hours behind followed home overall by Raid In/SGTE-Ineo/suez with a 3 hour gap
A further One hour behind was A'Rustaq. Bahla's performance on the final day allowed them to rise to 6th place overall.
Gerald Fusil has once again produced a superb race in the beautiful and somtimess harsh surrounding of Oman.
Gerards Fusil believes in organising races for racers for whom it is more important that they challenge themselves than race for large pots of gold. Yes winning is important but like the Olympics of old where all you won was a laurel leaf crown.
The moment money comes into the equation rules get bent as team are driven to win and what should be friendly competition develops into an out and out battle with many claims for cheating.
The Reunion D'Aventure, and Oman adventure will be joined next year by the Raid Caneo Nature in France, to uphold the true spirit of Adventure racing
David Ogden
International Adventurers
Friday, December 14, 2007
Oman Adventure 2007 Day 4 Oman Teams close up
Oman Adventure 2007 Day 4 heralded the long distance in the history of the race 73
Kilometers. Thankfully the course followed Wadis otherwise the racers would have been
in trouble.
Kilometers. Thankfully the course followed Wadis otherwise the racers would have been
in trouble.
Photo Alain Essock
Local Omani team A'Rustaq seemed to have got back on pace finishing in third place at the end of the two stages. the reward was to regain 4th place overall. they are not expected to be able to climb any higher unless an accident befalls the teams ahead of them.
The second Oman Team Bahla, also had a good day running alongside A'Rustaq for most of the day and this has brought them back into the pack.
The leaders Aigles Sybelles ESF extended their lead by another 25 mins in the first stage of the day and then paced themselves and raced alongside the Postal team for the second stage, knowing that they have two hours in hand.
The Adventure racers in this years Oman Adventure have faced extremes of temperature from 33C - zero and of altitude when climbing Jabal Shams.Remote and sun baked tracks and lush
Wadi's.
The Adventure racers in this years Oman Adventure have faced extremes of temperature from 33C - zero and of altitude when climbing Jabal Shams.Remote and sun baked tracks and lush
Wadi's.
The final is not expected to result in any changes of position for the first three
teams, however only 7 min separates 4th and 5th place, so we shall have to wait and
see.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Oman Adventure 2007 Day 3
Photo Regards du Sport / Darasing
(vandystadt.com)
Day 3 of the Oman Adventure 2007 was divided into two stages and was easy compared with
the second day as some of the course was on tarred roads, making a total distance of 54 kilometres.
There is a big speed difference between first and last, with of course two teams classified as Adventure.
Team 74 EAGLE SYBELLES ESF remain the undisputed leaders taking another 32 minutes from the chasing Post Office team.
Team 71 RAID IN/SGTE INEO/SUEZ continued their rise up the rankings into 3rd place.
Local Team A'Rustique had a good 4th position for the day keeping in touch with team 71 but still have a lot of work to do to get pull back into 4th place overall, with around an hour to make up.
Team 77 Total were also overtaken one of the Local Omani teams Bahla.
The Oman Adventure racers are camped over at Bani Kalman
David Ogden
International Adventurers
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Oman Adventure 2007 Day 2 Leaders Get Lost
The pace of the race on day two of the Oman Adventure 2007 was too hot for two of the teams, who failed to reach the cutoff at CP, so they will continue along a shortened course.
The teams started the day with some canyoning and then picked up their mountain bikes to start a long leg in the direction of Amq, after which they faced a savage incline following a track up the mountainside, which required both team members to push their bike at times.
The leading team 74 Eagle Sybelles Est made a navigational error after the canyoning which allowed The Post office team to arrive first at Yasib but with the former leaders hot on their heels ( I remember a similar story last year when one of the leaders got lost on the first day). In the final stage of the day order was restored with the leaders adding another 13 minutes lead to the overall time. The team is very strong and if they have a good day tomorrow they will probably have the race in the bag.
The leading Omani team A'Rustaq as expected lost 4th place to Raid Inisgt-ineo/suez, who appeared to have an excellent day and are within striking distance of third place. so there could be some hot action tomorrow.
Two teams 76 Arranges tourist and 75 Lattitude 55 EGT Climtech will restart tomorrow from the campsite at Jabal Shams on the shortend course, for team 55 it is a miricle that they are still in the race after having assistance from the press who provided food, water and power gels to get them back on their feet. Tomorrow marks the halfway point of The Oman Adventure 2007
and then its downhill to the finish!
David Ogden
International Adventurers
The teams started the day with some canyoning and then picked up their mountain bikes to start a long leg in the direction of Amq, after which they faced a savage incline following a track up the mountainside, which required both team members to push their bike at times.
The leading team 74 Eagle Sybelles Est made a navigational error after the canyoning which allowed The Post office team to arrive first at Yasib but with the former leaders hot on their heels ( I remember a similar story last year when one of the leaders got lost on the first day). In the final stage of the day order was restored with the leaders adding another 13 minutes lead to the overall time. The team is very strong and if they have a good day tomorrow they will probably have the race in the bag.
The leading Omani team A'Rustaq as expected lost 4th place to Raid Inisgt-ineo/suez, who appeared to have an excellent day and are within striking distance of third place. so there could be some hot action tomorrow.
Two teams 76 Arranges tourist and 75 Lattitude 55 EGT Climtech will restart tomorrow from the campsite at Jabal Shams on the shortend course, for team 55 it is a miricle that they are still in the race after having assistance from the press who provided food, water and power gels to get them back on their feet. Tomorrow marks the halfway point of The Oman Adventure 2007
and then its downhill to the finish!
David Ogden
International Adventurers
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Oman Adventure 2007 Day 1
The second day of of Oman adventure started with a run along a steep footpath into the mountains, with Aigles Sybelles ESP breaking away from a chasing group of three teams which included A'Rustaq of Oman. Once into the bike and run proper the leading team showed its class and extended their lead to about an hour.overe a demanding course. The Post Office team ended up second with Lattitude 55 AMC taking third place a great improvement over their 8th place in the Prologue. The Omani Team dropped back from the chase and managed to hold 4th place.Overall the heat and steep climbs took their toll and the teams were happy to rest at the finish in preparation for another day.
Photo Alain Issock :
David Ogden
International Adventurers
Monday, December 10, 2007
Oman Adventure 2007 Prelude
This year marks the third running of Gerard Fusils Oman adventure, otherwise know as the longest Bike and Run adventure race. Th race has been somewhat over shadowed by the Abu Dhabi Challenge which has a big dollar prize fund where all teams earn money!
The course is placed North East of Muscat with a transfer into the mountains at the start and then teams will make their way across the mountains before returning to the sea and finishing in Sawadi.
Eleven teams took part in the prologue on Sunday a 3K run from the Citadal of A Na’aman towards the sea. the first team AIGLE SYBELLES ESF breaking 12 minutes and local team A'RUSTAQ arrived in 3rd place less than a minute behind. the last team to finish was Total some six minutes later and it seems that Dominique GARCIA may be forced to retire having aggravated a previous Achilles tendon injury. The team that came second today will have to hope that the makeshift repairs to their bike which was damaged during transport will be good for the start of the race proper. Full results can be found at http://www.authentiqueaventure.com/SPIP-v1-8-3//rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=204
Oman Adventure 2007 Prelude
This year marks the third running of Gerard Fusils Oman adventure, otherwise know as the longest Bike and run advanture race. Th race has been somewhat over shadowed by the Dubai adventure Challenge which has a big dollar prize fund where all teams earn money! The course is placed North East of Muscat with a transfer into the mountains at the start and then teams will make their way accross the mountains before returning to the sea and finshing in Sawadi.
Eleven teams took part in the prolog on Sunday a 3K run from the Citadal of A Na’aman towards the sea. the first team AIGLE SYBELLES ESF breaking 12 minutes and local team A'RUSTAQ arrived in 3rd place less than a minute behind. the last team to finish was Total some six minutes later and it seems that Dominique GARCIA may be forced to retire having agrevated a previous achilles tendon injury. The team that came second today will have to hope that the makeshift repairs to thier bike which was damaged during transport will be good for the start of the race proper. Full results can be found at http://www.authentiqueaventure.com/SPIP-v1-8-3//rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=204
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Adventure Racing News The Bull Of Africa is back
South Africa is one of the countries where I took my team International Adventurers to race and we were the first International team to compete in South Africa in Africa Quest.
Now follows the announcement that The Bull of Africa will once again be part of the AR world championship series next year/
The Bull of Africa, South Africa's most prestigious expedition adventure race, is back on track for 2008. This announcement was made this week by race organizers Hano and Sonja Otto of ACE (The Adventure Centre of Excellence) and dates have already been set to run the event from 9-16 August next year.
Seven Days, 570km of expedition racing across unforgiving territory, and a select field of more than 30 local and international adventure racing teams will once again battle it out in The Bull of Africa, one of the toughest sporting challenges on earth. This unsupported expedition-style event will pose a gruelling challenge, both mentally and physically, and only the cream of the AR world need apply. These athletes will face a variety of disciplines, including ocean paddling, river rafting, coasteering, trail running, mountain biking, swimming, navigation and extreme sections of rope work.
The rugged mountains, valleys and tempestuous coastline of the Eastern Cape and legendary Transkei Wild Coast will provide a suitably dramatic backdrop to The Bull of Africa. Soaring sea cliffs, mangrove swamps, indigenous forest and Big 5 game reserves will add to the awe-inspiring experience as racers traverse the heartland of the amaXhosa people. Teams will also have the opportunity to interact with the local communities, thereby experiencing the rich tapestry of local culture and tradition.
The Bull of Africa is set to start on Women's Day (August 9th, 2008), thus focussing attention on the many women excelling in adventure racing. A separate women's race category will see female-only teams from New Zealand, Brazil, USA and South Africa competing for honours, and a number of teams have already expressed interest. The organisers also recently attended the XPD race in Australia to market the event, and the massive interest shown by the teams they approached can only bode well for the future of the race.
As a key event in the prestigious Adventure Racing World Series, the history of The Bull of Africa dates back to 2004. ACE (Adventure Centre of Excellence) hosted the first event three years ago, and it was the Canadian Team Holofiber under captain Lawrence Foster who triumphed then. In 2005, the desolate Richtersveldt region again hosted 11 overseas teams challenging the South African contingent, and once again the foreigners walked away with the spoils. This time it was Team Merrell Wigwam Adventure (USA/NZ), who crossed the finish line in just over four days.
Only a shortened version of the race was presented in 2006, and sponsorship challenges forced 'The Bull' to take a "rest" this year. The organisers have however worked hard behind the scenes, and a significant sponsorship deal was brokered with a dynamic group of young businessmen. "BUNKER CAPITAL has come on board as event partners, and we are happy to report that this secures the financial future of our exciting event", said Hano Otto. "They are as excited as us, and together we believe that we can once again make The Bull of Africa one of the premier adventure racing events on the international calendar".
Further good news for competitors is that the sponsors have put up an impressive R300 000 (US$ 40 000) in prize money. The Bull of Africa will also act as one of the qualifiers for the Adventure Racing World Championships to be held in Brazil in October 2008. This will be the culmination of the Adventure Racing World Series, an international circuit of premier AR events representing 10 countries hosting professional events over a 12 month period. The official web site for the AR World Series will be http://www.sleepmonsters.com/ while Casio Pro-trek will be the official watch sponsor. In SA, the web sites http://www.ar.co.za/ and http://www.ndorfin.co.za/ will be official partners of The Bull of Africa.
David Ogden
International Adventurers
Now follows the announcement that The Bull of Africa will once again be part of the AR world championship series next year/
The Bull of Africa, South Africa's most prestigious expedition adventure race, is back on track for 2008. This announcement was made this week by race organizers Hano and Sonja Otto of ACE (The Adventure Centre of Excellence) and dates have already been set to run the event from 9-16 August next year.
Seven Days, 570km of expedition racing across unforgiving territory, and a select field of more than 30 local and international adventure racing teams will once again battle it out in The Bull of Africa, one of the toughest sporting challenges on earth. This unsupported expedition-style event will pose a gruelling challenge, both mentally and physically, and only the cream of the AR world need apply. These athletes will face a variety of disciplines, including ocean paddling, river rafting, coasteering, trail running, mountain biking, swimming, navigation and extreme sections of rope work.
The rugged mountains, valleys and tempestuous coastline of the Eastern Cape and legendary Transkei Wild Coast will provide a suitably dramatic backdrop to The Bull of Africa. Soaring sea cliffs, mangrove swamps, indigenous forest and Big 5 game reserves will add to the awe-inspiring experience as racers traverse the heartland of the amaXhosa people. Teams will also have the opportunity to interact with the local communities, thereby experiencing the rich tapestry of local culture and tradition.
The Bull of Africa is set to start on Women's Day (August 9th, 2008), thus focussing attention on the many women excelling in adventure racing. A separate women's race category will see female-only teams from New Zealand, Brazil, USA and South Africa competing for honours, and a number of teams have already expressed interest. The organisers also recently attended the XPD race in Australia to market the event, and the massive interest shown by the teams they approached can only bode well for the future of the race.
As a key event in the prestigious Adventure Racing World Series, the history of The Bull of Africa dates back to 2004. ACE (Adventure Centre of Excellence) hosted the first event three years ago, and it was the Canadian Team Holofiber under captain Lawrence Foster who triumphed then. In 2005, the desolate Richtersveldt region again hosted 11 overseas teams challenging the South African contingent, and once again the foreigners walked away with the spoils. This time it was Team Merrell Wigwam Adventure (USA/NZ), who crossed the finish line in just over four days.
Only a shortened version of the race was presented in 2006, and sponsorship challenges forced 'The Bull' to take a "rest" this year. The organisers have however worked hard behind the scenes, and a significant sponsorship deal was brokered with a dynamic group of young businessmen. "BUNKER CAPITAL has come on board as event partners, and we are happy to report that this secures the financial future of our exciting event", said Hano Otto. "They are as excited as us, and together we believe that we can once again make The Bull of Africa one of the premier adventure racing events on the international calendar".
Further good news for competitors is that the sponsors have put up an impressive R300 000 (US$ 40 000) in prize money. The Bull of Africa will also act as one of the qualifiers for the Adventure Racing World Championships to be held in Brazil in October 2008. This will be the culmination of the Adventure Racing World Series, an international circuit of premier AR events representing 10 countries hosting professional events over a 12 month period. The official web site for the AR World Series will be http://www.sleepmonsters.com/ while Casio Pro-trek will be the official watch sponsor. In SA, the web sites http://www.ar.co.za/ and http://www.ndorfin.co.za/ will be official partners of The Bull of Africa.
David Ogden
International Adventurers
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
International Adventurers - Oman Adventutre 2007 9-14 th Dec
Last chance for Entries
Registration for the third Oman Adventure, the world’s biggest bike-and-run
event, has been open since the end of June.
If you have not yet contacted us, please do so urgently to secure your spot
among the 40 participating teams.
There are a limited number of seats available on flights to this
increasingly popular destination, so it is important not to put off registering.
In order to start securing seats right away, Sinbad-Voyages, the company
responsible for non race-related logistics, has decided to offer a 5% discount
to all competitors who book before 20 September. GFC, organiser of the event
and its communications, is joining them in this initiative.
Of course, this discount applies to all the teams already registered.
The third Oman Adventure will take place in a different region to that of
the first two editions. Competitors will discover a new side to this vast and
amazing country, through an event that brings together specialist runners,
trekkers, triathletes and mountain bikers.
Pricing details for the Sinbad Voyages package can be found in the circular
included with this bulletin.
For details on the event, visit: _www.authentiqueaventure.com_
(http://www.authentiqueaventure.com/)
Event dates
9 to 14 December 2007
Trip dates
7 to 16 December 2007
Number of legs
Six, including one at night
Distance to cover
Approx. 300 km
Distance covered daily
30 to 60 km
Difference in altitude
Approx. 5,000 m. To be confirmed
Cost of registration
700 euros per team
Number of teams
40
Package price
2,000 euros _infos@sindbad-voyages.com_ (../anglais/Sindbad)
Information
GFC: +33 (0)297575357 / _omanadventure@aol.com_ (mailto:omanadventure@aol)
Equipment
1 mountain bike for two
Web site
http://www.authentiqueaventure.com/SPIP-v1-8-3/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=177
Gérard Fusil Consultants
Botergollec
56 400 Brech - France
tel +33 (0) 2 97 57 53 57
fax +33 (0) 2 97 57 50 35
mail : _gfusilcy@aol.com_ (mailto:gfusilcy@aol.com) , _omanadventure@aol.com_
(mailto:omanadventure@aol.com)
http://www.authentiqueaventure.com/SPIP-v1-8-3/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=177
Oman Adventure is the toughest Bike And Run competition worldwide, an 8 days
adventure-race
organized every year by GFC in Sultanate of Oman and internationally aired
by major networks
David Ogden
International Adventurers
Registration for the third Oman Adventure, the world’s biggest bike-and-run
event, has been open since the end of June.
If you have not yet contacted us, please do so urgently to secure your spot
among the 40 participating teams.
There are a limited number of seats available on flights to this
increasingly popular destination, so it is important not to put off registering.
In order to start securing seats right away, Sinbad-Voyages, the company
responsible for non race-related logistics, has decided to offer a 5% discount
to all competitors who book before 20 September. GFC, organiser of the event
and its communications, is joining them in this initiative.
Of course, this discount applies to all the teams already registered.
The third Oman Adventure will take place in a different region to that of
the first two editions. Competitors will discover a new side to this vast and
amazing country, through an event that brings together specialist runners,
trekkers, triathletes and mountain bikers.
Pricing details for the Sinbad Voyages package can be found in the circular
included with this bulletin.
For details on the event, visit: _www.authentiqueaventure.com_
(http://www.authentiqueaventure.com/)
Event dates
9 to 14 December 2007
Trip dates
7 to 16 December 2007
Number of legs
Six, including one at night
Distance to cover
Approx. 300 km
Distance covered daily
30 to 60 km
Difference in altitude
Approx. 5,000 m. To be confirmed
Cost of registration
700 euros per team
Number of teams
40
Package price
2,000 euros _infos@sindbad-voyages.com_ (../anglais/Sindbad)
Information
GFC: +33 (0)297575357 / _omanadventure@aol.com_ (mailto:omanadventure@aol)
Equipment
1 mountain bike for two
Web site
http://www.authentiqueaventure.com/SPIP-v1-8-3/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=177
Gérard Fusil Consultants
Botergollec
56 400 Brech - France
tel +33 (0) 2 97 57 53 57
fax +33 (0) 2 97 57 50 35
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(mailto:omanadventure@aol.com)
http://www.authentiqueaventure.com/SPIP-v1-8-3/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=177
Oman Adventure is the toughest Bike And Run competition worldwide, an 8 days
adventure-race
organized every year by GFC in Sultanate of Oman and internationally aired
by major networks
David Ogden
International Adventurers
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Third addition of Oman Adventure Bike and Run 9-14th December
The third Oman Adventure will take place like every year in December, from 9 to 14, and will once again be held in an entirely different region. The Sultanate of Oman is a vast and varied country that could be the setting for innumerable races in open nature between its mountain summits that rise to 3,000 metres, its 1,700 kilometres of magnificent coastline, its deserts of all kinds and its wadis dotted with oases.
The formula of the race has not changed. The basic discipline is bike and run: one bike for two. All strategies are permitted, giving bike and run its full range of possibilities in Oman Adventure. Team spirit plays an essential role in the event. The little "tricks" to gain time are decisive. Moreover, two contestants with a mountain bike can go nearly everywhere. When it is not possible, on certain sections, the 4X4 takes over to carry the bikes and the contestants set out on foot, hiking down rivers (aquarando) or overland.
Oman Adventure is a very open competition. It attracts raiders, triathletes, trailers and marathon runners who prepare for the event by working on the direction-finding bases with GPS points provided in advance.
The competition, as it should be in all races in which the spirit of adventure plays an important role, is open to all. The best produce astonishing averages but the runners-up also experience a competition adapted to their level thanks to the two rankings: Extreme and Adventure. Everyone spends each night camping out in an unspoiled natural setting in an atmosphere that contestants say is unforgettable.
Loyal to their principles, the GFC organisers are pulling out all the stops to ensure that this competition is financially affordable by the greatest number of contestants. The fee for registering a team with GFC is 700 euros and the tour operator Sinbad-Voyages has prepared a complete package including the flights, the transfers, the hotel nights, the 4X4 backup with driver, the breakfasts and the dinners.
GFC also ensures that the sponsors of teams get significant media coverage thanks to the large-scale production of images, with material sent out each day to all the televisions of the world, and thanks to its solid know-how in disseminating information on all the continents.
Registrations are now open. The places will be limited this year to forty teams for reasons of logistical infrastructures. Twelve teams have signed up, so there is no time to waste. A down payment of 200 euros enables the teams to book their place in the race.
Dates of the race 9 to 14 December 2007
Dates of the round trip 7 to 16 December 2007
Number of legs Six including one night leg
Distance to cover +/- 300 km
Distance per day 30 to 60 km
Difference in height +/- 5,000 metres. To be specified later
Registration fee 700 euros per team
Number of teams 40
Package price Set by Sinbad-Voyages infos@sindbad-voyages.com
Information
GFC: 02 97 57 53 57/
Here is route of last years race
Equipment
1 mountain bike for two
Website http://www.authentiqueaventure.com/
The formula of the race has not changed. The basic discipline is bike and run: one bike for two. All strategies are permitted, giving bike and run its full range of possibilities in Oman Adventure. Team spirit plays an essential role in the event. The little "tricks" to gain time are decisive. Moreover, two contestants with a mountain bike can go nearly everywhere. When it is not possible, on certain sections, the 4X4 takes over to carry the bikes and the contestants set out on foot, hiking down rivers (aquarando) or overland.
Oman Adventure is a very open competition. It attracts raiders, triathletes, trailers and marathon runners who prepare for the event by working on the direction-finding bases with GPS points provided in advance.
The competition, as it should be in all races in which the spirit of adventure plays an important role, is open to all. The best produce astonishing averages but the runners-up also experience a competition adapted to their level thanks to the two rankings: Extreme and Adventure. Everyone spends each night camping out in an unspoiled natural setting in an atmosphere that contestants say is unforgettable.
Loyal to their principles, the GFC organisers are pulling out all the stops to ensure that this competition is financially affordable by the greatest number of contestants. The fee for registering a team with GFC is 700 euros and the tour operator Sinbad-Voyages has prepared a complete package including the flights, the transfers, the hotel nights, the 4X4 backup with driver, the breakfasts and the dinners.
GFC also ensures that the sponsors of teams get significant media coverage thanks to the large-scale production of images, with material sent out each day to all the televisions of the world, and thanks to its solid know-how in disseminating information on all the continents.
Registrations are now open. The places will be limited this year to forty teams for reasons of logistical infrastructures. Twelve teams have signed up, so there is no time to waste. A down payment of 200 euros enables the teams to book their place in the race.
Dates of the race 9 to 14 December 2007
Dates of the round trip 7 to 16 December 2007
Number of legs Six including one night leg
Distance to cover +/- 300 km
Distance per day 30 to 60 km
Difference in height +/- 5,000 metres. To be specified later
Registration fee 700 euros per team
Number of teams 40
Package price Set by Sinbad-Voyages infos@sindbad-voyages.com
Information
GFC: 02 97 57 53 57/
Here is route of last years race
Equipment
1 mountain bike for two
Website http://www.authentiqueaventure.com/
Friday, June 01, 2007
Nike Win ARWorld Championship in Scotland
David Ogden
International Adventurers
Team Nike re-crowned ARWorld champions for the 2nd year in succession at 0612 Today . yesterday they forced the pace over the Mountains of Glen Coe, leaving long time leaders Helly Hansen in their wake, so Large was the lead that they finished before the 2nd place team start the ascent of Ben Nevis.
French Team Wilsa Helly Hansen were unable to match the speed of Nike Who broke away from them crossing Rannoch Moor carrying Kayaks, and then extended their lead in the mountains surrounding Glen Coe
A Disappointed Balance Vector will cross the line behind them but they missed a crucial cut-off yesterday so are on a shortened route with a time penalty. Like many teams they had been caught out by the cold wet condition which caused many competitors to suffer from Hypothermia, requiring frequent stops in shelters to warm up a little.
Spanish Team Buff Colormax are fighting for a podium finish one and half hours behind Wilsa Helly Hansen and having a tussle with first stage winners Orion Health they rested prior to bike to the foot on Ben Nevis.
The race has had a high attrition rate like the Original classic races of Raid Gaulloises and Elf Authentique adventures, where it was survival of the fittest.