The Le Puy – Firminy raid (68 km) will return this weekend, during the night from Saturday to Sunday, with a departure at midnight from the Lafayette stadium. The weather should be kind to those involved.
Without chips or bibs, but with the traditional roadmap to stamp, the Le Puy – Firminy raid will leave for a 54th edition this weekend. There will be more than 80 volunteers on deck to ensure the smooth running of this legendary event.
“The conditions will be almost ideal”
The good news is that the weather should be on the participants' side. “It will be a little cold on Sunday morning, but the conditions will be almost ideal,” estimates Gérard Chambon. At the head of the organization for many years, it is important for him to preserve the traditions that have made this race so charming. It is for this reason that the route remains unchanged. Or almost?! Following the floods of October 17, it was necessary to slightly revise the passage through the town of Brives-Charensac. “With this little detour, we lose 250 m,” notes the organizer. A meager shortcut when we know that we will have to overcome 68 km and 1,500 m of positive altitude difference.
Without bibs or chips, the legendary Le Puy – Firminy raid wants to preserve its traditions
The organizers worked to make all passages safe. “We cleared brush in particular on the Semène gorges side. As is often the case, it should be the justice of the peace to designate the winner of the event,” predicts Gérard Chambon. The champion of the 54th edition will be expected between 5:30 a.m. and 6 a.m., Sunday morning, at the Secular Cultural and Sports Center (CLCS) in Firminy. He will be the first to be able to taste the traditional meal, with sausages and Puy lentils.
A hike between Beaux and Firminy
The organization is preparing for great enthusiasm this weekend. “We are expecting at least 350 participants, if not more, on the raid,” anticipates Gérard Chambon. According to the data I was able to consult, more than twenty departments should be represented at the start. » The organizer is also satisfied with the number of registrations for the hike between Beaux and Firminy (39 km). “We will have at least 200 people leaving between 6 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. » A meeting was organized on Tuesday to finalize the final details. “Now we are ready to welcome all participants,” assures Gérard Chambon.
Lucas Jacquet
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