Saturday October 5, with a beautiful autumnal sun, took place in Saint-Étienne-de-Chigny la 40e edition of the annual pedal car race on the Buda Island circuit.
Created in 1984, the departmental club attached to the national federation celebrated this 40e anniversary by organizing its traditional three-hour race. It brought together fifteen crews of one to four riders, including two exclusively female crews, from the department of Indre-et-Loire but also from Sarthe, Eure-et-Loir and even Morbihan.
Fantasy… But also technique
Everyone built and decorated their stand in harmony with the theme of their car, such as “Marguerite the cow”, “Lucky Luke”, “Toréador”, “La Bécassine” or “The Thirty-fifth Company”.
If fantasy is required for the appearance of the vehicle, the technique is almost professional (fiberglass bodywork) or even sophisticated for the best (carbon fiber, Kevlar). The result is there since the best covered 93 km in three hours, an average of 31 km/h.
The race – the start of which was given at 3 p.m. by the senator of Indre-et-Loire Pierre-Alain Roiron – saw the victory of the crew of “La Fraise”, followed by the “Sous-Marin” then “Delta force”, third on the podium after the checkered flag lowered by Brigitte Besquent, deputy mayor of Saint-Étienne-de-Chigny.
The day ended with musical entertainment.
© (Photo cor. NR, Alain Penot)
“Some have traveled from far away”
Many families took advantage of the good weather and the activities associated with the race (exhibition of local artisan exhibitors, snacks, refreshment bar), but also the musical entertainment (Baticlac bands), games and rides for children.
The president of the FILVP club (Indre-et-Loire pedal car federation) warmly thanked the runners. “Some have traveled from far away to participate in the race and joyfully liven up the day”he clarified. He said he was satisfied with the crowds attracted by this free event.
After the race, the day continued with a festive evening hosted by the female musical group Les Midshell and was capped off by the final fireworks display. Next edition in 2025.
