At the initiative of this sporting event, Jean-Jacques Ceretto, president of the Peille VTT association: “Indeed, it is a sporting event but not only that, the Raid des Paillons is aimed at both athletes and nature lovers because through the course, these mountain bikers will discover trails that hikers take”.
“To discover” is indeed the verb that gave birth to this Raid. “It was while walking on the Tercier Plateau, a magnificent site overlooking the valley, that I got the idea to create this event. From the height of its 500 meters above sea level, I imagined that a sport like mountain biking could unite the 11 villages of the Paillon Community of Communes. Unite and also make such accessible the paths that our ancestors used to take. It’s a bit of a tribute to them! It shouldn’t be forgotten that they are the ones who created these trails with their means,” continues Jean-Jacques Ceretto.
But tell us Jean-Jacques, with these 70 km to be covered by mountain bike, don’t you have to be a good athlete to embark on this adventure? “Certainly, on the one hand, there will be athletes who will be there to win, so they will give it their all. And on the other hand, there will be those who are there to explore and most importantly enjoy themselves: there is still a 2,700 meter positive altitude difference and 2,700 meters of negative altitude difference.”
A dangerous event? “No, it’s accessible. I am very comfortable descending. However, I am apprehensive about the fatigue from the ascent,” says Julien, the youngest participant, aged 16. (The oldest competitor is 62 years old)
Sunday, September 21 at 8:30 AM, the village square of Drap will be buzzing! Feet on the pedals ready to turn their wheels, hands on the handlebars ready to glide down the paths.
Sunday, September 21 at 8:30 AM, mountain bikers will eagerly await the start signal.
Sunday, September 21 at 8:30 AM: Ready! Set, go! Drap, Peillon, Peille, Blausasc, L’Escarรจne, Berre-les-Alpes, Contes, Coaraze, Chรขteauneuf-Villevieille, Cantaron for a total of 70 km! Good luck!!
And don’t hesitate to come and cheer on these athletes!
These athletes who will finish their race where they started: the village of Drap!
Registrations can be done online at https://www.peillevtt.com or on-site from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM in Drap (06340) at Place Cauvin on Saturday, September 20.
