On August 7, the prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes inaugurated a pumptrack in Breil-sur-Roya named “Charles Cottalorda.” This new facility, partly funded by the State, marks the concrete launch of projects resulting from the citizen consultation conducted after storm Alex.
You probably remember those images that went around the world on October 2, 2020. Houses decimated, neighborhoods buried under immense mudslides… For almost five years, the services of the Alpes-Maritimes department, the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolis, and the prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes have been striving to breathe new life into the villages affected by the disaster.
In Breil-sur-Roya, this Thursday, August 7, the prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes, Laurent Hottiaux, inaugurated the “Charles Cottalorda” pumptrack alongside mayor Sébastien Olharan, the president of the French Riviera Agglomeration Community (CARF) Yves Juhel, and the Cottalorda family.
This facility, 50% funded by the State through the “Avenir des Vallées” program for an amount of 87,500 euros, offers the community a new infrastructure for mountain biking and BMX. The track is named after Charles Cottalorda, known as “Carlin,” a cyclist from Breil-sur-Roya who participated in the Tour de France in 1929 and 1930.
The pumptrack is part of a larger development project for cycling and mountain biking in the valley. This program, led by the CARF and its member communes, also benefits from 50% funding from the State and plans the creation of cycling touring loops.
A Program Emerging from Consultation
“It allows for the development of sports among residents but also to promote tourism,” indicated Laurent Hottiaux, regarding the pumptrack during an interview with Ici Azur.
The “Avenir des Vallées” program is allocated 30 million euros and supports 40 projects in the Roya, Tinée, Vésubie, and Moyen Var. The funded initiatives are the result of citizen consultation, conducted after storm Alex, involving residents and officials. The State has supported rural and mountain communes in turning these proposals into concrete actions.
Among the other selected projects: a fishing hub in Tende, the refurbishment of pastoral huts in Fontan, and the creation of coworking spaces in La Brigue.
With this first project completed, the “Avenir des Vallées” program enters its realization phase. In Breil-sur-Roya, the “Charles Cottalorda” pumptrack becomes a place of sports and leisure, carrying ambitions for revival and attractiveness for the valley.
