Organized by the Departmental Commission of Off-Stadium Races 06 in partnership with the Departmental Council, the Challenge Trail Nature 06 returns for its 9th edition. With some new features on the schedule that should delight participants, whose numbers have been increasing year after year.
Red rocks, forest trails, Roman roads, meadows, and mountain pastures… Once again this year, the Challenge Trail Nature 06 will offer its participants landscapes as fascinating as they are varied.
While nearly 5,400 competitors took part in one of the events in 2015, there should be even more this year as two new races are introduced. “La Virada di Falicoun,” which offers many viewpoints over the Mediterranean, and “Le trail de Tende,” “which follows winding paths adorned with autumn colors and located at the edge of the Mercantour and Merveilles valley.”
Two new majestic sites bring the number of events to sixteen this year, two more than last year. This change is intended to satisfy both competitors and the various municipalities in the department, as Reynald Debreyne, head of the sports department of the Departmental Council, explains:
“We are trying to implement a certain turnover to showcase new terrains and new landscapes. We started in 2008 with only four events, and now we are at sixteen. We are reaching the limit, especially regarding the health of the participants who follow us. Completing sixteen trails in twelve months can take its toll on the body.”
“Le trail de Moulinet” and “La Grande Coursasse” also benefit from the turnover to make their return to the challenge. The famous “trail Per Cami” with its demanding route around the commune of Belvรฉdรจre will also be part of the ninth edition of the challenge.
A new stop for the Handi Trail
The Alpes-Maritimes, the ultimate trail region with the sea on one side and mountains on the other, will host 16 events this year. Participants can compete in their preferred format with the Challenge Discovery (10 to 20 km), the Challenge Nature (21 to 41 km), and the Challenge Trail for the bravest (over 42 km). Seven “Trail” events, nine “Nature” events, and ten “Discovery” events will be offered throughout the challenge.
Participants can discover these events right now on the website www.trailen06.fr, with a 3D visualization of the trail in particular. This is an important element for Reynald Debreyne: “Several tools have been put in place so that participants can explore the trails. They can get a sense of the complexity of certain routes and the landscapes they might encounter. They have information that allows them to choose in advance which trails they want to participate in or conversely, those they do not want to undertake.”
The Handi Trail is also continuing its growth despite the complexities involved in organizing it. “Not all events are suitable for the Handi Trail. We are trying to find solutions and satisfy participants by offering as many stops as possible.”
Participants will be able to discover “Le trail des Merveilles” of Breil-sur-Roya this year. A new stop that adds to the stops already present last year (trail of Limaces, Alpes-Maritimes, and Gorbio).
The French Championships arrive in the Vรฉsubie
Several new features will be present at this 2016 edition. And as in previous editions, sustainable development remains a key driver of the challenge, as evidenced by the National Olympic Committeeโs decision to label “Sustainable Development, sport commits” the Challenge Trail Nature 06 for the 7th time.
“There is a family, festive side to this challenge. But we do not forget our project on sustainable development. We respect all the places we pass. To give you an example, participants each have a personal cup attached to their bag to avoid degrading the sites we cross,” warns Reynald Debreyne.
To top it all off, the 9th edition of the Challenge Trail Nature 06 will be marked by a major event as the trails of the Vรฉsubie will serve as the French championships for both short and long trails on September 3rd and 4th. A great reward appreciated by the head of the sports department of the Departmental Council: “The fact that the French Athletics Federation chose the trails of the Vรฉsubie is quite a reward. Saint-Martin de la Vรฉsubie is a cradle of trail running.”
The Nice trail scene is doing wonderfully well. And enthusiasts can rest assured, “other surprises” are already being prepared for the next edition.