Intimate Roquefort changes and becomes the Roq'athlon, a sporting challenge open to all

Deux tyroliennes seront en place à Roquefort-sur-Soulzon. Midi Libre – Archives

Roc et Canyon revisits its event in Roquefort-sur-Soulzon and innovates with the Roq'Athlon on March 17.

Every spring, for almost 15 years, the small cheese town of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon has become the scene of a day dedicated to the discovery of outdoor sports. In partnership with Roc et Canyon, a Millavine company, the village welcomed intimate Roquefort. A day dedicated to discovering the surroundings of Combalou and the challenges in the afternoon. 

For March 17, the formula changes and takes a slightly more sporty turn, for those who wish. The Roq'Athlon will take place all day and will combine trail running, orienteering and more or less far-fetched sporting challenges. " We keep the same guideline to highlight the natural setting around Roquefort, the historical and gastronomic heritage, assures Thomas Espinosa, one of the specialists at Roc et Canyon.&nbsp ;The values ​​around the event remain the same, we want it to be fun, for there to be discovery and team cohesion . The idea is that everyone meets around this event."

A raid of five events

The sporting event can in fact be contested in a competition or leisure format, in teams (4 for competition and 3 to 5 for leisure). Firstly, at 10:30 a.m., the teams set off on a trail around Roquefort on a 3.5 km loop with 150m of elevation gain. "Those who wish will be able to push yourself and it's a format that allows you to discover discipline, note Thomas Espinosa. But it's #39;is also accessible to beginners, it's very fun, we enjoy it instantly." Then, the teams take part in the first block of two challenges: target shooting and obstacle mountain biking in relays. Enough to get your legs ready before the start of the orienteering race in the village where 24 markers will be found in 45 minutes. "It's quite challenging for those who want to take on the challenge, adds the expert. But those who want to get two beacons and drink a beer, can too!".

A 30% slope to finish

The second block of two challenges will follow with a blind race and tractor tire towing. The day will end around the "super final of the Bartas vertical", according to the name given by Rock and Canyon. "The idea is to go from point A to point B, on a slope with a big difference in altitude to be done in relay, describes the organizer. The slope of the field is 30%.&quot ; A high point to conclude the sports day where the organizers hope for a crowd to finish in a warm atmosphere where a band will also be there to motivate the competitors.

All day activities at the stadium

In addition to the sporting raid which will punctuate the day, discovery is still part of the DNA of the event and the Roquefort stadium will be occupied by various workshops accessible from 5 years old to from 11 a.m. Ziplines, airbag, target shooting, elastic force,   will be installed near the village hall. "We worked on the friendly aspect to ensure that there was a real emulation throughout the day,” adds Thomas Espinosa. A tasting of Roquefort from six houses will also be organized alongside the activities and a meal, prepared by a caterer, will also be served at lunchtime. "People are fond of these activities , agrees Bernard Sirgue, the mayor of the town. The kids have fun all day."  And this will be the case once again, if the weather is with the organizers.