More than one hundred and thirty seasoned athletes set off for forty-eight hours of effort with the Lozère raid Sport nature

Les participants sont partis sur le Lot en packraft. Midi Libre – Lucas Manouvrier

In two days, the 34 teams made up of four people must complete a course of 330 km and 9,000 m of positive altitude difference, alternating between mountain biking, packrafting and trekking.

The Lozère Sport nature association (LSN) launched its sixteenth edition of its raid, this Thursday, April 18, 2024, in the middle of the afternoon. For the first time, the competition takes place over 48 hours. There are 136 seasoned athletes, divided into 34 teams, who are trying to complete a 330 km course with no less than 9,000 m of positive altitude difference. The four members of each team must achieve this feat together, which should strengthen mutual aid and solidarity.  Some came from far away to participate, particularly from Belgium.

Three disciplines

The start took place at Wunsiedel Park, in Mende, with a small orienteering race at the Chapter. After the markers had all been found, the teams set off for the Lot, for the first part of the event.

This raid is based on three outdoor disciplines: mountain biking, which represents 210 km; packraft (inflatable canoe), for a total of 30 km; and the trek, which is 90 km. To find their way, participants only have a compass and a map. Each team has a cell phone but it has been placed under seal to only be used in an emergency. Orientation is therefore the key to the success of this raid which crosses trails but also “off-road” places. In order to prove compliance with the route, athletes must electronically punch 39 markers throughout the loop.

Autonomous

Autonomy is king in this event but it is obligatory to stop at least 3:30 hours in Barre-des-Cévennes, to rest. Apart from this rule, the teams manage their rest and night as they wish, just like their food. Also, each team has two assistance bags (down, food, etc.) that the organizers have left at two different locations. Competitors are therefore not allowed to leave with these bags.

"I have never done it this long, explains Fabien, one of the members of the MAP48 team (Multisport Aubrac Peyre). We are inevitably a little stressed because we will have to hold on, eat well, recover well and adapt to others." But adrenaline takes over, especially since this raid is the accomplishment of more than six months of preparation: &amp ;quot;We know the course is going to be great and we thank the organizers for the work. And then, we're not going to look for performance, finishing this raid will already be a great achievement." Arrival is planned for this Saturday, April 20, from 5 p.m., at the Chapter youth hostel.

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