The competition took place in Besançon, from Wednesday June 1 to Friday June 3, as part of the National Union of School Sport (UNSS). It opposed the best French multi-activity raid teams. This event consists, in teams of four, of chaining independently and without interruption: mountain biking, orienteering, canoeing, trail running, laser run, archery, abseiling and rollerblading, requires versatility, endurance, self-sacrifice, solidarity, address and reflection.
A 3.40 hour race
Things had started very well since at the end of the prologue on Wednesday evening, the Clémence-Royer high school ranked 2nd, after more than an hour of tests. After a tough day on Thursday (almost 3 hours and 40 minutes of racing), the team left Friday morning in 4th place, less than three minutes from the podium. A challenge awaited them: Not to finish in the “worst place”. After a final day of more than five hours of effort, and after running, riding, rowing against close competitors, their courage, determination and skills (especially in the last orienteering mountain bike event) were going to make the difference for finish this championship with a very nice bronze medal around his neck. In total, more than 2000 meters of positive elevation (and as much negative) and more than 100 km were covered in 9:48.
The secrets of collective success
Louison Ména, is a training counselor at the Toulouse Olympique Aérospatiale Club (TOAC), one of the best in its category, Raphaël Herraïz and Coline Coulbouée, excellent middle-distance athletes, Théo Markiton, basketball player from West Toulousain Basket , Solène Lebourhis, athlete and essential young referee validated at the academic level in orienteering, all are active, good students and curious to perfect their versatility. They were able to train as part of the high school’s “Raid” Sports Association, supervised by Laurent Dauriac, PE teacher and departmental manager of this activity for more than 15 years.
All returned tired but happy, proud and enriched by this extraordinary experience which also allowed them to meet other Toulouse students with whom raids are already planned.
