Raid in France Postponed to 2022

Press Release / 04.05.2021

Raid in France, part of the AR World Series, which was due to take place in the Savoie Mont-Blanc Alps in June, has been forced by the Covid situation to postpone until next year.

Race Director Pascal Bahuaud said, "It’s with great sadness that the postponement decision has been taken, but having thought through numerous different scenarios in the last few weeks, and hoped for significant health improvements, it seems to be the only decision we can take. The uncertainty of this pandemic does not allow us to organise the event peacefully.

“We really tried to hold on as long as possible, but the government’s recent directives, even though reassuring, can’t guarantee any authorisation to organise the race in June. Everything was ready, the route was finalised, and the staff settled, but the uncertainty is too high.

“We therefore decided to wait for 2022, hoping to be able to deliver an event which justifies the astonishing environment of this 11th edition, and meets the expectations of all the racers, partners and volunteers."

The main difficulties faced by the race are, sadly, now all too familiar to international adventure racing. In this case the constraints were the continuation of the French curfew into the period of the race, the risk of further restrictions being implemented without notice, the uncertainties of a new ‘health pass’, details of which have not yet been announced, and the difficulties for international teams. 

With over 400 volunteers and staff to care for, and the impossibility of a running a non-stop race due to the curfew, the race had little choice but to postpone. 

The new dates have already been announced as June 22nd to July 1st 2022 and the organisation are running a virtual event from July 1st to 4th this year. 

This is called RIF Connect and teams can create and share their own race in the style of RIF.  The team judged the best will get a free place in next year’s race.

You can find all the details and news on the Raid in France website.