The Corsica Raid Aventure starts Saturday, May 19, 2001, with the welcome and briefings, which means taking the necessary time for teams to get themselves into the feeling of being a true Corsica Raider. Here, the members of the organization introduce themselves and explain how the the organization works, then we get down to the nitty-gritty details of the race course and road books (for both racers and support crew). Using practical case studies, we will refresh your memory as to the principal race rules to keep in mind, then give you the race directives along with various hints and practical information. It's the moment for us to respond to all of your queries and questions.

In short, we try to help every team acquire the information needed to take 200% advantage of the Corsica Raid Aventure. In the afternoon, it's time for the pre-race technical, equipment and administrative verifications, where competitors take the long chain line towards receiving the ever indispensable passport - without which they can't start the race. To get the passport everything must be in impeccable order, from the correctly completed registration pack to the correct technical material, as well as a cellular phone and required team markings.

For the first time, adventure racers will begin the race with an Adventure Discovery Stage in canyoning. This day will be not timed, rather it will be a fantastic day with no pressure! Furthermore, the four teammates (if your team has a wildcard) could take part of this special stage.

The serious action will start on Monday morning. Once started, the race won't finish until Saturday, after spending six days and five nights in the Corsican 'maquis' (bush). The race will prove to be a tough and spicy from the beginning with long race sections of 40-100 kilometers, depending on the activity, and the race course will be punctuated with a few welcome assistance points. By Saturday afternoon, everyone will have finished the course and will be able to go and have fun at the post-race party.

Team Composition
Team members: Although each team may still comprise four members, on the course only three may actually be racing, putting themselves through the gruelling course, at any given time. Those teams composed of four competitors therefore have the option of interchanging team members during the race with our new 'Wild Card' system.

The Wild Card: Teams comprised of four members may take advantage of our new Wild Card option. The principle is that they actually race as a team of three, with the option of changing a team member whenever they judge it necessary, with one rule. Only at the specified assistance points may a team alternate one of its members without incurring a penalty. For teams composed of three competitors, the game stays the same — nothing changes. You must complete the whole race course together, with no distinction made between you and the teams who have a Wild Card. In short, the Wild Card is a new option offered to all those who wish to take advantage of it. The Wild Card is independent of and won't change any of the other elements of the course or competition at all. Teams are judged the same with no favoritism.

Team Assistance & Support: Only one assistant per team, with only one car. Commonly, it's the competitors that grab all the attention, however the assistance or support crew plays a pivotal role in the team's success. It's the support team that looks after the smooth running of everything such as: preparation of equipment, meals, snacks, and getting everything from one point to another. They are also present at all assistance points throughout the course. At camp, it's the support team that keeps it all together, from buying fresh food to setting up tents. And to make their job easier, a vehicle large enough to be able to access all equipment easily, with roof racks for transporting the sea kayaks, is a real necessity.

Team Reporter: Any teams wishing to rally a little more media interest would be well advised to rustle up a team reporter to accompany them on the race. Equipped with a press pass and certified by the organization, the team reporter would cover the event as part of your team. Accordingly, he or she would experience the race like you, from the inside, and can as such communicate about it with a more realistic emphasis. The race organization would put the Press PC, including all of its logistics and communications (fax, telephone, internet), at his or her entire disposition, for daily contact with their editor.

Race Course and Progression
The race course is completely redesigned each year. It is kept secret and is only revealed the day before the start when we give out the road books and the maps.

All sections comprise control points (CP) which are indicated in the road books. It is compulsory to pass all of these points, and with the whole team at once. Some CP's double as assistance points (CA) or medical points (CM).

Throughout the entire race, competitors of a same team must stay together and be within voice range of each other at all times. Teams won't always be travelling over well-marked, well-worn trails during the Corsica Raid Aventure. The famous Corsican maquis has been known to swallow up more than one well-placed team creating big gaps in the ranking.

To reach a control point there are often a number of possible ways to get there. It's up to each team to choose based on both its physical abilities and on the orienteering talents of the navigator.

Each and every team must be able to count on an experienced navigator, capable of deciphering the maps, who will decide the right route to take based on the precious information supplied in the road book and with the help of only a compass and altimeter.

Details
Where: Where else could the 6th edition take place but in Corsica! As usual, the race course will be all new and kept a secret until the day before the competitors charge across the starting line.

When: The third week of May 2001 (from May 19-26).

Race Disciplines: canyoning, mountain biking, rope sections/abseilling, orienteering, and sea kayaking

Entry Fee: French Team — 29 900 FF TTC (25 000 FF H.T par équipe, with TVA 19.6%). International Team — 25 000 FF Net.

Race Principles: Saturday, May 19th, 2001 — Welcome, Briefings, Verifications. Sunday, May 20th, 2001 — Stage Adventure Discovery. Monday, May 21, through Saturday, May 26, 2001 — Adventure Non-Stop Race Stage.

For more information on the Corsica Raid Aventure, email race organizers at info@corsicaraid.com.