The 10th Raid Gauloises in the Himalayas was mythical ... the 2001 edition will be magical. The Tibetan summits and the Nepalese plains are difficult to follow up, but the organizers of the "Raid of all Raids" prove that it is possible and are launching a truly awesome adventure through a land of water, dragons and legend: Vietnam.

Just imagine the Along Bay and its pearl catchers, the 3000 islands and the emerald green waters of Tonkin Golf, paddy-fields as far as the eye can see ... Now you're there, the scent of wild orchids in the humidity of a luxuriant jungle.

That's what lies ahead in just over a year from now for the 60 international teams which will set out on the Vietnamese adventure," Patrick Brignoli, President of Raid Gauloises, could not define the 2001 edition any better.

Race Director Alain Gaimard has just returned rom a reconnaissance trip to Vietnam, "The 2001 Raid will be more of an expedition-raid than ever before. The sports employed will be the most natural way of moving across the country. A unique occasion to become immersed in local culture and of going one step further towards meeting local people."

What better way could there be for making it easier to meet people in a country such as Vietnam, a veritable crossroads of a thousand and one ethnic groups? "The natives are the light and the force of this land," Gaimard explains.

Raid Gauloises' 11th birthday treat will be not only the longest course yet covering 1000km in 10 days, but also a change in latitude and relief. A major part of the course will be water-based. After three years at high mountain altitudes, it's time for a change of scenery: new background, new disciplines. The year 2001 is going to be the year of the sea kayak, the pirogue and canyoning. In addition to the more traditional challenges of trekking, mountain biking and kayaking, the teams will be able to rediscover caving.

The "Gauloises" may have shed its skin but not its soul! The organizers are only too keen to reinforce the stature of a great international challenge which the Raid Gauloises has acquired over time. An exciting adventure where the men and women taking part will discover much more that physical challenge – the serenity and sharing of human values which lie at the heart of a true team spirit.

The team which organizes the Raid Gauloises is already in the starting blocks, ready to rise to this new challenge. The date will be revealed after the second reconnaissance trip to Vietnam, but look for it some time in October 2001.

For more information email Raid Gauloises organizers at info@raid-gauloises.com or in the US call 310.271.8335.