Press Kit - FOULEE BLANCHE 2016

Press Kit 2016
Press office
Organisation
Mrs Frédérique ASSAEL
38000 Grenoble - FRANCE
Association FOULEE BLANCHE
138 voie de la Foulee Blanche
38880 Autrans - FRANCE
Tél. +33 (0)6 10 26 43 16
[email protected]
Tel. +33 (0)4 76 95 37 37
[email protected]
www.lafouleeblanche.com
Facebook.com/foulee.blanche
Twitter.com/fouleeblanche
38th Foulée Blanche
Press Kit
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Summary
History of the Foulee Blanche…page 3
Page 2
Editorial
Practical tips…page 18
The success of the Foulee Blanche has grown year after year and
in 2016 we will continue with this theme.
The 38th edition will be open worldwide for the very first time
ever. 2016 marks a high point in the history of this exceptional
event and it promises to be a memorable undertaking for our
great mountain family, for competition and conviviality.
The 38th edition of the Foulee Blanche is also a remarkable
festive event, which everyone is looking forward to.
In organising a new official stage in the World Cup Long Distance
Skiing series (FIS Worldloppet Cup) the Foulee Blanche has successfully made the transition
to international competition. It will be a treat for thousands of skiers of all standards to rub
shoulders and to compete with the greatest international champions.
Welcoming a stage of the FIS Worldloppet Cup is a logical step for the sports oriented
village of Autrans. Local people and elected representatives are delighted to support this
new and formidable challenge.
The Foulee Blanche is proud of the way that public and private partners and volunteers
have been inspired to support this event. But we especially commend all the lovers of
nordic skiing who will soon be competing alongside some of the greatest racers in the
world.
Press Centre…page 18
WELCOME WORLDWIDE FRIENDS !!!
Spirit of the event…page 4
Foulee Blanche statistics…page 5
New challenges 2016…page 5-7
Race program…pages 8-11
What’s going on around the Foulee…page 12
The Foulee and health…page 13
Ski challenges associated to the 38th Foulee…page 14
Discover Autrans - Meaudre and their nordic ski areas…page 15
Keep it clean…page 16
The Rhone Alps Challenge…page 17
Our partners…page 19
Mr Jean-Pierre Barbier
President of the Isere Department Conseil
38th Foulée Blanche
Press Kit
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Foulee Blanche becomes the 1st stage of
the FIS World Cup long distance ski season!
This year the Foulee Blanche is delighted to include a World Cup long
distance race (FIS Worldloppet Cup) in its programme, under the aegis
of the International Ski Federation. This places Autrans alongside other
prestigious long distance international ski venues such as la Marcialonga and
the Transjurassienne. The Foulee Blanche will be the first ever Worldloppet
event organised in the French Alps. The 42km World Cup skating race takes
place on Sunday 17th January 2016.
The Foulee Blanche sees itself as offering an opportunity to attain the
highest step of international competition, whilst continuing its work with
the wider community (children, juniors, amateurs, families, handicapped
skiers, elite national skiers). The village of Autrans, forever associated with
the 1968 Grenoble Winter Olympics, has cultivated its sporting tradition
and global welcome for over five decades; welcoming a FIS Worldloppet
Cup race is a further step in the great winter sports story of the Vercors
massif.
We are very grateful to all of our partners for their precious support and
continued interest in our event.
Mrs Michèle ARNAUD (President)
Mr Dominique LOCATELLI (Vice President)
for the organisation committee
Page 3
The history of the Foulee Blanche
14 January 1979 - 1st Foulee Blanche Autrans, during the 2nd National Cross
Country Skiing Day. A popular gathering of 3000 skiers took part in three untimed events (5, 10, 20 km). Sponsored by the Figaro newspaper and the
Societé Général bank.
January 1985 - 7th Foulee Blanche: record attendance of 17,779 skiers (free
entry).
90s – Several successive winters of poor snow. The loss of sponsors and reduced
numbers of participants caused the organisers to reconsider the format: new
partnerships, new events, new races, renewing the routes etc,
1994 - Introduction of the Childrens’ Foulee.
1997-1999 - Arrival of new public partners.
2000s - More poor winters oblige the Foulee Blanche to operate at higher
altitudes and to temporarily move further away from Autrans.
2007 - Creation of a snow quarry ensures the event can continue.
Since 2009 - Races pass through Autrans village with increased participation.
2014 - Record participation on Juniors’ Day. 3,300 school and college students
signed up for the Junior Foulee, thanks to the combined efforts of the UNSS
teams.
2016 - The Foulee Blanche marathon becomes the season’s opening event for
the FIS Worldloppet long distance World Cup!
38th Foulée Blanche
Press Kit
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Page 4
Spirit of the event
“The Foulee Blanche is an unequalled nordic event which brings together amateur and elite skiers. Today, it includes a
World Cup long distance race, whilst still remaining open to the wider public whatever their level of expertise! There is a
course and a pace for anyone seeking enjoyment, self discovery and the pleasure of exploring the beautiful and welcoming
Vercors…”
Cross country skiing in Autrans on the Vercors plateau in one of the most stunning areas of the French Alps.
Bringing together skiers of all ages and abilities on routes perfectly suited to their needs, from debutant to elite
international…
That’s it, the spirit of the event since its first edition in 1979!
The Foulee Blanche is one of the best generally known cross country ski events. For 38 years, nordic skiers have been
gathering in the Isère to participate in the popular races which have been cultivated over time, including 10 different routes
and 7 different distances from 1.5 – 42km. The Autrans-Méaudre ski area is the stage for this exceptional winter event,
which is visited by several thousand addicts of the sport every year.
But the Foulee Blanche has equally become a venue for competition at the highest level. The 42km event has a great
reputation amongst marathoners for its multiple technical challenges. Since 2014 a combined event including the 25km
classic race (Saturday) and 42km skating race (Sunday) has been open to the most courageous skiers, called the Ultra
Foulee Blanche. In 2016, for the first time in its history, the Foulee Blanche will host the opening 42km race of the World
Cup long distance series (FIS Worldloppet Cup).
Organised by an association, the Foulee Blanche employs 450 volunteers alongside salaried staff, and is directed by the
President, Michel Arnaud and the Vice President and technical organiser Dominique Locatelli. But really, it is the local
community that has made the event possible for the last 40 years; the Vercors, Autrans Commune, sports clubs, local
producers and tourism bodies.
Originally financed by large private bodies, the Foulee Blanche managed to rebound thanks to its public partners. The
Department of the Isere, the Rhone Alps Region, Autrans Commune and the Vercors Park - all have played a part in this
great adventure. The organisation is now looking to expand its support network through greater involvement with large
Rhone Alps businesses.
Well known for promoting sport and protecting nature, the Foulee Blanche also runs introductory nordic activities as well
as sponsoring a “Sport and Health!” themed round table, supported by doctors from Grenoble hospital.
Some statistics
2016 ... 38th Foulee Blanche
Opening event for the FIS Worldloppet
Cup 2016
16th Junior Foulee,
23rd Children’s Foulee,
7th Classic Foulee
4 days – 10 races – 7 distances
(1.5 - 42km)
180 km of tracks with Nordic France
label on the Nordic domain of AutransMéaudre
8 500 participants
including 3500 young skiers
450 volunteers on the ground
280 press articles in France (2014)
2018 ... 40th Foulee Blanche !
50 anniversary of Grenoble Winter
Olympics Games
th
38th Foulée Blanche
Press Kit
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Page 5
New challenges for the Foulee Blanche: international status!
The Foulee Blanche loves sporting challenges…and we’re going to prove it again this year!
From 2016 (38th edition) the Sunday marathon race will be open to elite internationals
competing in the prestigious FIS Worldloppet Cup, which comprises a series of long
distance World Cup races. The organisers will deploy their renowned organisational
CUP
skills in welcoming the best skiers in the world to the outstanding Vercors countryside.
The popular race will thus be enriched by an international ambience and will be a
chance for ski fans and national elites to measure up against the cream of international competition.
The decision was taken just before the summer…
The International Ski Federation and the Worldloppet Committee met in June and decided to include the
Foulee Blanche in the FIS Worldloppet Cup circuit. This important decision affirms the quality of the Foulee Blanche organisation and also marks a new chapter
in the history of the event. The 42km Sunday ski marathon will count towards the National Marathon Ski
Tour and also from 2016, towards FIS World Cup international classification. In keeping with the spirit of
FIS Worldloppet Cup 2016
the event, the race remains open to all skiers physically capable of completing this technically demanding
endurance event.
Dates
Depending on the year, the FIS Worldloppet Cup brings together 8-10 exceptional races. Known for their
17/01 La Foulee Blanche (42 km) France
difficulty (42-70km) but also renowned for the beautiful countryside and the technical demands of the
24/01 Dolomitenlauf (60km) Austria
routes, these events are much sought after by the best distance skiers in the world. There is an end of
season general classification and the Long Distance World Cup is awarded to the best male and female
31/01 Marcialonga (70 km) Italy
skiers.
14/02 La Transjurassienne (56 km) France
21/02 Tartu Mataron (63 km) Estonia
Photo: Sylvie Chappaz
05/03 Pieg Piastow (50 km) Poland
13/03 Engadin Skimaraton (42 km) Switzerland
02/04 UgraSki Marathon (50 km) Russia
38th Foulée Blanche
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Press Kit
Page 6
New challenges for the Foulee Blanche ... continued
French amongst the best in the world!
In 2015 the Czech Petr NOVAK and the American Holly BROOKS won the international
series (results available at: www.worldloppet.com/fmcresults.php?aasta=2015).
French skiers were not left out and were well placed; Benoit Chauvet (multiple winner
of the Foulee Blanche and the Transjurassienne) and Robin Duvillard (French team
CUP
member, Sotchi Olympic medallist) were placed 2nd and 9th respectively in the series.
The series’ opening race at Autrans 2016 will permit national skiers to share the
pleasure of the Vercors with competitors from around the world…and who knows? Perhaps their local
knowledge of the ski tracks, the race and its difficulties will give them a slight advantage!
New Dimension represents a challenge for the Foulee Blanche and its Volunteers!
Welcoming a stage of the FIS Worldloppet Cup is no small task; preparing the race to the very highest
standards, hosting the best skiers in the world and their families will take all the savoir faire of the organisers
(proven over 37 years). By organising an international series race, the Foulee Blanche is also exporting the
values of the Vercors and the dynamism of the Rhone Alps economic region well beyond French frontiers.
The spirit of the Foulee Blanche has been the same ever since the first event: a big race open to everyone
from novice to expert, enabling each skier to discover the splendour of the Vercors!
The renowned organising committee and their local partners are delighted to be undertaking this challenge
proposed by the world ski authorities.
Photo: Sylvie Chappaz
38th Foulée Blanche
Press Kit
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Page 7
New challenges for the Foulee Blanche ... continued
Message from Robin Duvillard
French Nordic Ski Team member and Sotchi
bronze medallist
42 km race
Skiers coming for the international event will participate in the 42km
marathon on Sunday 17th January 2016. They will start alongside thousands
of regular Foulee Blanche competitors. Points for the international FIS series
will go towards the end of season classification. The mix of skiers enjoying the
event together will be even greater from this year, with a starting line-up of
amateurs, elite nationals, available members of the French Nordic ski team
and now, elite international skiers too…
CUP
It’s enough to stir the imagination of tomorrow’s young skiers, whilst still encouraging the
general public to have a go at nordic skiing!
Podium 2014 (42km Men):
1st Ivan PERRILLAT-BOITEUX (French Team)
2nd Robin DUVILLARD (French Team)
3rd Bastien POIRRIER
Photos: Sylvie Chappaz
“Skiing friends, come and participate in the
2016 Foulee Blanche and share the joy of
skiing in the company of your friends and
children! Start alongside the best specialists,
feel the warm atmosphere of the magnificent
Autrans stadium, discover the treasures of
our beautiful snow clad Vercors mountains in
January...
Advanced skiers, the whole Foulee Blanche
team looks forward to your participation in
the first stage of FIS Worldloppet Cup! Its a
great opportunity to rub shoulders with the
international elite and to test your form for
the rest of the season ... Remember, you have
a clear advantage this year, you already know
the route and its 42km of difficulties! It’s time
to score some important points for the rest of
the winter ...
My winter schedule is planned; whether I will
be skiing with you or starting the event and
welcoming you at the finish, I will be there to
share this glorious nordic skiing festival, which
has now become international!”
38th Foulée Blanche
Press Kit
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Page 8
Race program
In partnership with
Wednesday 13th January
16th Junior Foulee
Organised in cooperation with the UNSS, the Junior Foulee brings together 3500 school and
college students for a great day in the fresh air of the mountains, dedicated to nordic sports
and skiing. Everyone can have a go, skating around two different circuits. The number of kms
amassed by each school counts towards the final classification. Teamwork between comrades
is encouraged!
In outline…
> Start: 1:00 pm / prize ceremony 4:00 pm
> Skating – Distances: 5 or 10km (depending on progress during the race)
> Participants: school or college students, sports studies groups, beginners or experienced
skiers, handicapped skiers, Rhone Alps region residents
> Age: 11-18
Entries: through teachers with the UNSS Grenoble.
In partnership with the ‘Espoir Isère contre le Cancer’ association, the 16th Junior Foulee
will be a tobacco free day, to remind young people of the risks of cancer.
“This year the 5km race
will qualify towards the
UNSS French Nordic Skiing
Championships.
We are
expecting the best elite
skiers of the academy’s 3
departments – our future
champions!”
Mrs Jackie Bonnieu-Devaluez
Regional Director UNSS Rhone Alps
What else is on…?
Biathlon introduction…
Xavier Blond, a former member of the French Biathlon Team, with
the support of NAD, will be offering an introduction to biathlon
for school and college students participating in the Junior Foulee
www.n-a-d.com. From 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Photos: David Boudin
…and an introduction to boxing!
In partnership with UNSS, a boxing ring will be set up in the Exhibitors’
Village, to give young people a chance to spar with members of the
French Boxing Team (all day).
38th Foulée Blanche
Press Kit
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Page 9
Race program … continued
Thursday 14th January
23rd Childrens’ Foulee
Two classic races will be organised for children from the Primary Schools of the Grenoble Academy. Most of our
young skiers are from the Isère, but the day is also open to all French and foreign schools wishing to participate.
For the overall classification, intellect counts as much as fitness; the nature route in the morning counts towards
the average time for each school. This event encourages children to discover themselves through sport and nature.
In outline…
> Start and prize giving: times to be confirmed
> Classic technique – Distances 1.5 or 3km
> Participants: primary schools, beginners or practising skiers, handicapped skiers, Isère region residents.
> Age: 8-11
Entries: through teachers direct to the organisers
What else is on…
The Nature Foulee
A nature walk is proposed in partnership with the ONF, the academic inspection of Grenoble, the promoters of Vercors/Sassenage Blue Cheese
and the Community of Vercors Communes. Following in-class preparation during the autumn, children will be able to experiment first hand the
great outdoors with expert guidance from the specialists. This event will count towards the final classification of the Childrens’ Foulee.
In between events, for 1-2 hours depending on the level
Photos: David Boudin
38th Foulée Blanche
Press Kit
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Page 10
Race program … continued
Saturday 16th January
7th Classic Foulee
In response to the needs of the purists, the Foulee Blanche has for the last 7 years offered 3 classic races on the Saturday; 5, 10, 25km.
The races are the same as preceding years and each will pass through Autrans village centre and surrounding hamlets. The 5 and 10km events
are easy enough for most people will very few hills. Skiers can choose their distance depending on how they are feeing on the day!
The 25km is a technical course, which is hilly and uses the ‘red toboggan slopes.’ The race counts towards the Ultra Foulee, an endurance
event including both Saturday and Sundays’ races (25km the Saturday and 42km the Sunday). It is open to juniors and members of the French
Ski Federation (license holders, carte neige or day passes).
In 2014, the Vosgien Adrien Backscheider (World Bronze Medallist 2015) and Manon Locatelli from Méaudre (Classic Sprint French Champion
2014) won the race after a tactical battle lasting the whole of the 25km route.
Outline…
• Classic technique
• Start: 10:30 am, podium
• Prize ceremony 2:00 pm
• Distances: 5/10km (according to form on the day) or 25km
• Races open to all skiers
• Entries: online www.lafouleeblanche.com, by mail or at the race office Autrans
• Free sports breakfast available for all racers: 7:00-9:00 am
Photos: David Boudin
38th Foulée Blanche
Press Kit
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Page 11
Race program … continued
Sunday 17th January
38th Foulee Blanche
The original… A popular friendly race with a great atmosphere. The 3000 participants include a mix of young skiers, amateurs, national
and international champions. The race will start in Autrans stadium, which will be filled with thousands of skiers, from the youngest to the
oldest, from the most novice to the most experienced, each confronting his/her personal challenge of: 5, 10, 20 or 42km.
The 42km marathon is the Queen Race that every nordic champion wants to win. But above all, its the fantastic ambience of the mass start
and the cheering at the end of the race (not only for the champions), which inspires our skiers every year. They come from all over France
to witness this unique spectacle alongside the champions of yesterday, today and tomorrow. And from this year, participants will meet
elite international skiers as the Foulee Blanche welcomes the opening stage of the World Long Distance Race Series, the FIS Worldloppet
Cup.
Whatever the distance, whatever the level, winning, or skiing with the family, everyone will enjoy themselves around Autrans, its hamlets
and forests.
The 42km will count towards
the Ultra Foulee,
the Marathon Ski Tour
and it will be the first stage of
the FIS Worldloppet Cup!
Photos: Sylvie Chappaz
Outline...
• Skating technique
• Start: 10:15 am, podium and prize ceremony 2:00 pm
• Distances: 5,10, 20 or 42km
• 5 and 10km events open to everyone! Children under 8
must be accompanied by an adult
• 42km: highly prized by all marathon skiers, open to all
senior category skiers and FFS members
• Entries: online www.lafouleeblanche.com, by mail or at
the race office Autrans
• Free sports breakfast available for all racers: 7:00 to 9:00 am
38th Foulée Blanche
Press Kit
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Page 12
Other events during the Foulee Blanche
Exhibitors’ Village
More than 20 exhibitors including ski and accessories manufacturers and local producers will present their know how throughout the weekend.
Wednesday to Sunday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Free entry to the Foyer de Ski de Fond gymnasium.
Saturday evening – it’s party time!
Saturday 16th from 6:00 pm
Foyer de Ski de Fond gymnasium.
• Inaugural evening open to everyone…
• Elite category skiers (<50 FFS points) race number collection for Sunday
• Aperitif offered by local producers
• Hot soup
• Fireworks show
“Vercouline” evening
Saturday 7:00 pm under the big top
Evening meal featuring regional products, dancing, organised by local
producers
Reservations through the Tourism Office or in the Exhibitors’ Village.
Details for all events can be found on
www.lafouleeblanche.com/english
Photos: David Boudin
38th Foulée Blanche
Press Kit
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Page 13
Health and the Foulee
In parallel with the Foulee Blanche and for the third year running, Friday afternoon is dedicated to round table discussions on the theme of sport and health.
This year doctors, researchers, sportsmen, artists and other specialists have been invited to share their views in public on the theme of respiration.
Breathe to live, live to breathe, breathing is healthy!
Deep breathing is a wonderful experience that relaxes the whole body. But what is the incredible story of inhaled air? What becomes of it? How does it
circulate? How is it used? What enables harmonious breathing? We know that our performance in the Foulee Blanche is closely related to this vital function
and that good breathing contributes to a sense of well being during exercise. This year, we are going to breathe together!
Presenters: Dr Isabelle Gabelle-Flandin, Pr Christophe Pison, Dr Phiippe Gabelle
Free entry. Friday 15th January 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm under the Foulee Blanche big top.
From 2:00 pm:
• Reception with the Sonneurs of Grenoble
• Workshops: music; measuring respiration and CO, breathing, draining,
recovery; devices to improve breathing; protecting the heart and
lungs during radiotherapy; elixirs and essential oils.
• Films: ‘From Destrousse to Espigoulier’ and, ‘ How can movement be
beneficial?’
• Comic strips, Knoé
• Film: ‘One breath…and the glass takes shape!’
• How to know what works less well (Dr Bernard Wuyam, CHU
Grenoble)
• Listening and movement for treating shortness of breath (Christophe
Brosson, physiotherapist)
• Breathing under allconditions; cystic fibrosis before and after a lung
transplant (Marianne Brechu)
• The view of a long distance skier: Robin Duvillard
From 4:00 pm: Welcome by Dr Philippe Gabelle
• Heart and lungs: two pumps that get along like a house on fire (Pr
Christophe Pison, pulmonologist, Dr Hélène Bouvaist, cardiologist
CHU Grenoble)
• Choral music
• When breath is short! Breathlessness and pain, what are the key
symptoms? (Dr Caroline Maindet-Dominici CHU Grenoble)
Also attending: Philippe Poncet, cycling hour record holder on oxygen;
Magali Humbert, Junior Track Cycling French and World Champion;
Marlène Petit, French Cyclo Cross Champion 2014, educator in adapted
physical activities; Second in command of the St Mandrier Diving School.
From 6:45 pm, shared conclusion: Michèle Arnaud, President of the Foulee
Blanche and Nicole Audrain President of ‘Espoir Isère contre le Cancer.’
‘The itinerant Four Mountains School of Music’ and balloon release.
Photos: David Boudin
Associations and Partners
CHU Grenoble
GHM Grenoble
La Foulee Blanche
Espoir Isère contre le Cancer
Cami
Zen Altitude
O2 & Cie
Rollandmove
Amicale Dauphiné Ardèche Savoie des
Insuffisants Respiratoires
Association pour la Santé et la
Condition Physique
Etoile des Neiges
Vaincre La Mucoviscidose
Gregory Lemarchal
Qualimedis
AGIR à Dom
Déva
38th Foulée Blanche
Press Kit
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Page 14
The 38th Foulee Blanche Challenges…
2016 Marathon Ski Tour
The National Challenge of Popular Long Distance Ski Races is coordinated by the French Skiing Federation (FFS) in association with National Association of
Mountain and Cross Country Skiing Centres (ANCEF). Open to all license holders, this years’ new edition features a series of 12 exceptional races. The 38th Foulee
Blanche is once again on the Marathon Ski Tour 2016 programme! For more information: www.ffs.fr/ski-fond/marathon-ski-tour
The 12 stages of the 2016 series
27/12/15 : Marathon de Font d’Urle (Drôme)
10/01/16 : Marathon international de Bessans (Savoie)
17/01/16 : La Foulee Blanche (Isère)
24/01/16 : Les Belles Combes (Jura)
14/02/16 : La Transjuassienne (Jura)
21/02/16 : Marathon de la Clarée (Hautes-Alpes)
28/02/16 : Trace Vosgienne (Vosges)
06/03/16 : La Sancy Blanche (Puy de Dôme)
13/03/16 : La Savoyarde (Savoie)
20/03/16 : Marathon des Glières (Savoie)
Ultra Foulee for Ultra Sportsmen! 3rd édition
Ultra long distance skiers wishing to race in the 25km Foulee Classic on Saturday and the 42km Foulee Blanche on Sunday can sign up for the Ultra Foulee. The event
has a specific prize list and preferential entry fees.
University Foulee 3rd édition
University nordic skiers rediscover competition with the Foulee Blanche!
Grenoble University Regional Sport Committee is working in association with the Foulee Blanche to develop and promote nordic skiing amongst students. The 17th
January will mark a breakthrough in light of efforts made by various actors involved in supporting the many enthusiastic young university skiers.
The race has been part of the Foulee Blanche since 2014 and now, the University Foulee is even more important following the organization of the French University
Championships. This year, students will be able to enter any of the Sunday races, whatever their level of skiing. The 20km and 42km races will count towards the
French Championships. To spice things up an inter university challenge has been planned which should encourage everyone to excel. The cumulative distance
completed by students from each university will count towards the overall result. To improve access and reduce the carbon footprint of the Foulee Blanche,
coaches for race entrants will depart from Sassenage. Student race entries through David Zijp: [email protected]
Photo: David Boudin
38th Foulée Blanche
Press Kit
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Discover Autrans-Méaudre and its nordic ski area
Two villages and one nordic ski centre
The Autrans-Méaudre nordic ski centre welcomes you to 180km of prepared
skating and classic tracks, the play ground of the Foulee Blanche and certainly
one of Europe’s most exceptional cross country skiing areas.
The advantages of the Autrans-Méaudre nordic ski area
• 18 snow canons at Gève, 5km of pisted tracks from the moment the
first cold weather arrives. A facility unique to Autrans;
• fun parks (open every day) where little and large alike can come and
discover nordic sports;
Photo: Office de Tourisme Autrans
• paths linking Autrans and Méaudre routes (without taking off your skis);
• buses to Gève and Narces ski areas;
• a panoramique track along Molière ridge, accessible by cable car (paid access) or by skiing from Gève-La Molière
(12km), with a magnificent panoramic view over the Alps;
• 90kms snow shoe tracks and a dog sledding site for a truly nordic ambience
More information on: www.autrans-meaudre.com
New! Autrans – Méaudre now recognized by Nordic France…
Page 15
Other big events this winter
2 - 6 December 2015 - Autrans
32 International Mountain Film festival
nd
www.festival-autrans.com
Saturday 5th December - Autrans
8th FestiTrail (winter crosscountry)
www.festitrail-autrans.com
New for 2015!
Saturday 19th December - Méaudre
1st Z’elles Blanches
(womens’ nordic and well being gathering)
www.leszellesblanches.meaudre.fr
23-24 January 2016 - Méaudre
Polar Adventure
(dog sledding race)
New for 2016!
Autrans-Méaudres’ status as a site of Nordic excellence has been recognized by the Nordic France organization! In the continual
search for improved tourist sites, Autrans was assessed last winter and awarded ‘5 nordics excellence++’ and Méaudre was
awarded ‘4 nordics 4 excellence’.
29-31 January - Villard de Lans/Autrans/Méaudre
The Nordic France label. Nordic France covers 200 nordic sites over five French massifs and is a representative of the nordic
sector as proposed by the Mountain Act, Little multicoloured fir trees (1-5) symbolize the overall quality of nordic sites. The
levels of excellence, indicated by a star, depend upon 4 factors: the quality of the ski area, the diversity of nordic activities, the
quality of services and sustainable development.
For more information: www.nordicfrance.fr
(French cross country ski championships)
1st leg Villard de Lans Friday 29th
2nd leg Autrans Saturday 30th
3rd leg Méaudre Sunday 31st
incl the Méaudre Nordic Challenge (hill race)
More information about Vercors range on: www.vercors.fr
Press contact - Révolution’R : Mrs Emmanuelle Dufaud
+ 33 (0)1 47 10 08 38 - [email protected]
1st Vercors Nordic Tour
19th March - Autrans
11th Molière Derby
THE end of season race (cross country)
www.derbydelamoliere.com
More information on:
www.autrans-meaudre.com
38th Foulée Blanche
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Press Kit
Page 16
Keep it Clean!
Sorting and recycling rubbish
In the last 3 years the Foulee Blanche has improved its recycling statistics from 46% to 72%.
All the paper used is recycled by students at Autrans Primary School for menus and for the Childrens’ Foulee diplomas.
Reducing waste
•
•
•
•
•
•
Replacing disposable plates and cups with reusable items.
Replacing bottled water with jugs drawn from local sources.
Reducing paper and postage for race entries in favour of email, as often as possible.
Setting up ‘eco picnics’ with school children. Encouraging them to make a picnic with a minimum of waste (flasks, fresh fruit
rather than compotes, cheese instead of yoghurt, water bottles instead of canned drinks).
Replacing all plastic bags in the race area with paper bags.
Reducing transport by choosing local producers for food.
Information and sensitising
•
•
•
•
•
•
Recycling ambassador appointed to inform volunteers in advance of the event.
Bins and waste sacks available everywhere including interior reception areas.
Eco official appointed to monitor and remind people of the rules.
Information boards in the most prominent areas.
Regular podium announcements and presentations from the experts.
Thanking participants at the end of the day for their help in respecting the eco-objectives of the Foulee Blanche.
Protecting the site
•
•
•
Respecting private property crossed by the race.
ONF teaching children to respect the forest during the Primary School nature walk.
ONF, CCMV and local producers’ stands.
Photo: Sylvie Chappaz
38th Foulée Blanche
Press Kit
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Page 17
The Rhone Alps Challenge
The Rhone Alps Challenge has been organised since 2012 and brings together 7 of the region’s major outdoor sports. It offers a special welcome and events suited to all levels of competence.
Initiated to enable organizations to share and participate in other events (whilst representing their own) it has also been open to businesses since 2013. Companies that have accepted the
challenge this year include: AG2R Lamondiale, CEA Grenoble, Hewlett Packard, Cegelec, Sofradir and Ellipse Lawyers and two sponsors: Lignes Directes and Terre de Running. Every year, new
companies join the challenge. At the suggestion of Gwendal Peizerat, Rhone Alps Regional Councillor for sports, the challenge is now overseen by Aragons, the Rhone Alps Association for
large nature and sports organizations.
The 7 events
La Foulee Blanche - Cross country skiing
13-17 January 2016 – Autrans (Isère)
38th edition of the famous ski event, several races from 5-42km open to all
skiers; classic or skating technique. More than 8 500 participants of all levels
including 3 500 youngsters.
www.lafouleeblanche.com
La Pierra Menta - Ski mountaineering
9-12 March 2016 – Areches-Beaufort (Savoie)
31st edition of the famous 4 day ski mountaineering event, which
welcomes the world’s elite and 400 amateur skiers.
www.pierramenta.com
Les Chemins du Soleil - MTB
May 2016 – Nyons (Drome)
14th MTB traverse of the southern pre Alps, between Gap and Die, a
technically challenging cross country route, with impressive climbs
and beautiful views. More than 700 riders. www.raid-vtt.fr
La Coupe Icare - Paragliding and ultra-light air sports
September 2016 – Saint Hilaire du Touvet – Lumbin (Isère) 43rd edition
of the world’s greatest gathering of free flight and micro light craft,
4 days of dreams and emotions, thrills and spills. 100 000 visitors in
2013. www.coupe-icare.org
Le Marathon des gorges de l’Ardèche - Canoe – kayak.
November 2016 – Vallon Pont d’Arc (Ardèche) 32nd canoe-kayak
marathon between champions and amateurs, in the fantastic
setting of the Ardèche gorges.
More than 1800 canoeists in 744 boats.
www.marathon-ardeche.com
La Saintélyon - Endurance running
Decembre 2016 – Saint Etienne (Loire) / Lyon (Rhone)
63rd edition; individual or team, participants start the 70km
route in the middle of the night on the hills around Lyon.
www.saintelyon.com
L’Ardéchoise - Cycle touring, road racing.
JunE 2016 – Saint Félicien (Ardèche)
25th edition of Europe’s no 1 cycling event. Routes for beginners and
seasoned riders, crossing the valleys of the Ardèche.
More than 13 000 participants. www.ardechoise.com
Photos: David Boudin
Challenge contact: Xavier Debernis
Tél. : + 33(0)6 08 64 03 46
[email protected]
www.rhone-alpes-challenge.fr
38th Foulée Blanche
Press Kit
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Page 18
Practical information
Accommodation
All types of accommodation are available through the Autrans
Tourism Office
Tel: +33 (0)4 76 95 30 70 or www.autrans-meaudre.com
Free access for spectators all along the traces!
Registrations
BY POST
Download the forms from www.lafouleeblanche.com, complete and
post to the organisers
Media Welcome
IN AUTRANS
From 15/11 at the Foulee Blanche race office (race numbers available
from 16/12)
Would you like to take advantage of our press facilities?
Consider filling out a press accreditation request
before 8th January 2016 on our web site press page.
ONLINE
www.lafouleeblanche.com, payment by credit card
Access
BY TRAIN
Grenoble railway station and transfer to Grenoble bus station.
BY BUS
Transisère bus service: www.transisere.fr
BY CAR
Don’t forget your winter equipment!
Free parking at the race centre.
BY PLANE
Grenoble Saint–Geoirs airport - Tel +33 (0) 4 76 65 48 48
Lyon St Exupéry airport - Tel +33 (0) 826 800 826
Then shuttle bus to Grenoble bus station
Carpooling
Rendez-vous on www.ecovoiturage.itinisere.fr
A dedicated page will soon be available
Press center
Food
Saturday 16th January
A plated meal is included in the race entry,
from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm for everyone
wearing a race number. Those accompanying
competitors can eat for 11€.
Sunday 17th January
Big top meal open to everyone.
Fee: 11€ or less for children under 10.
All weekend
Autrans’ restaurants will be open.
Check the Tourism Office site:
www.autrans-meaudre.com
Opening Times
• Wednesday and Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
• Saturday: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
• Sunday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Location: Foyer de Ski gymnasium
Facilities
• Work areas
• Wifi
• Event documentation
• Tourist documentation
• Results
Download our HD visual display on the website.
Photos and videos available on demand from our
press service.
38th Foulée Blanche
13 - 17 January 2016 - Autrans - Vercors
Press Kit
Page 19
Institutional partners
Media partners
Useful contacts
ORGANISATION
Official partners
138 VOIE DE LA Foulee BLANCHE
38880 AUTRANS - FRANCE
Tel. +33 (0)4 76 95 37 37
[email protected]
www.lafouleeblanche.com
PRESS OFFICE
Mrs Frédérique ASSAEL
Tel. +33 (0)6 10 26 43 16
[email protected]
www.frederiqueassael.com
TOURISM OFFICE
Other partners
Tel. +33 (0)4 76 95 30 70
[email protected]
www.autrans-meaudre.com
CITY HALL of AUTRANS
Tel. +33 (0)4 76 95 32 22
[email protected]
www.autrans.fr