A fusion of nature, heritage and triathlon in Drôme!
Following its grand return to metropolitan France along the Mediterranean coast two days ago, the Olympic torch headed north on Thursday to tread the roads of the Drôme department. This land of contrasts, from Grignan and Hauterives to Valence, is the ideal place to take a breather among natural landscapes and towns and cities oozing character. The highlight of the day was a triathlon team relay held in Valence, where the renowned three-Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic lit the cauldron at the celebration venue in front of a huge crowd.
The Olympic torch shines a light on the natural and cultural heritage of Drôme
Locals and frequent visitors to Drôme are well acquainted with its many charms and attractions. Its mosaic of natural landscapes make this corner of the world a destination for all seasons. Mountain enthusiasts can head to the Vercors or the Monts d'Ardèche, while hikers, cycling tourists and canoeists will be spoilt for choice with all the trails and bodies of water. Drôme is also a popular venue for sporting events, including triathlons and bicycle races.
The Olympic torch kept the sporting spirit burning bright throughout the day! It began the stage with an unusual relay in which it was carried by a horse rider who trotted down the iconic lavender fields on her way to Grignan Castle. Next, it set course for Pierrelatte, where it visited Lac de Pignedoré before moving on to the colossal limestone rock that towers over the town. It blazed past Dieulefit, in the heart of this slice of nature cradled among forests, cliffs and rocks.
After that, it entered the courtyard of the castle and the theatre of Montélimar before advancing to Romans-sur-Isère and its Shoe Museum and on to the Vercors sports complex in Bourg-de-Péage. From the Camping du Château in Hauterives, the Olympic torch went to the Palais Idéal, a breathtaking work of naïve art by the postman Ferdinand Cheval.
Valence, the terminus of the stage, awaited. The Olympic torch visited the Port de l'Épervière, the Monumental Fountain and Parc Jouvet before calling it a day on the Champ de Mars, where the celebration venue was located.
Olympic torchbearers from all walks of life fill Drôme with light
129 people took turns carrying the Olympic torch during the day. The department is fertile terrain for sports, so a great deal of athletes turned up for the event. Setting the pace as the first torchbearer of the day was Anaïs Lambert, a native of Montvendre and French champion in CTR (competitive trail riding). She rode through the lavender fields on her leading horse, carrying the torch in hand.
Other notable sports figures present included the former French rugby international and former coach of the French national team, Philippe Saint-André, the triple Paralympic gold medallist in cycling Florian Jouanny and the visually impaired athlete Guy Taupin. Among the everyday athletes participating was Mireille Meynol, who has been continuously active in sports since she began dancing at age 5.
The crowd also cheered for Bertrand Beroud, a passionate rugby player focused on making his sport more inclusive; LoïcBombenon, a volunteer with APF France Handicap; Yassine Zouaoui, an ultra-trail runner who has trekked from Paris to Grenoble with autistic children; and Alixan Gojowczyk, a basketball coach and referee.
The spectators lining the route may have spotted Valérie Louage, Romain Tardieu, Pauline Lacombe and Patrick Lebrun in action. These four sports enthusiasts, who carried the Olympic torch today, are part of the 45,000 volunteers for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Carrying the torch was a token of appreciation for their commitment and a significant milestone just 35 days before the Games begin. Also among the torchbearers were some well-known personalities, including the illusionist Dani Lary.
Finally, the honour of being the last torchbearer of the day went to Anne-Sophie Pic, a culinary icon who helps to bring the magic of France around the world. A native of Valence, the three-Michelin-starred chef underscored the excellence in elevating gastronomy of the Drôme department. She lit the cauldron to bring the day to a close.
A triathlon team relay to promote inclusion
A few hours earlier, the spotlight had been on other figures devoted to pushing the boundaries and the pursuit of excellence. The team relay of the day celebrated triathlon, which marks its 24th year as an Olympic sport, having debuted at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
The relay was organised by the French Triathlon Federation together with a local club that fights for inclusivity within this "Terre de Jeux" department. Joseph Kerdo, the captain of this relay, has led Valence Triathlon for over a decade, focusing on instilling the values of sport and humility in the youth. Joining him were 23 other relay participants, including the European-level competitor Lola Sauvet, the volunteer coach Alexandre Dall'agnol and two dominant figures in para-triathlon, Claire Mege and Julien Viot.
Tomorrow, over a hundred torchbearers will continue to carry the Olympic torch. In contrast with a typical stage, Friday's relay will take place within the Vichy Communauté community of municipalities. It will provide a chance to explore this area, bask in its salutary environment, enjoy its spas, admire its heritage, and savour life much like the thousands of students, entrepreneurs, athletes and culture lovers who call Vichy Communauté home. The day will bring a panoply of events, with support from the Official Partners of the Olympic Torch Relay —Coca-Cola, Banque Populaire and Caisse d'Epargne.