The 160 km from Florac at the crossroads!

The 2022 edition of the 160
km of Florac marked
the opening of a new
era. After five years
of collaboration, the Sultanate
of Oman had in fact ended its
partnership. The United Arab
Emirates took over to support
the organizers.
Jean-Paul Boudon gives a very
positive assessment: To the extent that
they are coming back this year, it
is because they are satisfied!
Especially since the Al Maghaweer stable
based in Abu Dhabi also supported
the Barre-des-Cévennes races at the
beginning of July which brought
together 250 horses over three days.
The development of these summer events
is also exponential. Work has been
carried out on the trails to the great
delight of the riders.
The links are strengthening since it is
the government of Abu Dhabi
which takes charge of the timing of
the 160 km of Florac through the
intermediary of Emirates international
endurance village (EIEV) of
Sheikh Mansour (the owner of the football
club of Manchester City).
It’s a nice gift even if it complicates
our task, confesses the
president of Lozère Equestrian
Endurance (LEE). The need for electricity
and internet connection is
increasing. The horses are equipped
with a transponder and the riders
with a GPS. In each veterinary
control area, we will install
special screens so that all the data

appear: the route taken
by the horse, its heart rate, its
metabolism.
However, there will still be no riders
from Abu Dhabi at the start of
the 160 km of Florac
We are not there yet, recognizes
Jean-Paul Boudon. I know that
the Al Maghaweer team wants to
establish itself in Europe and
particularly in France, as the sheikh's
M7 team did a few years ago. from
Dubai to Lisle-sur-Torn in the
Torn department. You have to give
time
Abu Dhabi
contributes
€50,000
LEE's annual budget (necessary
to offer the Barre-des-Cévennes
races and the Vallon d'Ispagnac
horse week with the 160 km of
Florac as the highlight) reaches
€180,000 • Abu Dhabi
has not not modified its endowment
of €50,000 But they still add
the €10,000 to €12,000 for
timekeeping, underlines the president
of LEE. We benefit from the
support of the Departmental Council,
whose aid remains at a very
good level. The subsidy from the
Regional Council is substantial but it is

reduced over the years, this is the case
for many associations. I have not
forgotten the essential logistical
support of the municipalities.
This Saturday, September 16
from 5 a.m., the Pré-Morjal site
in Ispagnac will see around forty
horses set off for this extraordinary
competition that remains the
160 km from Florac. A figure
identical to that of the last year.
It’s a more than honorable score,
indicates Jean-Paul Boudon. We
are doing well when we see the
concentration of the calendar: the European
Championships in Ermelo in the
Netherlands two weeks ago, the
preparatory test for the 2024 World
Championships in Monpazier in the
Dordogne fine taste... We had to
adapt by shifting one week from
last year (the 160 km of Florac took
place on September 10, 2022)”
With the 100 km and 120 km
races this Thursday, September
14, 120 couples will explore
the Lozère trails. Foreign riders
(Italy, Switzerland, Spain)
will be present.
The president of LEE is keen
on this plurality of events: If
we did all that only for the
160 km, we would need a huge
sponsorship! The financial aspect
is not the only one to take into
account in our thinking. We
want to give opportunities for
riders and horses to qualify in 100

and 120 km. Regulations are
getting tougher and tougher.
It's an obstacle course before
you can start a 160 km The
horse must complete the 120 km
with the same rider We are a
renowned breeding ground Our
horses have been world
champions and European champions
It is our responsibility to offer
them races to develop
World vice-champion, the Spaniard
Jaume Punti comes to win the 120
km. European vice-champion
his partner Maria Alvarez is aiming
for the 160 km. A Frenchwoman
could upset this announced
triumph and she knows our
department well! About fifteen years
ago Annie Marchant was director
of services at the Lozère
prefecture office. She now rides an
excellent horse and she doesn't hide

not its ambitions Third in the
160 km of Florac in 2019, this ma
rathonienne is more than ever a
candidate for victory
The 160 km route from Florac
remains classic with the specificity of
being an online race which contributes
to its worldwide notoriety
Departure from Ispagnac to
reach Barre des Cévennes in the
middle of the night, crossing the
Aigoual to arrive at Camprieu After a
forty-minute stop, direction
Meyrueis, the Gorges de la Jonte, the
Causse Méjean to the aerodrome

from Chanet to go down towards Pré-
Morjal The last stage then arises from
Ispagnac to Ispagnac passing through
the Col de Montmirat It is the justice of
the peace. 24 km including 11 of ascent
with a positive altitude difference of
500 to 600 meters