Grand Prix de France

The 2nd Grand Prix de France was an MQS1 event that took place between 3rd and 5th May 2007 at Dieuze in north-east France.  There was a good level of international competition with around 20 countries represented.  As it was held close to UK, this was a relatively inexpensive international event that offered good experience and the opportunity to obtain Paralympic MQSs. 

The event was generally very well organized.  However, the only opportunity for training was on the arrival day, 2nd May.

Team members arranged their own travel and accommodation, largely at their own expense.  All team members took private cars and booked car ferry crossings.  The journey, using motorways through France, Belgium and Luxembourg, took about 4½-5 hours.  There was a limited supply of hotel accommodation in the local area that could cater for disabled athletes.  As a result some team members had round trips of about 100 miles from hotel to the range each day.

Lunch and evening meals were provided at the range complex, the food was generally of a reasonable quality and was good value. Evening meals were only served once the daily prize-giving was complete.  This meant that the evening meal was not usually finished until about 2230-2300.  Although the range was in a small isolated village, there was an adjacent supermarket and a baker’s shop near by.  Thus it was easy to provide water and provisions, and in particular breakfast, for team members. 

There was a good team spirit, with all team members actively supporting and encouraging others.  This contributed to the overall success of the team. 

  Click here for the results