Here a report from Teva Tribe member Casper van Kalmthout who just returned from the Natural Games in Southern France
Casper on an entry move
I am a big fan of multiple sports events. I think it’s a the best way to promote our sport by combining it with the other extreme or outdoor sports to strengthen the powers and reach the greater public. After I visited one of the biggest outdoor events in the world; the Teva Mountain Games, I got invited to an event that shows a lot of similarities in France; The Natural Games.
Mathieu Coldebella celebrating his victory.
The Natural Games covers great athletes in mountain biking, climbing, para-penting and kayaking. In the weekend of 26th – 28th of June Millau, a small town in the South of France, offers home to all these outdoor stars. With the great bridge of millau on the background, this place turns into one big festival.
Start of the 'Fluid Solo' BoaterX
During the day, the sky is filled with para-penters, kayakers throw their loops in the little hole and climbers hang on the wall. At night everybody gathers on the great party area, offering several stages with concerts and live DJ’s, and parties until sunrise. The timing of the event is great, as high school just finished the year, so all the youngsters show up and are in the mood to party. My personal estimate tells that this event easily passes the 5000 on the visitor count.
Gael Kernin showing the public
At the beginning of the night the mountain biking contest is shown on the festival terrain. A spectacular effect to see them throwing 5 meter high back flips on the lighted course in front of the great party crowd.
Jakette showing the bottom of his boat for the picture
On the kayaking side I have experienced the great French level. There were some international kayakers over, but they were not needed to reach an internationally expected level on the contest. Top scores were thrown during all the rounds, finishing with a French only final at men and Mathieu Coldebella taking the win and a free trip to Corsica with a final run of 1380 points! Martina Wegman did a great job at the ladies by winning this event and Alex Jakette took the win at C1.
Mathieu Dumoulin on his snappy cleans
I think my fairest excuse for my failure in this event would be that it’s really hard to concentrate on the competition in these circumstances.
Casper and the winner Mathieu Coldebella
Beside the freestyle there was also a ‘Fluid Solo’ boaterX. The white water course proved its mobility by providing a totally new configuration in a split second, that was perfect for some funny happenings at the boaterX. Everybody was put in Fluid Solo’s and got a full face protected canoe polo helmet to kick each other’s asses.
Though fights during the BoaterX
For a great overview and pictures, check also the website of the event on www.naturalgames.fr.
Text & Pictures: Casper van Kalmthout
Location: SinglePost
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