News from the ground : new course with new fences
This year the course designer for both the CCI**** and the CIC**, Pierre Michelet, has decided, with Jean Marc Varillon the Technical Director, to change the direction the in which the course is run. A big surprise for the trusty Pau spectators and riders! Especially because new jumps have been built to ring the changes a little.
However, remaining faithful to the local historic and cultural themes, these works of art are created by the chainsaw of Christian Aschard, Equibois Création, who yet again has managed to capture the spirit of the surrounding countryside. The new obstacles include, a hand-painted airplane hanger and vine decorations on one of the combinations. Of course all the old favourites of the CCI**** Pau are still here; the Duck, the birdhide, and the French Garden. All these elements combine to help make the Cross Country course the amazing spectacle it is today.
Farewell to the walkway and hello to the artificial banks
In the permanent search to improve access to the site for the riders and spectators a new access route to the Domaine de Sers course has been created this summer. The banks at the side of the training rings, which blocked access to the centre of the Cross Country track, have been opened up to create a 10 metre gap just behind the CCI stables. Mobile artificial banks block the gap and will be removed during the CCI**** to allow the spectators and riders to pass. Better use of the terrain and upgraded access to the central Cross Country track are a big improvements to the event.
