Lebanon will host in May 2002 an important International Mountain Biking and Trail Running stage race: the "Raid du Liban"- RL. But why this race in Lebanon? This choice is well founded. Lebanon is first and foremost a formidable terrain for mountain biking and trail running with its chain of mountains stretching from the North to the South, in a frame of exceptional beauty, and a wonderful climate. Lebanon is also the country of contrast, where the sea and the mountain lay side by side, and where aquatic sports harmoniously blend with winter sports. Finally, Lebanon is a country with a significant past where several historical and archeological sites can be visited.

The "Raid du Liban" will encompass six stages of roughly 40km (MTB) , and 18km (Run) each, except for the first stage which is shorter since it will be a "prologue". The itinerary of about 200km (MTB) and 90km (Run) will run from the North to the South of the country, along its hilltops, passing by Lebanese villages in altitude such as the Cedars, Faraya, Faqra, Zahlé, The Chouf, Jabal el Kneisseh.

Racing across the Cedarland without getting to know Lebanon's historical past would be a pity. All RDL competitors will be proposed daily afternoon visits to sites of world renown such as Baalbeck, Byblos, Aanjar, and Beitedine.

Itinerary: The itinerary will be prepared on the eve of each stage by way of signaling material such as boards, arrows, and safety tape. A briefing on the Race will be held daily before the start of the stage.

Road-book : The information regarding each stage (distances, type of terrain, cumulative ascent and descent, etc.) as well as all the information pertaining to the " Race across Lebanon " can be found in the Road-book which will be handed to you at the very first briefing. It is advised to carefully study it, as it certainly contains the answer to any question that can be asked.

Meals and sleep: All three meals will be served daily at the hotel, with the exception of three meals which will happen to be outside the hotel, and at the participant's own account. Lodging will take place in double occupancy rooms at high standing hotels of (3 stars or more).

Health matters: A doctor specializing in such Races will accompany the RDL, along with a qualified nurse. Two masseurs will cater for the needs of the athletes after each stage.

Bike Maintenance: Maintenance and cleaning of the bikes will be done by the competitors within a bike park provided at the Hotel. A qualified bike mechanic will also be available for spare parts and professional assistance.

Rankings: The individual Race is open to all competitors of all ages, and in good physical condition. The team Race will take into account the three best times of each stage. The teams (which can be co-ed or not) will have between three and five members each. Competitors without team partners will have to put their names down for the draw in order to determine their teamsas early as the first briefing. There will therefore be three rankings: Men, Women, and Team for each of the two disciplines (MTB and Run).

Number plates and Water bottles: The MTB's front number plates and the Runner's cloth numbers will be provided by the organization, and will have to be visible throughout the stages of the Race. Each competitor will be supplied with all the mineral water that is desired, but not with any bike or run specific water containers.

Times and standings: The times of each competitor in each stage, as well as the general classifications will be posted at the hotel every evening. Any complaints will have to be submitted to the organizers in writing within an hour of the participant's finish time. The problem, if any, will have to be resolved before the next stage's start.

Refueling: Fruits, juice, and cakes will be offered at the finish of each stage. The organization will cater for water replenishment during the stages. For trail runners, there will be no less than four refuelling points at each stages.

Pace of the Race and retirements: The Race Across the Cedarland will have to be completed by all the participants, but at their own pace. Whether one chooses to Race head down, or to stroll at a much more relaxed pace to enjoy the scenery, the refueling checkpoints as well as that of the finish line will remain open until the last competitor has crossed the stage's finish line. All competitors who drop-out will be allowed to take the start of the subsequent stages outside the rankings, if they wish to do so. The same applies for those who had to retire from the Race for medical reasons, only after the Doctor finds their condition acceptable.

At the RDL's closing awards ceremony, valuable prizes will be distributed to the top three finishers of both the Men and Women's category, as well as to all members of the winning Team. Rankings for the team category will be determined by adding the results of the first three competitors on the team.

REGISTRATION FEES AND PROCEDURE:

Registration fees for the RDL 2002 are fixed at US$1190 (US Dollars One Thousand one hundred and ninety), and include:

• The return flights Paris/Beirut/Paris on 26/05/2002 et 02/06/2002 respectively.
• Return transport Beirut/The Cedars/Beirut.
• Transport of luggage including bicycles,
• Hotel accommodation, minimum two stars,
• All meals, Breakfast, lunch and dinner, except three meals,
• Typical end of stage "refueling",
• Transfers to and from the stage starts and finishes, including the bicycles,
• Natural mineral water.

N.B. For departure points other than Paris, pls. contact us at rdl@vo2maxlb.com

Registration fees do not include:

• Airport taxes,
• Drinks other than mineral water,
• Cancellation insurance

To apply, the registration file, complete and signed should reach us before 01/02/2002along with a check for 330USD (to the order of VO2MAX). There will be a 5% discount (global amount of $1130) for all application forms whose $330 check reaches VO2MAX before 31/12/2001. (to remove altoguether for the special discount for 1st 10 inscriptions of each discipline?)..
Each registration file should include the following:

• The completed registration form (link) signed,
• A photocopy of your passport (valid till 01/07/2002)
• A bank check worth 330USD as down payment.

The balance of 860USD (or $800) should reach VO2MAX before the 01/05/2002.

VO2MAX reserves the right to refuse any registration for reasons it does not have to justify.

APPLICATION FORM:

Click here to fill out the "Application form" that will have to be signed and mailed along with your check.

CANCELLATIONS AND RETURNS:

Any demand for cancellation should be sent to VO2MAX by recommended mail to avoid any misunderstanding.

Refund procedure:

• For cancellations before 02/03/2002: complete reimbursment,
• For cancellations after 01/03/2002: 330USD are kept
• For cancellations up to the eve of departure, 50% of the total amount will be reimbursed,
• For cancellations the day of departure, no return.

AUDIOVISUAL COVERAGE AND RIGHTS:

Two photographer reporters, as well as local television crews will cover the RDL. Participants will be able to purchase the video as well as photographs taken during the Race across the Cedarland. No photographic or video support during the Race will be used by the participants except for personal use, unless special written authorization is given by VO2MAX By adhering to the RDL, all participants agree to the exclusive rights of VO2MAX to use their name, and photo, alone or grouped, for anything concerning the RDL and their participation, be it direct or not. Furthermore, no documentary, be it photo or video should be envisaged without the written consent of VO2MAX.

INSURANCE:

The RDL, and its participants will benefit from an insurance policy covering the following:

• organizer's civil responsibility,
• repatriation assistance.

No other insurance (luggage, cancellation, accident etc…) will be provided by the organization.

DETAILED STAY :

Details of the week's stages and visits, as well as the application form can be seen in the
Detailed stay page

For more information do not hesitate to e-mail us at rdl@vo2maxlb.com , or write to us at: P.O. Box 16-6202, Beirut, 1100-2110, Lebanon.