Dubai: The picturesque town of Aix-les-Bains is set to host a historic event as France stages its first camel race with international participants at the 2024 Paris Olympics, although the event is not associated with the Summer Games.
The groundbreaking event on August 4, featuring jockeys from the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Center in Dubai, will feature two 300m races.
The initiative aims to broaden the appeal of camel sport in Europe, introducing new audiences to the excitement and cultural significance of this traditional sport. The race coincides with the Olympic Games in France, adding to the variety of disciplines and athletes present in the country.
“We have been organizing camel races in France for many years, we are incredibly excited to finally compete against jockeys from Dubai. It makes the event very interesting from a global perspective,” said event organizer Olivier Philippeneau.
“This event represents a new chapter in global camel racing competitions, and we are honored to have top international teams like the ADCRC from Dubai participating. Their involvement underscores the growing interest and commitment to camel sports worldwide.”
Coralie Viroulaud, a French expatriate who discovered her interest in camel racing in Dubai, expressed her excitement at the recognition of the sport in her country, while another competitor from Dubai, Isabella Leslie, said she was thrilled to compete and witness the sport in France. Expanding audience supported by his new sponsorship with American businessman and racehorse owner Mike Repole.
Born and raised in the UAE, Jennifer Reggio is also looking forward to sharing her love and passion for camel racing with an international audience in France.
Not only Dubai's champion camel racers, but also Prince Fahd bin Jalavi of the International Camel Racing Federation will participate in the race.
