Nostalgia in Normandy
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The first edition of the Normandy Beach Race took place on Saturday, 21 September on the beach of Ouistreham Riva-Bella (France, Normandy, Calvados).
Photos Grégoire Thorel
After participating in the Race of Gentlemen on the beach in California, friends Thomas Hervé, Jean-Marc Lazzari and Marc Félix were inspired to create the first such event in France. Everyone was encouraged to dress in 1940s style and the French, who love their period dress, responded with enthusiasm. This event was a real success with nearly 15,000 spectators coming to see the 80 or so European and American participants with their 2, 3 and 4-wheel vehicles from before 1947.
The whole event was run by some 50 volunteers, and everyone involved – organisers, spectators and entrants – were encouraged to stay on for the next day to clean up the beach. The municipality was delighted. A great success that should smooth the path for a second edition in 2020!
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