In the heart of the Vendee between the coast and rural farmland, is the town of Chantonnay just 40 minutes from Sables d'Olonne with its sandy beaches. Just under an hour from Nantes and La Rochelle and only 25 minutes from one of main attractions in the Vendee, Puy du Fou.
Chantonnay has many sporting activities, with 40% of the town's population belonging to a club.
Because of its variable landscape its perfect for cycling and the town has hosted many cycling events. Chantonnay was one of the stages in 1997 Tour de France and in 1999 Tour de l'Avenir. It has also been the scene of more cycling events Championship of France VTT UFOLEP as well as the Championship of France ATV Cross Country.
This is not the first time Chantonnay has accommodated this event, it also welcomed the championship road cycling in 2006 & 2010.
This years event was extremely well organized, with hundreds of volunteers making sure it ran smoothly. The championships are becoming increasingly popular with over 60,000 spectators between the sites, 130 journalists, 60 tv technicians… all staying in over 1,500 motor homes! The races where broadcast live on France 3.
Approximately 500 competitors took part in the three days of racing, elite amateur and professional, men and women cyclists.
The ladies timed circuit loop was 24,700kms. It started at Chantonnay – Saint Philbert –Sigournais – SaintGermain with estimated speed of 35km/ph.
The Mens race circuit was 47.200kms, and started at Chantonnay – Saint Philbert – Sigournais –Monsireigne – Saint Prouant -Rochetrejoux – Saint Germain back to Chantonnay with estimated speed 41km/ph.
It was fantastic to be there, but they were traveling a bit fast for my camera.
The weekend was a scorcher.
Chantonnay is perfect to explore by bike – for more information on cycling in the area take a look at the local 'Cycling Routes in Vendee'…. Bike Hire Direct can deliver bikes direct to the town ready for you to enjoy!