2017 – STAGE 4 / 14 OCTOBER : PAU – BIARRITZ

The fourth and final stage of the Rally Entre 2 Mers took competitors from Pau to Biarritz on a shorter course than the previous days, but very rhythmic, in the heart of the Basque Country and its secrets.

Program this morning: the Circuit of Pau-Arnos. This 3-kilometer long, very technical and hilly course, on track, offers one of the most beautiful trails in France.

The events of the day, on the Pau-Arnos race track and the Quiz at the CP, will have completely rebuffed the cards of this second Rally Between 2 Seas, both in Prestige and Classic Categories. In Classic Category, Thomas & Joy KERN (Shelby Cobra) and Gilles HORN & Olivier HEBERT (Alfa Romeo Giulia), respectively first and second to this day, lose their places on the podium in favor of MAUREY François & VAN GENUCHTEW Marieke (Austin Healey) and BEN GHANEM Karim & ROLLAND Nelly (Ferrari 328 GTS). The crew SAIER Georges & DE JONCHEERE Carole (Porsche 911 2.8 RSR) completes the trio winner for the Classic category.
Eugenio PARADA & Joao COSTA, in Mercedes SL, confirmed their first place in the Prestige class and won the 2017 edition. Jean-Marie & Brigitte MAGNET (Porsche 911 Targa) and Joao Tiago MEIRELES GOMES & Rui Ilidio BASTOS MENDES ADAO (Porsche 911).

Back on the road, the route crossed the largest beech forest in Europe, in Iraty, nearest to the Spanish border. The rally then went towards Esterençuby through landscapes more and more typical over the kilometers.

The Basque Country has become more and more present, via an architecture where white and red set the tone. The caravan of the rally was awaited at the Chalet Pedro for a lunch in the heart of the Iraty, proposing a cuisine of soil, true hymn to the Basque gastronomy.

There were then only sixty kilometers to go to reach Biarritz. To make the pleasure last, competitors took advantage of a brief foray, during a coffee break, to admire the panorama of the Rhune.
Last stop at the Moulin de Bassilour to taste the traditional Basque cake and confront the questionnaires of the last CP.

Finally, back on the road, about ten kilometers led the competitors in Biarritz, on the waterfront, on the esplanade of the lighthouse where the Atlantic unwinds its waves and surfers and bathers took advantage of the exceptional Indian summer whose competitors will have benefited throughout the Rally.
Final destination: the Hotel du Palais. Thanks to its location, period decoration and refinement, this prestigious establishment is considered one of the most beautiful hotels in the world. An ideal setting for the participants of this second Rallye Entre 2 Mers who enjoy a festive evening full of majesty!

Rally Entre 2 Mers: final ranking

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