9th Pyrenees Buddies Race – Report + Video

In its 9th year, the annual Pyrenees Buddies Race (PBR) are took place once again on the Gave du Brousset near the Artouste ski resort in the French Pyrenees. Blessed with sun, and high water, this edition is one to remember. One of the challenge this year was to beat local paddler Eric Deguil winner of every single previous editions… And while the competition was really tight, the king remain crowned; experience paid off once again for Mr pink helmet… Julien Thurin and Thomas Neime could not do better than second and third, despite a really fierce battle. High water level really gave this event a new feel, and most paddlers were more nervous than usual before their run. In the women’s category, Marlène Devillez, the 2017 Freestyle Worlds silver medallist, walked away with gold around her neck, ahead of local paddlers Pauline Sourouille and Marine Izac. In the Junior field Jules Bessons took the win in front of last year’s winner Yannis Clerc. And in the senior category Alain Lejeanne took the trophy.
The Pyrenees Buddies Race will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy this really unique event and (re)discover the Pyrenees magical whitewaters. (Watch the video recap by Valentin Bernard).