DUBAI: The picturesque town of Aix-les-Bains is poised to host a historic event as France stages its first camel race with international participants during the 2024 Paris Olympics, although the event is not linked to the Summer Games.
Taking place on August 4 and featuring jockeys from Dubai's Arabian Desert Camel Riding Center, this ground-breaking event will feature two 300m races.
This initiative aims to broaden the appeal of camel sport in Europe and introduce a new audience to the excitement and cultural significance of this traditional sport. The race coincides with the Olympic Games in France, adding to the diverse range of disciplines and athletes available in the country.
“While we have been hosting camel races in France for several years now, we are incredibly excited to finally compete against jockeys from Dubai. It makes the event so much more interesting from a global perspective,” said Olivier Philippaneau, the organizer of the event.
“This event represents a new chapter in global camel racing, and we are honored to have top international teams such as the ADCRC from Dubai participating. Their involvement underscores the growing interest and commitment to camel sports worldwide.”
French expat Coralie Viroulaud, who discovered her passion for camel racing in Dubai, expressed her excitement at the sport gaining recognition in her home country, while Isabella Leslie, another Dubai-based competitor, said she is proud to compete in France and witness the sport's growing audience, supported by her new sponsorship with American businessman and racehorse owner Mike Repole.
Born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, Jennifer Reggio also said she is looking forward to sharing her love and passion for camel racing with an international audience in France.
The races will not only feature champion drivers from Dubai but will also be attended by Prince Fahd bin Jalawi of the International Camel Racing Federation.
