Passion for Rally
In order to unveil the Rally France-Alsace 2012’s backstage, we met the men who work in the shadows to make the Rally happen. Interview with Jacques Guidat, Pays d’Ormont’s organization stage manager (SS10-14).
How would you describe this stage ?
Jacques Guidat: « The SS10-14 has the particularity to be longest in the Rally France-Alsace 2012 (43.45 km). Its layout is very heterogeneous: an alternation of turns and very technical curves, quick sections, bumpy and plain coatings which go through villages and humid undergrowth. This SS is therefore very popular. »
What are the installations set up to welcome the public?
JG: « Geographically speaking, the SS is the first one met by the spectators coming from Northern Lorrain and Benelux. Thanks to the creation of 14 parking lots (among which some are reserved for camping-cars) and 22 Public Areas, almost 16 000 spectators will be able to enjoy the show. They will also be able to access food and drinks thanks to the implantation of 26 snack bars in strategic places (operated by 24 associations who also manage the parking lots). Finally, an area for mobility-impaired people will be set up near the layout, at the frontier of Chatas and Ménil-de-Senones. »
How do you organize your work?
JG: « Since 2010, Christian Demenge and I are responsible for Pays d’Ormont’s special stage. Many technical meetings are organized before with the mayors, the services implicated and the associations. The markup’s implantation is done a few days before the stage by these association’s volunteers. The safety markup is completed just before the reconnaissance.
As in 2011, and thanks to the huge effort of those associations, we will mark the Public Areas and the Parking lots with iron and wooden polls, netting, sign posting and guidance for spectators. Moreover, a control drive of the 43 kilometers will be performed between the two loops of the stage, in order to replace, if necessary, anything missing or broken. »
And after the last car, what happens?
JG: « At the end of the stage, the Vosges General Council will sweep off the pavement so that, as soon as the road reopens, the users will be able to drive on a clean and safe road. The different associations also have instructions to clean the Public Areas’ surroundings and gather all the waste in specific containers set up for that purpose. »