Teams of runners are set to participate in the Paris 2024 Relay (© Paris 2024/Clément Mahoudeau)
Rehearsal with Unlit Torches for Paris Torch Relay
by Philip Barker
Blue skies have greeted a dry run for the Olympic Torch Relay on the outskirts of Paris.
A special event with unlit Torches enabling Paris 2024 organisers to fine tune logistical arrangements was held in the department of Aube.
“To preserve the magic of the Relay, the test took place with the Torch unlit, as it can only be seen lit in public after its lighting in Olympia on 16 April,” said a statement from Paris 2024.
“This test was not an identical replica of the Relay, but an operation and technical check to allow any necessary adjustments to be made before the start of the event.”
Participants were joined by Olympic minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra and Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet.
Congratulations to all the teams involved in this test day, which enabled us to put ourselves in real-life conditions and test all our operational systems,” said Estanguet.
“The results of this test are very encouraging and give us confidence for what is to come.”
90 volunteer torch bearers took part in the event which included a ‘Team Relay from the Fédération Française de Danse featuring 24 breakdancers who performed in front of the Town Hall in Troyes before passing the Torch.” The teams of runners will provide a new dimension and an echo of the time when escort runners were also chosen to accompany the Torch Bearers in previous Relays.
The Relay is scheduled to return to the region for real on July 13th.
The Olympic Flame is set to be kindled in Ancient Olympia on April 16th.
It is to arrive on French soil at Marseille on May 8th after a sea voyage from the port of Piraeus.
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