So my first track school in France, 2 days last Thurs and Fri @ l'Anneau du Rhin in Blitzheim, France (68). I rented a Sprinter and hauled the R3 down. Best thing I've done since landing on the Continent a few months ago. The stage was organised by Passion Vitesse, the local club, and instruction handled thru 2 awesome instructors thath are former French champions at the national level (their own organisation Schwarz Performance)
Impressions:The riding is at a higher level than the US. Even débutants had a much better handle on track etiquette and were riding at a faster clip than "beginners" in the US during the combined warm up sessions.
The primarily French (some Swiss) riders also had much better general behaviour. Side conversations were kept to a minimum, instructions from coaches and admins were followed.
The coaching was real. With two group levels, an instructor would explain the theory in the classroom, then excercises and drills given out on a half-track. Coach stood at the corner and watched riders perform the prescribed tasks. We'd recovene after 10mn or so and individual feedback would be given. Work on this, you didn't do this right- try this, etc....
I was in the advanced group (confirmé). Despite being down on displacement, I never felt harassed or brushed by other riders. There were no guidelines on passing except "respect one another" and it turned out well. Sure I got passed inside and out in some corners but it never mattered. I never closed the door on anyone, no one ever pushed me off line.
Between both days, there were no incidents. No yellow flags, no crashes. Zéro.
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Althogether it was 400km on track- I worked hard to improve and took several steps forward. I gave 110% over two days and was exhausted and sore, but I loved and relished every moment of it.....I was in my happy place! The comraderie was great, I met some new friends- the french really are a nice people. And thankfully the language barrier was minimal
![Wink ;)](https://www.autos.ca/forum/Smileys/CarTalk/wink.gif)
I love tracks: can't wait for the next session ! Although I'll probably rent a Supersport 600 next time
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