For the first time in the 25 year history of the Coast to Coast endurance race in the South Island, New Zealand's closest neighbour, New Caledonia, has representatives in the competition.
The four athletes, Thirty six yer old Franck Aita, 35-year-old Christophe Barrielle Forty four year old PhilippeLe Poul, and Olivier Limozin whose 40 years old will travel to New Zealand to compete in the gruelling one day event.
The men are specialists in 'Raid Gauloises', an 800 kilometre outdoor race that includes kayaking, mountain biking, trekking, rafting and takes over five to six days to complete.
Le Poul, the Senior Advisor in Regional Co-operation for the Government of New Caledonia, says he's looking foward to the challenge.
Le Poul has competed in the Raid Gauloises in Argentina, South Africa and Nepal, as a team member and rafting specialist.
