Torch Relay Stage 56: Power move with breakdancing in Aube
Aube was buzzing with excitement when the Olympic Torch Relay brought the festivities to the department. Starting from Évry-le-Châtel, it explored the natural wonders, heritage and world-class sporting facilities of this beautiful region.
The Torch crossed the Aube to highlight its historical, cultural and natural heritage. Starting from the charming village of Évry-le-Châtel, it lit up the Porte Saint-Nicolas, the last remaining medieval gate in the department. The route continued to Nogent-sur-Seine and the magnificent stained glass windows of the Gothic church of St. Laurent. The Relay passed the Roger Couderc stadium, the Town Hall, the theatre and the Camille Claudel Museum.
In Ville-sous-la-Ferté, the Torchbearers discovered Clairvaux Abbey, a jewel of Cistercian architecture founded in 1115 and used as a monastery before being converted into a prison. Passing through Romilly-sur-Seine, the Torch entered the city at the Les 3 Vagues swimming pool, then proceeded along rue Paul Vaillant-Couturier and rue Magenta and headed to the Bardin Gousserey stadium, a designated Games Preparation Centre.
The Olympic Torch got an adrenaline boost at Nigloland, an amusement park in Dolancourt that attracts almost 700,000 visitors every year. It was greeted by Niglo, the park’s mascot, before setting off to Mesnil-Saint-Père. The runners took in the fresh air on the shores of the 23-hectare Lac d’Orient, an ideal place for swimming, water sports and bird watching.
In Troyes, the Torchbearers stopped in Rosières-près-Troyes to admire the International Multisports and Climbing Complex (CIME), a 6,000 m² venue that has hosted many international athletes for training. The torch then made its way to the heart of the Aube capital. It passed by the theatre and the Canal du Trévois before arriving at the CUBE, a congress centre with a capacity of almost 6,000.
The Olympic Torch got a shot of adrenaline at Nigloland, a theme park in Dolancourt that attracts almost 700,000 visitors a year. It saluted Niglo, the park’s mascot, before heading to Mesnil-Saint-Père. The runners caught their breath on the shores of the 23-hectare Lac d’Orient, an ideal place for swimming, water sports and bird watching.
Arriving in Troyes, the Torchbearers stopped in Rosières-près-Troyes to admire the magnificent International Multi-sports and Climbing Complex (CIME), a 6,000 m² site where many international athletes have trained. The Torch made its way into the heart of the capital of Aube. It passed the theatre and the Canal du Trévois before arriving at the CUBE, a congress centre with a capacity of almost 6,000.
The French Dance Federation organised the Team Relay, led by Arthur Badié on the forecourt of the Troyes City Hall, celebrating that breakdancing will be present at the Olympic Games in Paris for the first time. A pioneer of the hip-hop movement, ‘Tonton’ co-founded the Zoulou Dance Festival to promote dance and urban arts. He is a key member of Jeunesse Pour Demain, a charity dedicated to the education and development of young people.
23 enthusiasts joined him to make the day a resounding success. Dancer Zine Benkassa and choreographer Sami Guizani lit up the city, as did the international breakdancers Audrey Gallochat and Nicolas Yorn from the Guetapens company. Delphine Cramotte, who overcame her shyness through dance, represented the benefits of sport. There was also Pieth Cédric Nzonzi, a volunteer who uses dance to promote integration.
More than 110 Torchbearers carried the Torch. In Romilly-sur-Seine, the altruism of Nadège Smouts was honoured. A volunteer firefighter from the age of 16, she is now a professional firefighter and teaches first aid to children. Bernard Champenois, a para-cyclist renowned for his courage and athleticism, also took part in the relay. Born in Troyes, he became world road race champion in 1998 and won gold at the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney.
Referees, guardians of integrity and fairness, were also honoured. Benoît Renault, a football fanatic, was a regional and national referee for 14 years before turning to underwater hockey, a sport he loves and which is becoming increasingly popular. In Dolancourt, the torch was passed to basketball referee Geoffrey Locquard, who is active at various levels as a referee and a dedicated coach with ESPE Basket.
The Torch was passed to Gaëtane Thiney. The former Paris FC footballer, who scored 58 goals for the French national team, is now dedicated to promoting women’s football and is the patron of the Léo ‘Du souffle pour Léonie et ses amis’ team, which fights cystic fibrosis. She was accompanied by Isabelle Blin, a nurse who founded the charity ‘Les Ateliers des Petites Herbes’, which uses sport to help vulnerable people rebuild their lives.
Monsieur Poulpe, a popular TV presenter, comedian, singer and actor, was one of the Torchbearers. In CUBE, it was carried by Claude Gamot, a fencer who competed in Melbourne 1956 (fourth in the team event) and Rome 1960. He was instrumental in the development of fencing, particularly among young people and within the National Federation. The former sabre specialist ended the Relay with a flourish next to the cauldron.