Sports events

BOL D'OR
At Magny-Cours in the Nièvre, Burgundy
Saturday 17 September to Sunday 18 September 2005

Bol d'Or poster

The Golden Ball, one of the most prestigious endurance tests in international motorcycling, takes place for the sixth consecutive year on this gruelling course in Burgundy. Like the Le Mans race for cars, the event places huge demands on drivers, mechanics and spectators alike.

It is worthwhile arriving on the afternoon of 16 September to avoid the worst of the queues and to visit the paddock, where the 66 teams cheerfully show off the supercharged bikes that will be burning rubber non-stop for an entire day, although carefully concealing any technical wizardry that might give them an edge over their rivals. Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki usually take the main prizes.

Just in case any spectators (anything up to 100,000 may attend) show signs of flagging, they should be revitalised by two rock concerts on the Friday and Saturday night, new for this year, and a host of giveaways at a grand fête.

Admission is 60 Euros per person for the paddock and the main stands (or 50 Euros if you book in advance), plus 15 Euros for the car park.

Bol d'Or in action

Advance reservations
0 825 830 825 (0,15€ TTCmn)
www.boldor.com/site/accueil.php

Further Information
Mairie (Town Hall)
58470 MAGNY-COURS
Tél. 03 86 21 29 00
Fax 03 86 58 03 91

Bol d'Or access plan