The Pic du Midi observatory, in the Hautes-Pyrénées, is used to welcoming scientists, of course, but also tourists and concerts. On June 27, it will be the scene of “the highest basketball match in Europe” according to the French Federation (FFBB).
Recent silver medalists at the World Cup, six players from the French 3×3 team will offer an exhibition meeting at 2,877 meters above sea level, after the European Games in Krakow-Malopolska, Poland, from June 21 to 24 . Laëtitia Guapo’s teammates will promote their discipline, Olympic since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, a year before the Paris Games where they will aim for gold.
“The players will also be able to benefit from a unique setting to test the physiological benefits of altitude before moving on to the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series stage taking place in Marseille on June 29 and 30 then Friborg [Suisse] on July 6 and 7, ”says the FFBB.
Cyclist Bruno Armira has his habits there
This is not the first time that athletes have taken to the heights of the Pic du Midi. Bigourdan cyclist Bruno Armirail (Groupama-FDJ), recent pink jersey on the Giro, is used to doing training courses there near his home.