Opening Lines: The residents of Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez are buzzing with excitement. The annual hay bale tossing competition is set to dethrone Miss Tractor in their hearts!
Article:
It’s an ancestral tradition in Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez, a picturesque little village in the Loire, which is about to surpass the Miss Tractor contest in terms of popularity. The local hay bale tossing championship, a must-see sporting event in the region, has been attracting a growing number of participants and spectators for several years now, intrigued by this unusual and folkloric activity.
“We’ve never seen so much enthusiasm for an agricultural activity disguised as a sport,” exclaims Gérard Dupuis, 64 years old, triple champion of the discipline and organizer of the competition. “This year, we’ve doubled the number of registrations and even the children want to participate!”
The technique of hay bale tossing, which may seem rudimentary to the uninitiated, actually requires significant physical strength and a certain precision. The aim is to propel a 5kg hay bale as far as possible, while respecting a precise throwing axis to avoid disqualification. Some competitors, like Marcel Broutin, outdo themselves in creativity to optimize their performance.
“I’ve developed a secret technique that involves throwing the bale in rotation, like a discus,” reveals the 47-year-old farmer, who is determined to dethrone Gérard Dupuis this year. “I train every morning before milking my cows. I feel my bale flying further and further. This year, I’m going to bring the cup home, that’s for sure!”
From a local competition, the championship has become a real tourist attraction, drawing curious people from all over France. The next edition of the competition will take place on Saturday, August 7, and the organizers are already promising a colorful spectacle. So, ready to bet on the next hay bale tossing champion?
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