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Legend Boucles @ Bastogne 2017

At the time of the 2016 edition, last February, the Legend Boucles @ Bastogne were widely talked about when offering up a Sunday run 100% full of forest special stages! A première in Belgium, unanimously appreciated by the competitors whether in ‘Legend’ or in ‘Classic’. It goes without saying that this excursion on tracks closed to traffic will be repeated on Sunday 19th February 2017, and this on the occasion of the third edition of the Legend Boucles in the province of Luxembourg. We will have the opportunity to talk about this very soon …

Never short of ideas … and dreams, Pierre Delettre and the RAC Spa wished to push the experience one step further! “With our forest special stages the Legend Boucles @ Bastogne had already taken on an RAC Rally air. And the enthusiasts know only too well that at the RAC Rally one of the traditions that ensures its success are the renowned ‘Mickey Mouse Stages’, when the cars pass through some sumptuous domains in the grounds of glorious estates. When it comes to estates, there is one within proximity of a special stage on the Saturday … “

During an instructive excursion in the vicinity of Saint-Hubert, contact was made with the charming-and new- owner of the Château de Mirwart. The idea was both simple and yet complex: allow the passage of the cars around the building while also favouring the presence of the general public, the media and guests at strategic points, where the slightest television shot or photograph would enjoy   a dream décor that would be the envy of a postcard of the RAC Rally. And excellent news: the owner immediately gave his full agreement!

“Outcome: The Château de Mirwart will officially become one of the hotspots of the Legend Boucles @ Bastogne 2017, Pierre Delettre confirmed, and everything will be implemented to ensure that the competitors, the general public and the media can take full advantage of it!”

Dominating the valley of the Lomme, the Château de Mirwart saw the light of day as a stronghold in the … 11th century. Following innumerable conflicts that put it at risk, it was rebuilt in the 18th century in the form as we know it today, namely that of a chateau. Various owners succeeded one another up until it … was abandoned, in a state of serious neglect. Contrary to the Château de Noisy presently being raised to the ground, that of Mirwart had the fortune of finding a new private purchaser, offering up a state of the art restoration …

Recognised to be among one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia since last spring, the village of Mirwart, within a stone’s throw of Saint-Hubert, will enjoy a special stage named after it next February. While on the one hand a certain Donald has hit the headlines since the 9th of November, the Legend Boucles @ Bastogne 2017 have opted to inspire themselves from Mickey Mouse and the renowned ‘Stages’ …