posted Jul 9th, 2008 - The second competition of the Coupe de France 2008 will make it into the history books - not for the best reasons though. The event was supposed to be the final showdown between the two female lineups, Aerokart Deep Blue (the "Blues") and White Nice Pujaut (the "Whites").

The first qualification event was already completely weathered out, as the NSL News reported on 10 June 2008, and the final qualification event was re-scheduled for last weekend. Five rounds had to be completed to determine the official French national team 2008 in the female category.

The weather did not cooperate much better, and only the two female lineups completed four rounds in critical weather conditions, as the NSL News reported on 7 July 2008. All other French teams had completed only one single round in Vannes on Sunday.

Event management and teams were still hoping for improved weather conditions on Monday, but it never happened, and no more jumps were made at all. French IPC Delegate and First Vice President Gillian Winter, who was also the Chief Judge for both Coupe de France events, informed the NSL News that a decision was made, however.

Three judges had already committed to work overtime and stay until after the awards ceremony in case the weather would still allow any jumping late on Monday. Eventually, event management and judges were even prepared to stay on the competition site for another day to complete the missing 5th round for the Whites and the Blues.

Finally, the Whites decided to concede after four rounds and brought an end to the drama. Chances were little that the Whites would be able to catch up with the Blues who were already 11 points ahead after four rounds. Event management, judges and the Blues still appreciated and honored the team's decision.

It has finally become a fact: Sophie Deremaux, Bérangère Duplouy, Françoise Simons-Hamouchi and Amélie Tirman, with alternate Alice DeBrem and Christophe Chekroun on camera, will compete for France at the World Meet 2008 in August. The Blues have now exactly 31 days left for the final preparations.

The NSL News coverage of the FAI World Meet 2008 is brought to you with the help of:

Gillian Winter added unfortunate data for the records: "For the first time ever in our French Cup, which takes place over two competitions, only one round was judged out of 16 scheduled rounds."

45 teams were in the run for the Coupe de France honors in 4-way this year, 19 teams in the AAA/Open Class, 26 teams in the French intermediate class with a different set of rules. Eight 8-way teams competed in both events, as well. The national A and B Team lineups are not officially ranked in the Coupe de France events.

Gap Oxygene Mandelieu is the official Coupe de France champion of 2008 after the 26-pointer in Round 1 last weekend. Caelistis ASPU Maubeuge won the intermediate class competition, and Monaco Pujaut Aerial Blueshift, with former French 8-way champions Jeff Ronzevalle and Didier Boignon, took the first place in 8-way.