Ahead of the Paris Olympics starting this summer, a test event for the torch relay was held in eastern France.
The Paris Olympics are scheduled to begin this July, and in advance of the torch relay starting in May, test events were held at six locations in eastern France on the 22nd to confirm security arrangements. .
Among these, in Troyes, where the old townscape still remains, the surrounding roads were closed off, and runners holding actual torches ran along a course set up in the old town.
Due to the deteriorating international situation, caution against terrorism has become an issue for this year's race, and around 20 plainclothes police officers were standing alongside the runners to keep an eye on them, as well as aerial surveillance using drones. A special unit will also be deployed to guard against attacks.
The torch relay for the Paris Olympics will take approximately two months starting in May and will visit world-famous tourist destinations such as Mont Saint-Michel, as well as the French island of Tahiti in the South Pacific, where the surfing competition will be held.
A local woman in her 50s said, ``I want the Games to be held safely for the athletes as well.''
Gregory Mulak, who is in charge of the torch relay for the Games Organizing Committee, said, ``The relay was clearly visible to the audience, and I think the security and celebratory aspects were well balanced.I hope people look forward to the torch relay.'' I was there.