Eleven days before their first match in the Olympic tournament at the Arena Paris Sud against Serbia, the Volleyball Blues are set for a final rehearsal match against Canada this Wednesday evening. The recent winners of the Nations League (VNL) will face Canada at the Vendéspace in Mouilleron-le-Captif. This match is particularly significant as Benjamin Toniutti's team will meet Canada again during their second group match of the Games.
Assistant coach Loïc Geiler noted the strategic importance of this match, emphasizing Canada's strong serving and aggressive play. Canada, having reached the quarter-finals in the VNL, is in top form. The French team, now with key players Earvin Ngapeth and Barthélémy Chinenyeze back from injury, aims to confirm their rise in power throughout the summer.
The match also offers a rare opportunity for the French public to see their reigning Olympic champions in action. The last time Earvin Ngapeth and his partners played in France was on May 18 against the Netherlands. The hall, with around 4,000 seats, is expected to be full, reflecting the excitement and support from the local fans.
Meanwhile, the Olympic flame continues its journey through Paris, causing significant disruptions to public transport. On Monday, July 15, the flame's route will affect 68 bus lines and several metro stations, particularly in central Paris. The RATP has detailed the extent of these disruptions, which will impact lines such as 20, 21, 22, and many others.
The metro stations République and Temple will be closed from 11:20 a.m., and traffic on line 6 will be interrupted between Charles de Gaulle – Étoile and La Motte-Picquet–Grenelle from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. due to the passage of the torch in the aerial metro. However, the RERs will not be affected.
The path of the flame includes several key locations such as the Louis Vuitton Foundation, Roland Garros Stadium, and the François-Mitterrand library district. These disruptions are indicative of the challenges to come across the Île-de-France Mobilités network from July to September during the Games. Commuters are advised to be patient and plan accordingly.
- Loïc Geiler, assistant coach of the France team, mentioned that the match against Canada would help the team refine their strategies and make final adjustments before the Olympics. The inclusion of key players like Earvin Ngapeth and Barthélémy Chinenyeze, who were previously injured, is expected to provide additional strength to the team.
- The journey of the Olympic flame through Paris is a significant event, symbolizing the upcoming Games. However, it also brings logistical challenges, particularly for public transport. The RATP has provided detailed information about the affected bus lines and metro stations, urging commuters to stay informed and plan their routes in advance.
