Corsican songs to welcome the world. In Corte, music, emotion and a spirit of togetherness set the tone for the opening ceremony of the Adventure Racing World Championship 2026, bringing together the 400 racers ready to take on the challenge, alongside elected officials, partners and volunteers.
Then came the speeches. Pascal Bahuaud, Race Director, Antoine Orsini, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Heidi Muller, CEO of the ARWS, Joseph Orsatelli, Deputy Mayor for Sports at Corte City Hall, Eric Saez, Vice-President of the French Triathlon Federation, and Petru Antone Filippi, Territorial Councillor at the Corsican Assembly, took to the stage to welcome the competitors and encourage them to make the most of this extraordinary adventure across Corsica.
Antoine Orsini also read the “Back to Nature” Charter, reminding competitors that Corsica is not only an exceptional adventure playground, but also a fragile natural heritage to be understood, respected and protected.
This invitation to discover the island with humility and respect continued with the screening of a film dedicated to Corsica and its landscapes, before music once again took centre stage. Diana Saliceti, godmother of the ARWC 2026, performed U mo Paese accompanied by her guitarist, creating another powerful and emotional moment before the athletes turn their full attention to the race.