From Cavalaire to Strasbourg, a cycling raid on the paths of freedom

On the Esplanade de Lattre de Tassigny in Cavalaire-sur-Mer, Philippe Leonelli launched Operation Dragoon, a 1,200-kilometer raid organized by the association "Les Chemins de la Liberté". This challenge connected the municipality to the city of Strasbourg, in tribute to wounded military personnel and in service of national remembrance.

SPORTING AND SOLIDARITY CHALLENGE

In his speech before a large audience of elected officials, military personnel, cadets de la Défense, patriotic associations, and local cycling clubs (Cavalaire, Gassin, and Plan de la Tour), the mayor praised the exemplary commitment of the participants and expressed his gratitude to the organizers, in particular Captain Mickaël Bertrand, president of the association, and Captain Maxime Notteau, his treasurer, for their unwavering involvement. "This challenge is much more than a simple bike ride; it is a symbol of strength, determination, and resilience. Even after an injury, it is possible to rebuild oneself and be reborn," declared Philippe Leonelli. This raid is also a message of hope for wounded military personnel. The route is not only athletic. It is also meaningful, as some participants are themselves wounded soldiers, guided and supported by experienced cyclists. Together, they send a strong message of resilience and fraternity, illustrating the fundamental role of sport in physical and mental reconstruction. "The idea that sport can play a key role in the rehabilitation of the wounded is a conviction that we all share here," the mayor stressed.

BLEUET DE FRANCE

Operation Dragoon is also part of a charitable dynamic, through a fundraising campaign for the benefit of the Bleuet de France, on the occasion of the centenary of this national emblem of remembrance and support for veterans. "I invite you all to contribute, if only a little, to this beautiful cause," encouraged Philippe Leonelli. Beyond the physical feat, he emphasized the civic and memorial dimension of this initiative: raising awareness of memory, supporting the wounded, and transmitting the values that found our nation. The presence of students, families, cadets, and sports clubs illustrated this diversity and unity around a common commitment. "May each of you, whether by pedaling or by supporting closely, be proud to participate in this challenge which magnificently illustrates the very essence of our values," the mayor concluded to applause. The Operation Dragoon peloton rode from May 2 to 8 across France, punctuating its route with symbolic stages and civic encounters, to honor memory, bring hope, and celebrate solidarity.