For the first time in 13 years, the iconic cypress race “La Course des Cafés” has taken place in Paris.
– It is very festive and we are very happy that the race is back in the heart of Paris, says Pierre Rabadan, deputy mayor of Paris.
With a coffee, a glass of water and a croissant on a tray, 200 waiters competed on Sunday to be named the city’s fastest waiter. No one was allowed to run, the tray could only be held with one hand and not a drop was allowed to be spilled during the race in the French capital. Many spectators had taken to the streets of Paris to watch the race.
– This is Paris for me, I love the city’s cafes. That’s why I’m here, why I live here. This is really fun, says Lisa Anselmo who is from the US but lives in Paris.
Seen as a prelude to this summer’s Olympics in Paris
The race has been held since 1914, but this year’s edition was the first in 13 years and is seen as a celebration of bistro culture and as a prelude to this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.
– We hope that the Olympics can give the profession a boost, says deputy mayor Nicolas Bonnet-Oulaldj.
The winner Samy Lamrous made it through the course in 13 minutes and 30 seconds and is rewarded, in addition to the honor and a night in a luxury hotel, also with a ticket to the opening of the Summer Olympics that begins in Paris at the end of July.