For the 20th edition of the 4L Trophy, 12 first- and second-year engineering students set off in their vehicles, which they had completely renovated themselves. For these passionate DIY enthusiasts, it is above all a human adventure, experienced in pairs.
The challenge of the race
The principle behind the 4L Trophy: students aged 18 to 28 travel across France, Spain, and Morocco in Renault 4 cars. They carry school and sports supplies, which are distributed to children in southern Morocco upon arrival. Teams are ranked according to the number of kilometers traveled at each stage of the journey. The goal is to travel as few kilometers as possible to the finish line. Among the seven teams representing Arts et Métiers five from the Cluny campus and two from Bordeaux), team No. 1671, Sevan Bouchy and Simon Bourlon from Cluny, finished 385th out of 1,450.
Diverse backgrounds but a shared passion for mechanics
The drivers are in their second year, with the exception of Anthony Verdaillant, who is in his first year. Having entered Arts et Métiers the TSI, PT, and PSI* competitive entrance exams, they share the same passion for sport: most of them took the "Sport, Health, and Disability" course in their first year. But they also share a passion for vehicles. "At 18, I had a Renault 4L and I was already tinkering with it," says Clément Brun. "With my father and uncle, I used to repair buggies. Mechanics is a family affair, so it was only natural that I turned to the 4L Trophy," confides Sevan Bouchy.
At 18, I had a Renault 4L and I was already tinkering with it.
Support from the student association and sponsors
At the start of the school year, the student council introduced the 4L Trophy to the students. The challengers were able to count on the council's help in reaching out to sponsors: local businesses, restaurants, and residents of Cluny. "Meeting our sponsors was a very rewarding experience," says Axel Vega. Thanks to the financial support they received, they were able to buy new parts to repair their 4Ls and distribute school supplies to the children.
Working for Salomon or starting my own outdoor recreation business—why not?
And after the 4L Trophy?
As part of a general engineering program in mechanical, industrial, and energy engineering, the students who participated in this year's competition are looking to pursue careers in sports. "Working for Salomon or starting my own outdoor recreation business, why not?" says Clément Brun. "Motorization and power transmission is a field that appeals to me," adds Maxence Pfister. Whether as designers, managers, or engineers in design offices or on the production line, these students are destined for careers in the automotive and sports industries. The adventure and challenge of the 4L Trophy is proving to be a milestone in the development of their professional projects. Bon voyage!
