Geneva, Switzerland – Reported by Elite Traveler, the Private Jet Lifestyle Magazine
In a festive atmosphere, Frédérique Constant Genève welcomed all the heroes that participated in the 2010 edition of the Peking to Paris Rally. Especially for the occasion, the mythical Place Vendôme in the heart of Paris was converted in to the finish line of this historical event.
The race, that commenced on September 10th near the Great Wall of China, did not fail to its title ‘The Ultimate Driving Adventure’. During five weeks and 14,360 km of rough roads – or no roads at all! – the equips covered eleven countries while encountering extremely difficult climatic conditions and mechanical problems of any kind. The 103 crews finally and safely passed the Frédérique Constant finish line on Place Vendôme, extremely tired but also extremely proud! Saluted by family, friends and general audience the teams were more than happy to be ‘home’.
After the arrival ceremony, the public was offered the unique opportunity to roam and admire all the rare, classic & vintage cars of which some had just barely made it to Paris. At the same time, in the Frederique Constant VIP Area, guests were able to preview the new Peking to Paris Limited Edition timepieces by Frederique Constant. The collection will be launched officially during BaselWorld, the most important annual international watch & jewelry fair, taking place in March 2011 in Basel, Switzerland.
To celebrate the outstanding achievement of the Peking to Paris adventurers, a sumptuous gala dinner was organized in the evening at the InterContinental Paris-Le Grand. During the dinner, Frederique Constant founder & CEO Mr Peter Stas offered a prize in a very special category: ‘The Spirit of the Rally’. Winners were Mr Daniel Ward and Mr David Ingleby in a Lancia Theta, one of the oldest participating cars (1914). Ward & Ingleby had their front axle broken five(!) times, and mended it with locals helping. In addition they lost a wheel, which rolled into the next field and took more than an hour to collect. They never got downhearted. When they found the wheel, one of the P2P support staff pulled up. Instead of complaining about the problem, the team just said, “Look, isn’t this lucky?”
Under the premise of its slogan ‘Live your Passion’ Frederique Constant encourages people around the world to follow their passion. The positive and passionate attitude of this specific crew is exemplary for all Peking to Paris participants. It is therefore not a coincidence that Frédérique Constant felt tempted to celebrate this beautiful state of mind…
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