The initiative is rare enough to be highlighted. The players and staff of Stade Brestois will travel exclusively by train this weekend to reach Paris. While the plane is usually the preferred solution to reach the capital, the Ligue 1 surprise has this time chosen rail, before its match on Sunday evening (8:45 p.m. at the Parc des Princes).
In agreement with the SNCF, which offers “premium offers”, a specific car has been reserved for the club. Departure scheduled for Saturday early afternoon and return Monday morning, i.e. three days on site. This choice of course responds to ecological considerations and an eco-responsible approach. But it is also and above all made possible by a financial advantage compared to the plane and a very positive sporting spiral (3rd in the ranking).
Not the same choice for the 8th of the Coupe de France in ten days
If the staff agreed to “lose” a night of recovery at home – the argument that blocks teams in general – it is also because the schedule allows it. Brest will play again next Sunday at home. In this logic, the SB29 will not opt for this alternative at the beginning of February when returning to Paris for the round of 16 of the Coupe de France (February 7), a match sandwiched between two days of the championship.
Five private security agents, assigned to the base to supervise the Brest parking lot, will have the task of supervising this 3h45 journey. This will include ensuring that no one enters the carriage allocated to the players. Members of the railway security brigade will also be mobilized.
In 2020, 82% of L1 trips by private plane
Professional sport, and football in the first place, is expected to turn around in terms of travel. In 2020, 82% of Ligue 1 team trips were made by private plane. We of course have in mind the “sand yachting” controversy arising from Christophe Galtier’s comments on the mode of transport for PSG in Nantes in September 2022.
Clubs sometimes use the train, but generally only one way. There also for recovery concerns so as not to stay away for a night and delay the resumption of training. This is the case for FC Nantes when it goes to Paris.
PSG has never chosen this option and only travels by plane or bus. Until now, the SNCF has never won the bet, for three reasons according to the management: the Parisian stations are not easily accessible, the security criteria are not met and the return journey at night is not possible. is not always possible. The women’s team, which is not subject to the same repetition of matches, nor the same late schedules, regularly uses train services.
In the coming weeks, it is the choice of the French men’s team that will be closely monitored. President Philippe Diallo said in October that he wanted to favor the train for journeys of less than three hours. Will this be the case at the end of March for the reception of Germany in Lyon on the 23rd then of Chile in Marseille three days later?
