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Jora Vision designs new mega roller coaster for Parc Astérix in France
The Dutch design company worked alongside park operators Compagnie des Alpes and German amusement manufacturers Gerstlauer to create the attraction, which is due to open in June.
Pégase Express combines elements of the Astérix universe with Greek myths and legends to create a unique rider experience. Riders board the Pégase Express, an ancient express train that takes them on a journey through the Ancient Greece themed area of the park.
Riders are sent down a 1000 m (3280 ft) track, past the Romus and Rapidus attraction, before crashing through a billboard, entering the Temple of Medusa - waking and angering her - and ending with a backwards dive. The roller coaster includes an element of storytelling in the queue and loading station, which, in true Astérix tradition, features jokes and references to modern life. The entrance is laid out like a train station, the Gare Montpanassos, with posters announcing common modern-day commuter struggles and nods to current publications in magazine stands.
Jan Maarten de Raad, CEO of Jora Vision, said: “The strength of our design team, I believe, is the synergy between expertise’. For Pégasee Express,we had architects, illustrators, graphic designers and a creative director working together. It is key to us that our designs - which come with new innovations and challenges each time - are feasible, technically as well as budget-wise.”