As Usain Bolt was hanging up his running shoes after the 2012 Olympic games, the world's fastest snails were descending on the small French village of Lagardere for the next big event in the global sporting calendar.

The rules are simple: the snails are placed in small red circles in the middle of round tables with the first to slime its way to the edge crowned the winner.

But these competitors are not just fighting for a gold medal, they are fighting for their lives. The competition is followed by a feast served up to the spectators - with snails cooked with ham, garlic, and tomatoes the day's special.