Stage 1 – Megève presented by EBRA

Having already won the prologue the day before, Norway’s Hans Lindhal took victory in Megève on the first stage presented by EBRA of the 20th edition of La Grande Odyssée VVF, ahead of Spain’s Iker Ozkoidi and France’s Elsa Borgey. A fine podium finish that promises fierce competition. For his second participation, the Scandinavian musher shows from the outset that he has crossed part of Europe with the firm intention of showing his rivals that the very mountainous terrain that La Grande Odyssée VVF offers mushers is not likely to dampen his ardor.

He retains the leader’s jersey sponsored by Crédit Mutuel. In the Nordic category, France’s Jean Combazard confirmed the great form of his team, consolidating his position ahead of compatriots Philippe Desmurger and Rodolphe Lardet.
Victory in the 7-mushers Haute-Savoie trophy went to France’s Eric Grobois, ahead of Switzerland’s Evelyne Gaze Stauffacher, who races Siberian huskies, and Italy’s Luca Briochi.

Mushing fans were out in force on Sunday morning at the start of the race from La Cote 2000, above Megève, to enjoy the exciting and moving spectacle, despite the chilly atmosphere. The sight of these dogs, so eager to set off on the 28 km of the day’s stage, was truly captivating. The great adventurer Nicolas Vanier, one of the co-founders of this race, was on hand to help Annabel Kam, the president and daughter of the founder of La Grande Odyssée VVF, give the start. He also took care to encourage each of the mushers, gratifying them with a little word that hinted in his eyes at a slight veil of nostalgia for his heyday as a trapper-musher in Canada and Siberia.

Apart from the slightly tricky right-angle bend about 30 m after the start, the day’s trail on cross-country ski tracks was ideal for pushing the Scandinavian hounds, so fast on the mid-distance runs. A great warm-up day with around 400 m of positive altitude difference. For the spectators, the route was perfect, allowing them to see the athletes gallop across the plateau or along the forest tracks near Le Planelet. Temperatures were slightly warmer than on Saturday, softening the track on some sections, but not slowing down the performances of the frontrunners, with Hans Lindhal covering the distance at an average speed of 22.81 km/h.

Yohann Henry receives the Dog Care chasuble sponsored by Royal Canin, which has been working all year to optimize the nutritional intake of its line of dogs in order to improve their sporting performance and health.

Rendezvous tomorrow, Monday January 15 at La Chapelle d’Abondance for the second stage of La Grande Odyssée VVF and the final stage of the Trophée Haute-Savoie.