THE BATTLE FOR THE PODIUM INTENSIFIES

Leaning against a wall of snow, more than twenty tents buffeted by a violent wind blowing directly from Italy, this famous ‘easterly return’ awaited the teams who had just completed the longest stage of La Grande Odyssée VVF. After their long stage the previous day between the plateau of Bessans, Bonneval-sur-Arc and Val Cenis, a total of 46 km, the mushers bivouacked, in total autonomy, at the Col du Mont Cenis in Val Cenis. ‘The glide was beautiful on this fresh snow’ commented Agnès Philipona, who is taking part in her first Trophy and who found the night at the Polar Base surprisingly calm.

At the end of the morning, the mushers from La Grande Odyssée VVF and those taking part in the Trophée Allianz were speeding down the L’Escargot piste to reach Val Cenis Lanslevillard where the official start of the day’s stage will be held. Enthusiastic spectators of all ages lined the untimed course to cheer on the competitors, who were delighted that a little snow had fallen overnight.

The battle for the podium in La Grande Odyssée VVF is heating up between the two contenders. Stage 7B Val Cenis – Bessans – Val Cenis presented by Animalis was won by Iker Ozkoidi Garcia, who covered the 33km in 1 hour, 29 minutes and 43 seconds, while Elsa Borgey lost 2 minutes and 32 seconds. The Spaniard thus retains his Suzuki-sponsored leader’s jersey. The day before, on stage 7A Bessans – Bonneval sur Arc – Val Cenis, the ratios were reversed, with the Frenchwoman clocking a time 5 minutes and 2 seconds slower than the Spaniard.

For her performance on these two stages, Elsa Borgey was awarded the Henry Kam prize, in tribute to the founder of La Grande Odyssée who was very attached to this stage finishing at the polar base.

In the Nordic category, Jean Combazard continued to extend his lead, completing the event in 1 hr 49 minutes and 34 seconds and retaining the Suzuki-sponsored leader’s jersey, while Cécile Durand finished the day in 2nd place in 1 hr 58 minutes and 47 seconds. Nevertheless, in the overall standings she relinquished 3rd place to Poland’s Daria Findzinska, who had performed very well the day before.

At the end of the three days, Rémy Desoutter won his 2nd Allianz Trophy, ‘on a beautiful track and beautiful snow’. He finished in 6 hours 31 minutes and 01 seconds, 5 minutes and 43 seconds ahead of his runner-up Cyril Kaluszynski, ahead of young Swiss rider Agnès Philipona who had a superb last stage. The 8th stage of La Grande Odyssée VVF will take place on Monday 20 January in Valmorel, finishing in Doucy.

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