Stage 10 – Col de Porte

Sunshine and happy crowds at Col de Porte.

The 10th stage of La Grande Odyssée VVF attracted large numbers of spectators to the Col de Porte in Grenoble Alpes Métropole. They were treated to a beautiful spectacle in the heart of a sunny, snow-covered clearing that served as the setting for the start and finish of this legendary event and the EBRA Trophy. With a 13.8 km trail and 480 m elevation gain, of which only the highest part was timed, the mushers were able to temper the pace of their teams to take account of the spring weather conditions and respect the well-being of their furry athletes.

For the spectators, the day was a real treat, because with this program arrangement, they were able to enjoy the mushers making a nice 200-meter loop, right in front of their eyes before heading up the forest paths where temperatures were cooler under the trees for the dogs. “If it’s too hot, I’ll stop to give them something to drink”, explained Franck Bonnet-Gonnet, who is taking part in the EBRA trophy, before the start.

France’s Cindy Duport took the top step of the podium ahead of Poland’s Lukasz Paczynski and France’s Elsa Borgey, but the overall classification remains unchanged: Norway’s Hans Lindahl still holds the leader’s jersey sponsored by Crédit Mutuel, while in the Nordic category, Jean Combazard also retains the leader’s jersey, even though Philippe Desmurger posted the fastest time of the day. In the Ebra Trophy, Spaniard Carlos Franch confirmed his success of the previous day.

In collaboration with Suzuki, La Grande Odyssée VVF welcomed a dozen children in the afternoon as part of the “Rêves de gosses” association, created 28 years ago by Jean-Yves Glémée, so that these children, some of whom suffer from disabilities, can discover the world of dogs and the activity of sled dogs.

Philippe Desmurger wore the Dog Care badge sponsored by Royal Canin today, in recognition of his excellent care of his dogs, particularly during the particularly difficult final stages.

See you tomorrow for the final stage in Villard de Lans, departing from Cote 2000 at 8:30 a.m., followed by the closing ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on the Place de l’Ours in the resort center.