Love - Megève

EvENTs
72
ThE gRaNd odyssEy
a sToRy
of mEN
aNd dogs
dog lovERs aRE gIvEN a RENdEz vous
oN ThE spoRTs cENTRE EsplaNadE IN
mEgèvE oN ThE 12 th And 13 th JAnuARY
To applaud ThE passagE of ThE gRaNd
odyssEy savoIE moNT-blaNc. sETTINg
ouT fRom ThE gRaNd massIf, ThE coNvoy
WIll cRoss ThE mosT bEauTIful skIINg
aREas IN ThE alps bETWEEN ThE 8 Th aNd
18 Th JaNuaRy.
“An event is born when the public appreciates it”,
Henri kam, president of the Grand Odyssey Savoie
Mont-Blanc, confides to us. And for eight years,
thousands of spectators have followed this competition
that unites men and dogs in a great sporting and
friendly adventure. During the race nearly 300 four
legged athletes provide the show over ten days or so.
At their side, the best mushers in the World guide the
teams with kindness. yet the route, the speed, the
snow conditions and the weather bring added
challenges. “A musher commits 14 dogs, for whom he
is entirely responsible, to the competition. He doesn’t
want them to come to any harm. These dogs are used
to taking part in competitions in the Far North, where
climatic conditions are hard, but where the terrain is
flat”, explains Henri kam. Here lies the great
difference with dog and sleigh racing in the
mountains. Here, the climate is less harsh,
particularly temperature levels. On the other hand, the
topography and the nature of the terrain is a tough
challenge for the teams of dogs and their masters. But
these latter, who cannot do enough to look after their
dogs : visits to the vet, massages, ointments and
booties to protect their pads, and of course a profusion
of caresses! They are ready to do anything out of love
for their dogs, acting like real rescuers. And if a dog is
injured, it usually finishes the race on a sleigh!
Evelyne Périnet Marquet