Alpe d'Huez Derby du Loup 2016

The race is being organised by the l’association des Pisteurs-Secouristes de l’Oisans (the pisteurs and mountain rescue guys). The race will take place in the Combe de Grand Clos (better known as the Combe du Loup – the Valley of the Wolves). The start is at the summit of the Pic Blanc (3,300m) and it finishes some 1,500m lower, close to the transformer site around 100m above the Sarenne Gorge Bridge. A hundred competitors will compete in the first edition of the race.

The rules of the race are the same as for any other race, make your way to the fish line in the fastest time possible. There are no restrictions on the route taken, with the exception of one or two obligatory timing gates to go through, there locations will be set on the day and depend on the conditions (see a preview here).

The start will be in a wave of 4 competitors at a time, with gaps between each group of between 30-60 seconds. A survey of the course will be undertaken to check the route by the race committee around 2 hours before the first of the competitors start. Note that one part of the course runs through the Commune of Clavans.

A crossing of the flat area of the Combe de Loup (by the Chateau Noir) is necessary, and the use of poles is allowed for snowboarders. But this crossing point should be given in the instructions for the course.

“The best skiers should be able to put down a time of less than 8 minutes, but for the rest it really is a race open to all, but it is important that everybody thoroughly enjoys it above all else” confirmed Eric Bourguignon (the race organiser).

There is a gathering before the race at La Folie Douce (Top of Marmottes 1 lift) at 2.30pm (included in the entry price for participants) and after there is an award ceremony at the Palais des Sports et des Congres (the leisure centre) at 6pm to finish off a wonderful day.

Prices: 40€ (includes your entry fee, lift pass for the day etc) on line entry is possible at the Facebook page for l’association des pisteurs-secouristes de l’Oisans (numbers are limited). It is possible to enrol on the day between 6am and 8am at the Sports Centre, but entry on the day is 50€. You need to sign a medical form along with your entry. The race is also open to 16-18 year olds but parental consent is required.