A few days before the start the official communication arrived like a bolt from the blue: the organizing committee of the Altitoy Millet has officially canceled the Pyrenean edition of the debut stage of La Grande Course, the prestigious ski mountaineering circuit lasting two years which will culminate with the award ceremony at the Mezzalama Trophy next year.
«The pathfinder team tried everything right up to the end: proposing new routes in different sectors, changing locations – confirmed the organizers of the race originally designed between the Pic du Midi and Grand Tourmalet -, but the snow conditions do not guarantee the safety of the runners and volunteers. The absence of snow cover, in fact, does not ensure the continuity of the routes and its hardness makes the progression of the runners too dangerous in both the uphill and downhill sections».
Hence the painful but inevitable decision to raise the white flag. The challenge of the most beautiful and spectacular races of the “old continent” will therefore return to excite its approximately 3000 members starting from next month with the classic format: lots of passion and an “old style” skialp proposed and revisited in a modern key.
In the sights for winter 2024 are Millet Tour du Rutor Extrême and the Patrouille des Glaciers. The LGC season will therefore come into full swing, on the weekend of 23 – 25 March, with the most technical of the Italian ski mountaineering races. In the three stages of La Thuile, Valgrisenche and Arvier, the Millet Tour du Rutor Extrême will offer stages characterized by high altitude and true off-piste: 7500 meters of positive difference in altitude, 30 changes of setup, 105 km, 60 of climbs, 45 of free ride, 6 of ridges and channels with passages above 3000 meters are the numbers of a race that has become myth, tradition and legend.
A unique opportunity to experience firsthand an event that combines sport, valorisation of the territory and its food and wine excellence.
The month of April will also be characterized by a top event: La Patrouille des Glaciers and its 57.5 km 4386 mD+ alpine ride. PDG 2024 will take place on the night between 19 and 20 April.
No doubts, no uncertainties. A few more weeks to train as best you can, then it will be time to stamp your number on your backpack and set off. The most beautiful races of the “old continent” are ready to give you unforgettable emotions.