La Grande Odyssee stage sled dog race

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La Grande Odyssée Stage Sled Dog Race in the Alps

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25 TEAMS 120 000 US$ 900 km

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Pure long distance races (distances) Pure Stage races (Number of stages) 1800 km 900 km 10 stages (including 3 LD) A unique « mix-format » among big international races 1600 km 1000 km 600 km 600 km 8 stages 300 km 6 stages 484 km 7 stages 313 km 14 stages

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January 2009 : 11th to 21st

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Part 1 : 7 stages 35 to 80 km

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Part 2: 2 stages 80 km

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Part 3: 6 stages 50 to 110 km

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3 OVERNIGHT CHECKPOINTS

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14 Dogs pool Stage race rules

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100 000 spectators

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Mountains up…..

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…and Mountains down !

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Avalanches risks

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Altitude

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2 Mass Starts

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Variety of How to deal with animal welfare on a sled dog race ? interests A one and only claim « respect the interests of the dogs » Sponsors Medias Resorts Authorities Organisation Participants Judges Veterinarians

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AW : LGO rules Selection of participants A pool of 14 dogs within wich daily stage racers are chosen Strong dog welfare and respect points Support and advices provided to mushers prior to the race Possible temporary drops of a dog under veterinary decision

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8 veterinarians and vet technicians Pre race individual vet-check 24/24 duty (we make house-calls…) Veterinary check points with mandatory stops - Long distance stages - in case of « warm » temperatures - immediatly after « risky » points At any time - 1 vet on the starting line - 1 vet on the finish line - 5 vets in the stake-out, 1 available for the trail Doping controls by « Agence Française de Lutte contre le Dopage » Registration of everything that is seen/done on each dog

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LG is not a marathon or ultra marathon-race It is a stage race with resting times = 6 to 7 x racing times Trails are prepared regarding dogs’ racing behaviour 3 long distance stages with overnight secured camping, alternate with 7 mid distance stages Trail and checkpoints is always accessible to spectators, nothing can be hidden Friendly alpine climate Possible trail modifications at the last moment in case of poor environmental conditions

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PETTER KARLSSON (SWEDEN) WINNER2008

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JANUARY 11th to 21st 2009 5th EDITION of LA GRANDE ODYSSEE www.grandeodyssee.com