more than 800 paddlers take part in the GlaGla Race on Lake Annecy
This Saturday, January 21, took place the 9th edition of the most famous winter paddle competitions. More than 800 people took the start of the GlaGla Race, on a calm but cold Lake Annecy: -3°C in the air and 6°C in the water.
“We are a little crazy with my husband!” jokes a competitor in full preparation. “It’s so cold… That’s the challenge. And then it’s so beautiful. We don’t have that in England“says another participant, a special place in Haute-Savoie to participate in the 9th edition of the Glagla Racean unusual route organized on Lake Annecy.
More than 800 professionals and amateurs of 25 different nationalities are facing this Saturday, January 21 on the occasion of this world competition. “That’s 100 more participants than last year” welcomes Benoît Mouren, the organizer of the race who remembers: “There were 40 participants in the very first edition.”
On January 21, 2023, the water is 6 degrees and the air temperature is -3 degrees. Nothing to scare Johan, instead of Montpellier. Well wrapped up in his suit and his hood, he is about to participate in his very first paddle race, motivated by friends.
Summer is too easy, it’s better to be cold!
Johan, Glagla Race competitorin France 3 Alps.
However, on the water and under a radiant sun, some competitors forget the winter temperatures. “It’s super hot! We’re cold but it’s hot” insists Thomas, a Savoyard competitor.
Several courses were organized; 3.5 kilometres, 6.5 kilometres, 10 and 15 kilometers with a compulsory route between the Château de Duingt, the summits of Roc d’Enfer and La Tournette.
Among the men, the Frenchman Ludovic Teulade (one of the top ten in the world) won in less than 1 hour 30 minutes over the 15 kilometer event. “I almost slipped several times because the board was frozen” entrusts the winner to the organization of the Glagla Race.
This is my second victory in the competition, I’m delighted.
Ludovic Teulade,to the organizers of the Glagla Race.
Among the women, Switzerland’s Anna Tschirky took first place in the competition in 1 hour and 36 minutes.
For her part, an amateur gave us her recipe for finishing the race: “good training, lots of willpower and friends“. And above all, an exceptional landscape…