A high-level return for the extraordinary Dynastar X3 Courchevel triathlon

A high-level return for the extraordinary Dynastar X3 Courchevel triathlon

A resounding success! A quality field, sunshine and atmosphere were all there for the return of this extraordinary triathlon combining cycling, trail running and ski mountaineering after a 2-year wait because of the pandemic. For this first official race organised after the lifting of lockdown, the organising team of the Courchevel Sports Outdoor club had to adapt the rules to comply with the new constraints linked to the current health measures. In this context, the number of athletes was exceptionally limited to 400 and the mass start was replaced by a time trial every 30 seconds. A clearly defined individual space was set out in the transition area in line with social distancing, and the event was held behind closed doors. So that the race could be followed in complete peace of mind, a live broadcast of the event was shown on the TV 8 Mont-Blanc channel.

Originally scheduled for Sunday 18 April, this triathlon was able to take place on Sunday 23 May. However, because of the constraints linked to the postponement and the retreat of the snow towards the summits, a few course changes were necessary. The cycling leg started from Courchevel Le Praz (altitude 1,260 m) up to the transition area located on the Verdons piste at the departure of the Saulire cable car, a total distance of 13.1 km with 840 m of elevation gain. The trail loop, which was meant to go via the now legendary Col de la Loze, was shortened at the last moment to 5 km with 260 m of elevation gain/loss because of abundant snowfall this spring making footing perilous. To finish this triptych, the ski mountaineering climb in the Saulire combe to reach the summit of the Saulire (altitude 2,710 m) via the shoulder of the Vizelle, over 3.1 km with 630 m of elevation gain.

First Italian victory!

Much appreciated for 9 years now by professional and amateur athletes alike, this extraordinary triathlon lets you put on your touring skis one last time while preparing for the summer trail running and cycling season. Winner of every individual ski mountaineering World Cup race this season except the first, and in doing so picking up the Little Globe for the discipline, Italian Matteo Eydallin, after posting the best times in the trail running (26min23s) and ski mountaineering (28min51s) legs, won this 8th vintage edition in 1h36min38s. “It’s a truly wonderful race for the end of the season. I’d heard about this competition for several years, and winning it this year with the field that was here is really great.” Three-time winner of the event (2014, 2015 and 2016), Yoann Sert went down fighting with the best time in the cycling leg (37min19s) and finished second in 1h37min46s. “I had given everything on the bike leg. I managed to hold the gap on the trail run, but Matteo came back strongly on the ski mountaineering and I was missing a bit of juice to go for a 4th title.” For third place, the suspense lasted right up to the finish between William Bon Mardion, two-time winner of the event (2017 and 2018) and Cédric Fleureton, twice third (2015 and 2017). In the end, the latter, in 1h41min48s after building his race around his strengths in cycling and trail running, kept a 37-second lead over the Beaufortain man, who missed the podium.

The X3s in Laura Deplanche’s blood.

Defending champion of the “Dynastar X3” and winner of the summer “Felt X3” in 2020 (a combination of indoor rowing, cycling and trail running), Laura Deplanche did the double by winning in 2h06min08s with the best time on the bike in 47min32s. Slovak Marianna Jagerzikova, winner of the 2018 edition (3rd in 2017), sprint vice-world champion and bronze medallist in the overall standings of the 2021 Ski Mountaineering World Championships, plus second place overall in the Millet Ski Touring Courchevel 2021, took second place in 2h09min06s. “I knew I had to build a lead on Marianna right from the start. I set off 30 seconds behind her and managed to catch her quite quickly. From then on, I managed my effort to keep that 30-second lead, and I had in mind to keep a little in reserve in case she caught me on the ski mountaineering leg so I could stay in her track,” said Laura at the finish.

The bronze medal went to triathlete Florence Bulit in a total time of 2h12min13s, posting the 3rd best women’s time in the cycling and trail running legs and the 6th in ski mountaineering. “I’m very happy and surprised at the same time because it was the first time I had done ski touring.”

Fine performances for the trio teams.

In the women’s category, the “Dynastar” team won in 2h05min35s with Candice Bonnel , who posted the best women’s time in ski mountaineering (36min25s), well set up by Alice Niemaz in cycling and Laurie Renoton in trail running. With the best women’s time in trail running (32min41s), Margot Guillaumot, supported in the “Totally Spies” by Nina Guillaud (cycling) and Andréa Sinfreu (ski mountaineering), climbed onto the 2nd step of the podium in 2h08min18s.

In the men’s category, the Caf d’Albertville, made up of cyclist Bastien Flammier, trail runner Hugo Carcey-Collet and ski mountaineer Théo Allemoz , laid down the law in 1h39min23s.

In the mixed category, the “Catalans” won in 1h59min12s thanks to the pedalling of Biel Martinez, the stride of Julia Garriga and the glide of Marc Romani.

Next X3 dates: Felt X3 on Sunday 15 August and the next edition of the Dynastar X3 on Sunday 17 April