DX3C: The course described in detail by Caroline Freslon-Bette

The Dynastar X3… but what is hidden behind this mysterious name?

A triathlon, as you might suspect, yes… but not just any triathlon! A mountain version of the triathlon that combines 3 sports well known to fans of endurance sports and of elevation gain alike: road cycling, trail running and ski mountaineering…

A simple idea and a major sporting challenge: set off from the valley (Le Carrey at 800 m of altitude) and climb by three means of locomotion - the bike, trainers and climbing skins - to the summit of the Saulire (at 2,738 m of altitude), i.e. 25 km and 2,060 m of elevation gain to get through…

On 19 April it will thus be the third meeting of this original event, whose base camp is in Courchevel, and to do it properly, nothing beats a little recce of the course, of which here are my main impressions:

The cycling section:

A section to be approached with care. Indeed, the peloton effect and the enthusiasm of competition could quickly have us turning the pedals a little too fast… But we must not forget that we are setting off on an effort lasting several hours! The course climbs fairly steadily and the climb presents no major difficulties. Be careful, though, to manage the start well because the slope tends to steepen in the second half of the course, after the hamlet of Le Praz. The arrival in Courchevel 1850 m is easier… it is the moment to recover and mentally anticipate the transition to the trail run!

The trail running section (white!):

The course is rolling, fairly short and fast. Even so, several aspects must not be neglected:

- The fact that the loop is run on snow, which works all the muscle chains harder than on a classic trail run, and which demands greater concentration to keep your balance despite slippery footing. You can quickly burn a few precious cartridges! (a little tip in passing: keep a light stride, without trying to be too airy… otherwise you will tire quickly… never mind the style!)

- The course is mostly downhill in the first part, the little “killer” bumps come after the 3rd kilometre… So be careful to keep something in reserve, all the more so as the end is leg-breaking in the last 500 metres!

- And finally, always keep in mind that you are going straight on to the ski mountaineering section, which is, without a doubt, THE key section! The one that will make you win or lose places!

The ski mountaineering section:

As mentioned earlier, this is in my view the strategic part of the course, the one where whoever has kept some juice in the tank can really make a difference! It is the longest and most demanding section of the race. A fairly easy start on an inviting slope, then you reach the foot of the Saulire gondola, and there things get tougher… a good little wall on which you must not get carried away, because there is a second one before the summit… A small piece of advice: do not look up too much, so as not to lose heart. The very end of the last wall can be done on foot, skis on your pack to make the climb a little easier, but you will need to put your skis back on for the last 300 metres separating you from the welcome finish line!

Saulire summit, 2,060 m of elevation gain and 25 km, you have made it! Well done!

In conclusion I would say that:

- Nutrition will be a major element of performance. Indeed, linking high-intensity sports at altitude will force you to dip into your reserves. Do not skimp on taking your share of drink, energy bars and gels, which it is wise to swallow at each transition and towards the bottom of the Saulire… otherwise hypoglycaemia is lying in wait!

- On race day, few of us will have clocked up the kilometres on the bike, so be careful not to burn out right from the start of this section! It is a good idea to ride a bit before the race, just to rediscover a few forgotten muscles…

- And finally, I would say that this event is MAGICAL! As much for its originality as for its demands. A superb experience to live, and the pride of reaching the summit after all these efforts… Climbing from the valley to the summit under your own steam, what finer challenge? A race that will undoubtedly surprise more than one!

So see you on 19 April for this new edition, which promises to be extra special!