03:49Mush! Mush! Hundreds of dogs compete in two-week long-distance sledge race in French Alps
The 19th edition of the annual sledge dog event in Europe 'La Grande Odyssee Savoie Mont Blanc', now renamed to 'La Grande Odyssee VVF', took place in the resorts of the French Alps on Sunday.
'La Grande Odyssee' literally 'The Grand odyssey' is a long-distance dog sledge race, organised over several stages across the Alps. It is intended for mushers with teams of 14 dogs who are experienced in long- and middle-distance, between 30 and 45km per day.
Through Savoie and Haute Savoie, mushers from all around Europe and other countries and their 600 dogs, compete for two weeks of racing over a course 400 km long, 11 stages, with a change in altitude of more than 12,000 meters.
Vet teams meanwhile ensure the well-being of dogs in competition for the duration of the race. "These dogs have a passion for the competition, they love to run. They have a lot of fun," said Sandrine Pezard, a member of the vet team. The team confirms their participation before each stage, monitors the dogs' health during the race, intervenes in emergencies in a field hospital, and makes recommendations and possible care from the finish line.
The first stage this year started and finished at the Alpine ski resort of Megeve.
03:49The 19th edition of the annual sledge dog event in Europe 'La Grande Odyssee Savoie Mont Blanc', now renamed to 'La Grande Odyssee VVF', took place in the resorts of the French Alps on Sunday.
'La Grande Odyssee' literally 'The Grand odyssey' is a long-distance dog sledge race, organised over several stages across the Alps. It is intended for mushers with teams of 14 dogs who are experienced in long- and middle-distance, between 30 and 45km per day.
Through Savoie and Haute Savoie, mushers from all around Europe and other countries and their 600 dogs, compete for two weeks of racing over a course 400 km long, 11 stages, with a change in altitude of more than 12,000 meters.
Vet teams meanwhile ensure the well-being of dogs in competition for the duration of the race. "These dogs have a passion for the competition, they love to run. They have a lot of fun," said Sandrine Pezard, a member of the vet team. The team confirms their participation before each stage, monitors the dogs' health during the race, intervenes in emergencies in a field hospital, and makes recommendations and possible care from the finish line.
The first stage this year started and finished at the Alpine ski resort of Megeve.