Gla Gla Race

Up Suping Alexis Fernet

Do you still have doubts about why this event is so special? When a few weeks have passed since the beginning of a new year, at a temperature where the body has to unleash its inner fire, wrapped on rocky mountains collapsed with snow and with an organization that borders on perfection… It is difficult to overcome this, but not impossible. More than 720 riders have already shown it this year.

GLA GLA RACE 2022

Chronicle from home

The truth is that the hunger to go out paddling does not stop, and the damn virus has a lot to do with all this. Stand Up Paddle lovers from all over Europe got into Lake Annecy demonstrating once again the communion of this sport thanks to the organization of Benoit and his Alpine Lakes Tour team. From home in our case, we live a very intense direct, where the mythical aerial image of the starting line did not disappoint again, where the sun was the protagonist with intense cold. This competition is divided into different categories, but the queen, the Elite, has her special attention.

During the first 300 meters, there were two trains with the best names in Europe, where Bruno Hasulyo and Clement Colmas headed the first. And before the first buoy, it became a single file that a few meters later was separated by Bruno and Clement for a large part of the race. Behind them, an intense battle between Titouan Puyó and the Spaniards Fernando Pérez, Quique Hurtado and Aaron Sánchez. On the girls’ side, Anais Guyomarch led the competition ahead of Laura Quetglas and Petronella Van Malsen.

After another pass through the buoy, back the action: Bruno and Clement continue their story, but in the second group, the German Normen Weber falls into the cold waters of the lake (about 6º in temperature) and the spanish boys advance positions keeping up the pace of Puyo and Teulade. Excitement by the guys from #larojasup. At that moment Laura takes first place ahead of Petronella and Anais. And following the classic long distance course, when the riders pass another buoy again and brush against a giant rocky wall to their left, the second group manages to catch up with Bruno and Clement; but they can’t overtake them, because these two riders open up creating two small trains, but managing the race as they please. Nobody breaks, for a few minutes the small moments of energy recharge flow thanks to drafting and the tension increases. There’s less left, and anything can happen.

Last buoy, on the edge of the coast and the shouts of encouragement from the public are already felt. Bruno leads, Clement presses with Titouán behind, but Titouán falls as soon as he makes the buoy turn and the tension goes through the roof. That’s when everything breaks down and now it’s time to paddle at 100% to the finish line. Bruno leaves, flies in search of victory in his first participation in the Gla Gla Race… and he succeeds. Behind comes Clement….Great race of both riders! Because it is not easy to set the race pace that Bruno achieved; and although Clement has stayed in the draft for a large part of his career, the frenchman has a lot of credit for staying very close to him. Spectacular.

And the spanish riders Fernando and Quique arrive cheered by the public that approached Talloires, together with Aarón cross the line in 5th position. And could there be more excited for the spanish? Yes, seeing Laura debuting with NSP brand and crossing the finish line in 1st position ahead of Petronella and Anna Tschirki. This victory is a tremendous boost for Laura, I hope she gives us a very exciting 2022!

Little by little, the rest of the participants arrived and the long distance was completed. Hours after the technical race would take place, which also has its great point of emotion with a very attractive portage on the coast for all the attending public. In addition to all the activities that this event has in the competition area: an exhibition of brands, food trucks, massages, cold as hell and much more (laughs).

Remembering the live stream a bit, we are left wanting to have seen more images of the girls’ race and to have heard some more technical information about the competition. But it is a great merit to move so many cameras, drones and be there broadcasting live in the cold weather. The equipment does not work the same at 25º degrees on the beach as when it is close to 0º between mountains, and on a human level, there is also an extra effort to combat the cold. We know from experience. Chapéu 8 Montblanc, SUP Passion and Mathieu from Total SUP. The only thing missing is the Hispanic voice for that live show (laughs).

To finish, I will highlight three things: we have been able to see the premiere of several boards from big brands such as NSP and SIC, among others; and it is something very positive since as a user many people can have feedback in situ. The season begins and the brands know it, we will see great things this year. Christophe Mathevet, a competitor who ran the short distance (6 km), attended representing a Parkinson’s association, and this man, suffering from this serious disease, ran the race and completed it. Amazing! And on the other hand, congratulations to the spanish riders, who once again set the bar for the growth of this sport in Spain in style; making it difficult for other nations and giving a lot of spectacles worldwide. And above all, it is motivating for event organizers, because without these competitors, it would be impossible.

Gone is the coldest Stand Up Paddle event on the planet, but for the riders, at a time when it is most needed. This is already starting to roll, a 2022 season that will be epic and hopefully in 1 year, we want it to continue like this.

UP SUPING

Stand Up Paddle