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La Grande Odyssée 2026 Opens With Snowy Prologue as Organizers Ready Route Changes

The 400 km Alpine stage race fields about 65 mushers with Suzuki providing a 21-vehicle support fleet.

Overview

  • The 22nd edition began with a snowy prologue in Avoriaz on January 10 that served as a public showcase and rehearsal for teams.
  • Race officials say stage profiles may be adjusted during the event based on weather, snowpack and natural-risk assessments to protect mushers and dogs.
  • Around 65 mushers with roughly 600 dogs are set to cover about 400 kilometers across some 20 Alpine stations, with cumulative elevation reported between 10,000 and 12,000 meters.
  • Pre-race coverage identifies defending champion Iker Ozkoidi García as the leading favorite after edging Elsa Borgey in last year’s close finish.
  • Logistics are reinforced by partner Suzuki, which supplies a fleet of 21 AllGrip vehicles to ensure organizer mobility between stages.