The Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont-Blanc brings together around sixty sled drivers and several hundred sled dogs each year. Like athletes, they are over-trained and able to run marathons in extreme conditions.
Between the musher and his dogs, there is much more than a working relationship. The dogs are pampered, massaged and covered with love. Together, they live magical adventures in the mountains.
To better understand the daily life of a musher and how he prepares for competition, Sidonie Bonnec receives Gregory Chest. He is a musher and represents the colors of France during the 18th edition of the Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont-Blanc which takes place until January 19th.
four-legged athletes
Sled dogs are real athletes. For them, taking part in La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc is like start an Ironman or a big marathon for a human. Like top athletes, they benefit from a preperation and a coaching specific: diet, training plan, mental preparation, etc.
Before and after each stage of the race, each dog is presented to veterinarians to undergo a check up and receive treatment if needed. The main problems encountered are ailments related to high-level sport, in particular osteo-articular trauma (sprains, tendonitis, digestive disorders, lesions of the pads, etc.).
Finally, in respect of its well-being, its health and the regulations, a dog can be temporarily excluded from the race so that it can get back in shape.