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It's the Taking Part that Matters

featured in News & reviews Author Ellie Mahoney, Chamonix Editor Updated

The Kandahar, may have been cancelled but the extremely popular race Le Derby des Posettes is due to go ahead as planned on Saturday 27th January. The two events are held annually in the Chamonix Valley but that is where the similarities end. The former, an integral part of the men's world cup series is a serious business, the latter is all in the name of fun.

The course at Le Tour covers a 9km playground from L'Aiguillette des Posettes down to L'Hameau du Plan Envers. Sounds fairly standard so far, doesn't it? However, best described as a downhill three-legged race it is the unusual rules that set the competition apart and draw in competitors from up and down the valley, Switzerland and further a field. The race is contested by two-person teams and both team members must ski simultaneously. Although not physically attached to one another, the pairs must endeavour to finish as one, as the clock only stops when both members have crossed the finish line.

Since the first race, when 61 teams signed up, the starting line-up has swelled year on year, however, for safety reasons, this year, like last, organisers have decided to limit the field to a maximum of 150 teams. Places are therefore limited and interested parties are encouraged to apply A.S.A.P to avoid disappointment.

Details of the order of the day and of how to sign up can be found on the following website: www.13th “Derby des Posettes