Switzerland
Aperçu rapide
Trail Racing 2-In-1 Short M - Sugar Ice Print
CHF119.00
Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz, the amazing journey 2023!
What a YEAR, After this performance at Hardrock 100, Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz has once again given us more to celebrate in 2023. After already taking an outstanding victory in the famous American race, he has gone on to conquer the mythical Grand Raid- Diagonale des Fous of Reunion Island…a race rich in history and one of the toughest, most scenic races on the Ultra Trail Calendar.
After attempting to be on the start line in 2018, 2019 and again in 2022, the French Savoyard runner never quite made it, always stopped by injury. This year he put everything aside and ensured the 31st edition of the Diagonale des Fous would be his main goal race of the season.
Choosing to skip the UTMB Mont-Blanc and focusing on being 100% for the 165 km, 10,000mD+ race on the French island…his body and mind were fresh and ready to give everything.
A start line with some of the best in the sport, included the return of Francois d'Haene, Germain Grangier and Jean Philippe Tschumi, ensuring not only a tough challenge but a great battle that was sure to be one of the best we've witnessed at this race.
Commencing in the Saint- Pierre in the south of the island, before traversing towards the North, a lead group quickly formed after the first one hour of racing. Running into the night, Aurélien decided to take the same strategy as he did at Hardrock 100 (which turned into a great success) attacking early and running at his own rhythm. He found himself alone after 15km into the race. Looking very comfortable and in control, the gap increased rather quickly and after 72km of racing through the night, he maintained a solid gap on the chasing trio.
Around the 90 km mark, Tschumi made a strong attack to break away from the chasing trio and he only trailed our Frenchman by 5minutes. But as the heat started to take its toll on everyone, it was Aurélien was able to find another ´gear´ and 20km later he was gaining more time once again on his chasers…Now with over 14 minutes in the lead. After almost 19 hours of racing, Aurélien sensed the finish line and he continued to push the pace, opening up an almost untouchable gap of 34 minutes to Germain Grangier who overtook Tschumi for 2nd place. Despite feeling the effects of the brutal ´Mafate´ furnace, he was closing in on the biggest year of his racing career to date. Two of the biggest races in the sport were about to be his!!
After 23h21´23¨ Aurélien reached the famous La Redoute stadium in Saint-Denis to become the new ´king´ of the Diagonale des Fous. What an incredible year! We are extremely proud!
AURELIEN'S GEAR SELECTION
Aurélien's outfit will be available in 2024. In the meantime, check out Aurélien's selection
