AURÉLIEN DUNAND-PALLAZ VICTORIOUS IN A TOUGH TRANSGRANCANARIA!

So while this time of the year he would normally be competing in Ski Mountaineering races, Aurelien Dunand-Pallaz saw an opportunity awaiting when he made the decision to switch up his early season focus and take to the start line of the famous Gran Canarian race.

Raced at 50% capacity and with no spectators or outside assistance on route, the organisers of the famous early season race did an outstanding job to ensure the race proceeded with utmost safety. Runners even started 5 seconds apart to allow for optimum distancing. A very strong Elite Men's field, all eager to race again after such a long hiatus, took to the startline on Friday evening at 23hr local time. Commencing in the North of the Spanish Island of Gran Canaria, was a technical and testing route that stretched through the highest peak of the island before descending to the coast in the South. Cold and wet conditions posed a challenge for the 129km/6,720mD+ route. However for Dunand-Pallaz, it was just as he preferred. ¨These are conditions that I like, rather than the warmth at the end of the race. I put on gloves and a pair of waterproof over-gloves ¨

It was a tight battle from the beginning, with our French favourite keeping his compatriots well marked and within reach as he maintained a top 5 position running alongside 2020 winner Pablo Villa(ESP) and Pere Aurell (ESP). Never showing any signs of fatigue, Dunand-Pallaz awaited his moment to strike. Even a broken pole at the 35km mark, couldn´t dampen his spirits. He fought on to tackle some of the toughest ascents and technical terrain with just one pole. After 85km he made an attack on his companion Pere Aurell, running solo into the race lead. A moment he admits was the most special during the whole race "My most memorable part of the race was the battle with Pere Aurell and when I passed him it was a great moment."

Still with over 40km remaining, he put in a strong and confident performance, opening up a gap of over 15minutes at the summit of the last climb. Admittedly, that was when the 28 year old really knew he could take the victory! But he still had to contend with the arduous finish as the typical Gran Canarian climate changes very fast when the sun rises and the runners descend upon the final part of the race towards the finish."We had all the weather conditions: very cold with rain and wind during the night and at the end we ran in the sun in a canyon. The terrain was rolling with many road passages, but it was still mountainous in the central part and that's what I liked."

It was definitely a tough moment for the Dunand-Pallaz especially with a long asphalt section to reach the finish line. But it was a beautiful moment when the Frenchman arrived after 13h42¨43¨, with over 20 minutes of victory!"The sensations were very good from the beginning, only a little bit worse during the night, but it didn't last very long because all the time I stayed with a small group of runners. I really suffered in the last two climbs and during the final descent."

It was also a great result for our athletes Gediminas Grinius (LIT) and Julien Chorier (FR) who both had very respectable finishes in 9th and 13th positions respectively.

Meanwhile Italian couple Marco De Gasperi and Elisa Desco took to the start of the Marathon event. In what was a relatively flat and very fast course, Marco claimed 44th position while Elisa made a great start to her season to finish 5th woman!

For Dunand-Pallaz, the Physiotherapist and Running Coach, there are still many big goals ahead this season. While preparing differently than in previous years, he has set himself up for a strong season "I have replaced the training that I usually do on my bike with some nice ski mountaineering outings and for the last month I really put the running shoes back on more seriously by adding a few training sessions on more rolling terrain than I usually would have."

When we asked what was next on his calendar after this amazing start to 2021, he admitted..."It will all depend on the International Calendar of races that are still able to take place. I would like to do the 90km du Mont Blanc, close to my home and always a strong field raced around the beautiful Chamonix. Fingers crossed it will remain on the calendar as planned."

Lastly, he gives us some advice about his favourite product that he wore during the race."My new Trail-Postural SS Top which I chose in the Blue Lolite version was essential for me during this race. I have used the in-built pockets 100% of the time and put all my supplies in them."