Our musher takes part in “la Grande Odyssée”
Today begins “la Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont-Blanc“, a famous international race of dogs sleds. The Quechua technical partner, Remy Cost, takes part in this incredible adventure. We met him a few hours before the launching !
“La Grande Odyssée” it’s 400 dogs which cross 9 stages, 1000 km and 30,000m of height difference in total.
Rémy Coste has been Quechua’s technical partner for more than a year. As all the Quechua technical partners, he participates in the conception of products and is part of the trials.
Rémy has a particular profile. At first a baker, he obtained the “meilleur ouvrier de france” title (a French award that recognises each year the best artisan of the year in different categories ). Nevertheless being a musher really is his dream job! So he decides to leave bakery behind and go chasing his dreams… Interview with a lover!
HKG-How did you discover mushing?
RC: I discovered the sled dog during a trip in Canada. I immediately fell in love with it: discovering these amazing landscapes and the relationship with the dogs. Then, I decided to welcome my first dog, an Alaskan malamute in 2004. Quickly I got a second one and then my first litter. Sled dogs was my special place !
-Then, you made of your passion your life…
In 2012 the French School of Mushing asked me to represent them on the Trophy of “la Grande Odyssée”. This first competition was a revelation!
– Your dogs are different from the sled dogs we usually see,why?
It’s true, I have Eurohounds. This dogs’ race was “created” in the Northern Europe, it is a crossing between a Scandinavian dog and a hunting dog. I chose these dogs because they are faster, more powerful and more sociable. But in reality this race and Alaskan Husky are very common on the competitions.
– Just before the departure, in what state of mind are you?
I am proud of my family because the mushing is a family story and every member of the family takes part in this success. I am also proud of my dogs and their work.“La Grand Odyssée” is a recognition for a musher. It is the only mountain race, very difficult, technical and physical. This year my objective is to make it to the top three.
-What is your favourite product ?
I love the ski touring jacket and pants. Technical, warm and resistant, I would recommend them!
The Quechua teams wish a good race to Rémy! You can follow the race live from January 11th till January 22nd.
Crédits photos: François Guion