Grosjean Wine Trail 2022: race information & review
On Saturday morning instead of exploring the mountain trails I decided to stay at lower altitudes and took part in this trail event among the paths and vineyards a few kilometers from Aosta.
I was in the mood to see some friendly faces from running and trail-running in Valle d’Aosta and most of all I was in the mood to get a good workout in view of some longer races in the coming weeks.
In addition, I was very curious to tackle a relatively short course but with the presence of short and challenging climbs (and descents) among the rows of vineyards. My curiosity was satisfied, and even my legs kept the memory of it in the hours after the race.
The route
The start was given a few minutes after 10:30 near the winery. First few hundred meters slightly uphill on paved road, then right turn, start of the trails and a long swooping descent into the vineyards, zigzagging mostly parallel to the slope. Around km2 first couple d steep climbs and descents between the rows of vineyardssc, then start a long, steady climb towards the start/finish area.
At km4 there was a pleasant passage inside the winery’s cellars, eventually coming out under the start inflatable. Without a moment’s respite, it continued to climb until reaching the giant bench in Quart. A few hundred meters later, the second pair of steep climbs and descents between the rows of vineyards was run. The relatively flat two kilometers allowed the legs to loosen up a bit after the first 5 km without respite.
Near the Castle of Quart began first a steep climb and then a beautiful flat section skirting one of the Ru that are typical of the Aosta Valley. Around km9 we went back over the giant bench, we repeated the two steep climbs (and descents) between the rows of vineyards and then we went back down towards the winery. At km10 we were back on the paths of the very first km and from there we repeated exactly the same kilometers and then finished at the finish line placed a few dozen meters higher than at the start.
The event
Although there were other sporting events running concurrently this weekend it was good to see good participation in this local event. The people (more than 400 as stated by the organizers) were divided between those moving along the route of the competitive race, the non-competitive race and the food and wine walk, and of course among the public located mainly around the start and finish points.
In the early afternoon, all the people then gathered for lunch, the tasting of a few good glasses of wine, but also to cheer and applaud many young children (of different ages) who took part in the YoungTrail starting at 2:30 pm.
In short, it was an overall successful event and I really enjoyed being there.
The results: victory for Chevrier and Rocchia
For the record, the final victory (male and absolute) went to the very strong Aosta Valley athlete Xavier Chevrier in 1h06’51”, ahead of Dennis Brunod (1h09’14”) and Alessandro Saravalle (1h09’39”).
Among the women, the victory went to the very strong Piedmontese athlete Luisa Rocchia in 1h18’42”, 6th overall, followed by Fabiola Conti (1h20’15”), one of the best Italian trail-runner in the first part of this year, and Marina Cugnetto (1h23’30”), another strong mountain running athlete.
All rankings can be viewed at the following link: https://www.irunning.it/risultato_realtime.php?id=41158&gui_mode=complete&realtime=false#
Really congratulations to the whole organization (Passione per lo sport,la montagna e la corsa in tutte le sue declinazioni,siamo quelli del Team Inrun | Team Inrun), to the hosts (Grosjean Vini Biologici in Valle d’Aosta – Grosjean Vins & Sistema Ollignan), to the volunteers and to all those present on the track, cheering the athletes.
Grosjean Wine Trail 2022: detailed information
Official website: PROGRAMMA E REGOLAMENTO – Grosjean Wine Trail | Team Inrun
Personal Gps move (by Suunto 9 Baro): https://maps.suunto.com/move/andreadefilippo70/6341561d34e03325c3aca64c (note that I never wear a Hearth Rate Monitor. The recorded bpm is on the wrist. Thus it’s not correct. Ditto for VO2 and calories)
Measured distance: 14,1 km
Measured Cumulative Gain +: 766 m
Measured Cumulative Loss -: 764 m
Measured max altitude: 845 m
Start Date: 08/10/2022
Start Time: 10:30 a.m.
Start Point: Villaggio Ollignan 2, 11020 Quart (AO)
Cost: 30 € (2 €/km)
Air Temperature (average): 19°C
Weather conditions: partially cloudy
Dominant Ground: trails, mule tracks, vineyards (95%) and road (5%)
Ground Status: dry
Technical Difficulties: several short (in elevation) but very demanding climbs
Refreshment Points: several (Note that, since the start, I personally had with me 300 ml electrolyte sports drink)
Grosjean Wine Trail 2022: my equipment and results
Shoes Type: Saucony Xodus Ultra (Size: UK 8.5 / EU 43 / USA 9.5; Color: Acid Blue Raz)
Shoes usage at the start: 217 km; ca. 15000 D+ / ca. 15300 D-
Anklet: used for the right ankle
Socks: Mico (Size: 43-46; Color: black/yellow)
Calf Sleeves: not used
Shorts: Montura (Size: M; Color: Blue)
Race Belt: Suunto / Salomon (Color: Black)
Undershirt: not used
T-Shirt: No Limits Team Academy (Size: M; Color: Red/Grey)
Arm Sleeves: not used
Gloves: not used
Wristband: Nike
GPS Clock: Suunto 9 Baro (Color: Black)
Backpack: Ultimate Direction 10.8L (completely empty!)
Headwear: Raidlight Buff
Glasses: not used
Trail Running Poles: not used
Headlamp: not used
Wind/Rain Jacket: Crazy (Color: Orange) (Note: this is part of the mandatory equipment)
First Aid Help: not used / not required
Official personal time: 1h30’34”
Official personal absolute position: 23
Official personal male position: 20
Official personal finisher certificate: none
Additional information
If you want more information or technical details related to this event, please do not hesitate to contact me or comment below.
Other information about races, results and equipments at the following links: Trail & Running | EmigranTrailer.
Enjoy Running & Trail Running!
Andrea De Filippo
Original post in english language. For other languages, please open with a web browser (i.e. Chrome) and apply the automatic translation.
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