First Newsletter Tor des Gèants

Heute kam der erste Newsletter ,gleich nachdem man sich einschreiben konnte.Schon mehr als 75 leute haben sich eingeschrieben,innerhalb 1 stunde !!



Greetings everyone,
it's now almost time for the definitive entries to open.
Those of you who sent in advance entries received the long-awaited DVD a few days ago – we hope it was to your liking – as well as the CD with all the technical files.
It's not often runners receive a 40 minute DVD before a race, but our intention was to provide everyone with a little foretaste of what running the Tor des Géants will be like.
Making the DVD you've just received was no easy task, with hours and hours of recordings to be watched, arranged into order, selected and put together; kilometres of GPS trails to assess, level differences to verify, maps to draw up, photos to be selected, the road book.....but at the end of the day, all this is designed to accompany you metre by metre right along every stage of this incredible adventure.
After seeing the pictures of the test edition, held from 13 to 20 September 2009, some of you may have wondered why the month of September was chosen for the Tor des Géants race.

We'd like to share with you the reasoning that led us to make this choice. First and foremost, we took into consideration the conditions of the paths runners would have to cover. We started checking out the route at the end of June, and we found that the winter snowfields had still not melted and that this would have made it difficult, if not impossible, because the snow was blocking the passage.
Secondly, we considered the different weather conditions likely in the various periods throughout the summer. In September, the weather is undoubtedly more stable, without the risk of the violent thunderstorms typical of the month of July, or the very high temperatures that can be reached during August in the areas at the bottom of the Valley.
Therefore, September appeared the most suitable choice from several points of view, even though, as you will no doubt have noticed on the DVD, the first snowfalls can be encountered at altitude. Cold weather and snow are possible even in July and August, but you should bear in mind that autumn snowfalls are generally short-lived, and the snow melts quickly because the ground is still warm. Having to step across the hard-packed snowfields from the winter is a different, riskier story.
Another consideration that led us to opt for September is the beauty of the landscape at the tail end of the summer, when the shades of autumn begin to colour the mountains. The days are certainly shorter, but dawn and dusk are uniquely beautiful in the brisk air typical of this period.
And finally, let's not forget that in September it is easier to find a place in the hotels and mountain huts, and that accommodation there also tends to be cheaper after the height of the summer season when there is a packed programme of events going on.
The Tor des Géants is an event that will involve the whole of the Valle d'Aosta region, and the availability of volunteers and associations is crucial to the success of the race and the safety of all those taking part.
Considering the above, and in particular the question of the weather conditions during the period, we feel it's important to repeat the indications regarding the clothing participants will need to tackle a week's running up and down the mountains of the Valle d'Aosta in the month of September, during a race that involves climbs and level differences that are more challenging than average and that takes you up beyond 3000 m a.s.l.
You've all read the rules, and you're all experienced trailers, so you know there are some pieces of clothing you should always have in your rucksack.
Obviously, no list of materials is ever completely exhaustive. We each have our own preferences as far as our gear is concerned, but we feel obliged to recommend that you bring a few very important items:
• Jacket: must be waterproof and windproof, and must have a hood.
• Fleece: this is compulsory
• Trousers: trousers must cover your legs until at least below the knee. Bring a pair of overtrousers which, like your jacket, must be windproof and waterproof.
• Hat: must be warm, and must cover your ears.
• Gloves: not just lightweight silk gloves, but also a pair of the type used for cross-country skiing.
• Buff: highly recommended.
For all changes you want to bring with you, when you're given your race number you'll also receive a large, numbered sports bag. You must use this for all changes, and we'll make sure it's available to you at the bases as you move on through the route.
Personal GPS
On the CD you received, you'll find all the gpx trails of the route. If you have your own GPS and intend to take it with you during the race with the trails loaded on it, you will find spare batteries at the bases. Remember, however, to take your own spare with you in case your battery runs out between one base and the next. As an alternative to batteries, which are so harmful to the environment, consider using mini solar panels you can attach to the top of your rucksack.
The route will be marked throughout with little yellow flags with a reflective strip and the initials TDG. The Alte Vie /Haute Route paths are generally all well marked with the classic yellow triangle 1 and 2. In the towns and villages, in addition to these signs, you will find signs and horizontal arrows drawn with yellow temporary paint
How to proceed with your entry
Entries open on 19 February at 9.00 a.m.. All those who have sent in advance entries will have time until 19 March inclusive to conform their participation by adding a 250€ fee to the deposit already paid.
When you completed the advance entry procedure, you were given a code ( 2010TDGP9.........................). You will need this code to access the full entry procedure. If you have lost it, please contact us by email at: info@tordesgeants.it
How to complete your entry
• on the home page of the website www.tordesgeants.it you will find a link that reads “confirm entry”. This will take you to a reserved area
• Key in the entry code you received by email
• this will take you to your personal file
• at the bottom of the page, click on “proceed with entry”
• you can now edit your personal file. Check the info. already inserted it and make any necessary changes
• at the bottom of the page, click on “accept declaration”. You can now complete the entry procedure by paying the required fee.
• at the end of the entry confirmation procedure, you will receive another confirmation email with a new code to access your personal area.
To complete your entry, remember to send (by fax, email or post) a medical certificate attesting to your fitness for competitive running and the liability release you can download from the “Entries” page.
This newsletter is the first in a series you will receive from time to time. You will receive official notification, through these newsletters, of any new developments, including any changes to the rules that might be necessary before the actual race. We therefore advise you to read the newsletters carefully.
Good luck with your training!