First launches of the Patrouille des Glaciers canceled
Published: Monday, Apr 15th 2024, 22:10
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The first races of the Patrouille des Glaciers in Valais from Zermatt and Arolla have been canceled. They were planned for Tuesday and Wednesday. The organizers justify the cancellation with the weather conditions, which would endanger the safety of the runners and staff.
The weather situation and the latest forecasts for Tuesday evening, Wednesday and Thursday, as well as the opinions of the experts, led to the cancellation of the Z1 and A1 races, as the Patrouille des Glaciers announced on Monday evening. These are the races that were planned for Tuesday and Wednesday from Zermatt and Arolla to Verbier.
Deteriorating weather from the northwest will cause temperatures to drop, with temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius above 3,000 meters. Gusts of wind of up to 50 kilometers per hour are expected on the ridges and peaks, according to the statement. Despite this, the wet snow at lower altitudes may not solidify enough to allow the patrols to pass.
The dates of the races scheduled for Friday and Saturday (Z2 and A2) will be maintained, as the Patrouille des Glaciers has announced. The Patrouilleurs whose races have been canceled will not be able to take part in the race this weekend as the starting windows are full.
Almost 4900 runners had registered for the legendary run over the snow-covered peaks. With more than 1600 soldiers mobilized, the army takes over the entire organization of the race, in particular the safety of the route and the runners.
©Keystone/SDA
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