@Alexis Fernet
This weekend the 9th edition of the Gla Gla Race on Lake Annecy took place. A thrilling event, with 800 competitors from 25 different nationalities braving the cold.
Four races, the 3.5km, 6.5km, 10km, and 15km, took competitors through the beautiful landscapes of the Castle of Duingt and the snow-covered summits of the Roc d'Enfer and the Tournette. After a tough battle on the water with runner-up German paddler Normen Weber, Global Athlete Ludovic Teulade won the long-distance race in 1h27mn26s. Ludovic is the only racer to win the Gla Gla race twice in a row, once in 2019 and now in 2023. Congratulations also to Jérémy Teulade who finished at 8th place with the XRS.
The top race of the event, the long distance, consisted of a 15 km round trip that starts from the Village of Talloires, located on the shores of Lake Annecy. The race then continues near the Village of Duingt, known for its beautiful castle, followed by Sevrier and Menthon.
The XRS 14x20 flat water master was a winning choice, proving that it is the top choice for flat racing and competitive paddlers looking to take their performance to the next level.
The win at the Gla Gla was the perfect start to the season for Ludovic, who spent his teenage years on the shores of Lake Annecy, and the SIC Team.
Freezing
"It was overcast in the morning. It cleared up bit by bit, but it was very cold. When we arrived, the thermometer read -7C°/-8C° (266K). On the start line, the wind was light but freezing. Then, the sun came out of the mountains, making the water beautiful. We had nice glassy portions and light chop due to the 3, 4 knots breeze and with all the competitors on the water.”
Final sprint for the victory
"During the race, I stayed focused and calm. From the start, the lead pack made the break with five racers in front. We took turns throughout the race without paddling too hard. At kilometer eight, the pack caught up with us. After the last marker, I accelerated well. I created a small break. I knew that this was the strategic moment of the race. I accelerated to be first at the last mark. I tried to make a good turn at the last mark, but my pad was frozen. I slipped but managed not to fall, resist, and cross the finish line first."
Only Positive!
"I feel good and have mastered the XRS. When I accelerate, I feel confident. I can push hard because I know I am stable. I didn't make any mistakes with the board, which is very positive. It's a great start to the season. The atmosphere of this race is amazing. There were a lot of people. At the finish line, you have everyone shouting along the banks, cheering you on. What a great feeling!"
In a world full of cross-over boards, the XRS race board is a master of one thing - flat water racing.
Purpose-driven, the XRS provides the best possible length to the width-aspect ratio, delivering a stable platform for a racer to power up for speed. The flat bottom with the proportionally wide tail offers this foundation, and with an effective waterline, the XRS allows paddlers to achieve unrivaled acceleration.
It’s a purebred board with a one-track mind: to beat the clock, to win!
Ludovic Teulade on his XRS 14' x 20'
In a world full of cross-over boards, the XRS race board is a master of one thing - flat water racing.
Purpose-driven, the XRS provides the best possible length to the width-aspect ratio, delivering a stable platform for a racer to power up for speed. The flat bottom with the proportionally wide tail offers this foundation, and with an effective waterline, the XRS allows paddlers to achieve unrivaled acceleration.
It’s a purebred board with a one-track mind: to beat the clock, to win!