The Patrouille des Glaciers weekend was much more than just a mountain competition for two young teenagers, Simon Corthay and Elias Besson. Originally from Bovernier and Le Châble respectively, these two pupils from the Orsières OC experienced an unexpected adventure when they took part in the Patrouille des Jeunes(PDJ) together in the U16 category, even though it wasn't obvious that they would both be taking part in this competition.
The PDJ, a springboard to the stars of ski mountaineering
The Patrouille des Jeunes is a unique adventure opportunity for young people aged between 10 and 20, whether they are novices or experienced mountaineers. Bringing together participants from the Valais and beyond, the PDJ offers a warm and encouraging atmosphere, fostering team spirit and discovery of this exhilarating sport. Each edition, with its varied and majestic courses, attracts a large number of participants, as evidenced by the 444 runners who took part this year.
After a busy cross-country skiing season, Elias was reluctant to sign up, preferring to take a sporting break. Simon, for his part, had initially signed up with another partner, but unfortunately suffered an injury a few days before the race. Carried away by the collective enthusiasm for the event, Elias agreed to take his place. And so it was that the two young athletes found themselves paired up by chance of circumstance at the start of the PDJ on Friday 19 April, with Elias taking part for the first time and Simon for the second.
From a passion for hockey to a love of the mountains: Simon's path to the PDJ
For Simon, taking part in the Patrouille des Jeunes was an obvious choice, and he took advantage of his break after the hockey season to take up this mountain challenge. This winter, he played in the Swiss U15 selection and the Valais-Wallis Future U15 Elite team, demonstrating a promising talent on the ice. When he's not busy with his sporting commitments, Simon likes to explore the mountains in sealskins with his family. However, his busy schedule limits these outings to just a few a winter. Despite his lack of ski-mountaineering experience, Simon approaches the PDJ with confidence, strengthened by his rigorous physical preparation and his passion for competition. Always striving for excellence, he is constantly looking to surpass himself and push back his limits.
A race against time: Elias ready for the challenge.
With five days to go before the competition, Elias still didn't have any equipment. However, thanks to the generosity of his cousin Arnaud Gasser, a well-known figure in the Swiss ski mountaineering team, he was able to benefit from quality equipment and clothing worthy of the greatest athletes. Two days before the event, on Wednesday afternoon, accompanied by his father, he was able to test his equipment, practise handling it and briefly reconnoitre the route. Elias, an accomplished athlete at the regional Nordic ski performance centre, is in good physical condition and, although he is not a ski-mountaineering specialist, he is confident that he can tackle the race with complete confidence.
A novice duo united by a passion for sport and a competitive spirit
Although they had never had the opportunity to train together, apart from a few sports sessions at school in Orsières, Simon and Elias quickly found themselves on the same wavelength. Both with a competitive spirit and a passion for intense effort, they immediately found common ground. Without knowing whether they could compete with the best, and despite their lack of experience in this discipline, they went into the race determined to give it their all. Their similarities are striking: they find it hard to slow down and are fully committed to any sporting activity that comes their way, especially if it's hard work. However, this youthful enthusiasm can sometimes play tricks on them.
D-Day
The dawn of the competition is approaching and the excitement is palpable in the two young athletes. Ready to take on a hundred teams in the U16 category, they are preparing themselves mentally for the ordeal that awaits them. Their Cycle d'Orientation teachers hand them their number 693 bibs. There's a slight air of tension in the air, with everyone wondering whether they'll be able to live up to each other's expectations and keep up with the favourites. Despite their doubts, they communicate briefly to adjust their race strategy, though their exchanges remain rudimentary.
The starting gun sounds and the competitors set off, determined to maintain a hellish pace throughout the race. The formidably efficient favourites quickly opened up a gap, leaving several minutes for their pursuers.
As they made their way along this legendary course, a convivial atmosphere spread thanks to the popular teams. Lively discussions and laughter abound between the different groups. It's true that the event is tough for everyone, but there's a palpable joy in every runner's eyes. It was a magical day, with a rather cloudy sky, which added a touch of mystery to the atmosphere, making the experience even more unforgettable.
Simon, master of the climbs, Elias, king of the descents: a perfect symbiosis.
Despite their inexperience on this type of distance, the dynamic partnership between the two boys quickly became apparent. Simon, tough and tenacious, takes the lead on the climbs, while Elias, agile and fast, takes charge on the descents. However, at the start of the race, their enthusiasm led them to set off a little too quickly. Elias, aware of the sustained pace set by Simon, was reluctant to keep up. For his part, Simon realises that maintaining this pace would expose them to premature fatigue over the remaining distance. With intelligent effort management, they quickly adjusted their tempo to conserve their energy and face the challenges ahead. The course, comprising three climbs, two portages and 4 descents, tested their endurance and resilience. Despite a few moments of fatigue, their perseverance and team spirit carried them through to a remarkable performance that saw them finish third on the podium. They are delighted with their achievement, but their thoughts go out to their injured team-mate who was unable to share in the adventure.
The magic of shared effort
Far from being proud of their result, they are savouring this moment in all humility, grateful for the efforts of each of them and for the good fortune that has smiled upon them. Over and above the sporting victory, it was the team spirit and enthusiasm for a hard-wearing sport that truly triumphed.
A grand finale for the Patrouille des Jeunes
The day culminated with the revelation of the results, following the same protocol as the Patrouille des Glaciers: the same podium, enlivened by the presence of the army and its brass band, bringing a majestic conclusion to this 5th edition.
