The picturesque winter wonderland of La Bresse has come alive with the launch of the Grand Prix de La Bresse, which kicked off the Coupe des Vosges this past Sunday. Amid fresh snow and biting cold, athletes took to the snowy trails at the Tour des Roches, competing fiercely to establish their dominance. The event attracted nearly one hundred enthusiastic competitors, though the day was marred by medical emergencies, with three participants requiring hospitalization due to serious incidents on the course.
Despite the harsh conditions, which included slick tracks and snow-covered lanes, local skiers including Antonin Schoeffel triumphed, finishing the race with remarkable performance. The 24-year-old from SC Ranspach led the pack with impressive skill, crossing the finish line with a lead of 40 seconds over his nearest rivals, Rémy Grosdidier and Corentin Jacob. Schoeffel expressed his joy, stating, “I had everything right away with good sensations.” He also mentioned his goal of inspiring younger club members by showcasing what can be achieved through hard work.
Grosdidier, who at 43 years old, finished as the second-placed competitor, took a moment to reflect on the race following the challenging season last year. "It’s important to take the races as they come because there are not many left. I hope we won't have to come and turn around this season," he acknowledged, alluding to the unpredictable weather patterns impacting competitive skiing.
Jacob, another rising talent at the event, has faced his own setbacks recently. Having missed out on international biathlon selections, he is now focused on proving himself again on the national stage, with aspirations of competing at the Junior European Championships next month. "I missed my selection for the international competitions, so I need to prove myself again at the national level," Jacob remarked, highlighting the fierce competition he faces.
Among the exciting performances, the event also witnessed some remarkable milestones, including the participation of Dominique Epp, the oldest competitor at 61 years old, who proudly placed seventh. The women's event saw Juliane Jacob pull off a surprising victory, finishing just 5.7 seconds ahead of Léonie Berna, showcasing incredible talent and resilience among female competitors from the region.
Apart from the skiing events, winter sports enthusiasts also enjoyed the opening of the local ice skating rink, which covers 600 square meters and offers residents and visitors alike the chance to glide on ice during the winter months. Under the wooden hall, the rink officially opened its season this past Saturday, ensuring another layer of excitement for winter sports lovers, with plans to remain operational until mid-March.
The tourism office of La Bresse has issued invitations to residents for Welcome Vacations events this winter, showcasing numerous local activities, tourist offerings, and opportunities for community engagement. With events planned on December 23 and 30, visitors can learn about winter sports, cultural visits, and more, enhancing the popular winter destination appeal.
La Bresse is not just about sporting events; it offers rich experiences and unforgettable memories during the winter season. The commitment from local organizations to support winter sports and tourism ensures the region thrives as both residents and visitors explore the beauty of the snowy Vosges mountains.
With the successful launch of this year’s Grand Prix, the community eagerly looks forward to more winter events, even as they navigate the challenges presented by weather and health. La Bresse is poised to remain at the forefront of winter sports tourism, bringing joy and excitement to the hearts of many.
