Radek Havrda was expected to make a counter attack on Wednesday's stage of the Grande Odyssée but instead it was Rémy Coste who led from the gate to the half way stage until being caught by leader Jean-Philippe Pontier who had saved the best for last. The pair were followed by another compatriot Daniel Juillaguet for an all French podium with Havrda coming in fourth.
The teams had to complete a loop of 29km twice including a hard climb. Roman Grenier did not start this stage, putting the well-being of his dog team first after advice from the chief vet. Thursday was effectively a rest day with just the short Megève challenge race this evening in front of 3000 spectators. Rémy Coste, former baker from the chic Haute-Savoyard resort, set the fastest time on the circuit ahead of Radek Havrda. The event is not part of the overall race.
With weather conditions not suitable for touring we relocated to the Vercors for the Foule Blanche but we'll be in le Feclaz tomorrow for the fifth stage. This is the first time the Grande Odyssée has visited this part of the Savoie and the resort of le Grand Revard has contracted the event for the next three years. The weather forecast is for snow and rain.
