SALOMON National Circuit 2018: Overview of the Over The Mountain Opening

SALOMON National Circuit 2018: Over The Mountain Opening at Ventoux

This weekend, SALOMON was at the starting line for the opening of the SALOMON / Over The Mountain national circuit 2018, set on the slopes of Ventoux. We tell you about the race, the extreme conditions, the heroes of the day, and what it means for your preparation and gear.

2200 runners lined up for the different distances: 46 km, 23 km, 15 km, and a 9 km "special girly". The 2018 edition will be remembered: cold, strong winds at the summit, and stubborn snow that turned the race into a true adaptation laboratory.

In the 46 km race, the competition was fierce. The race brought together the French trail team and many other teams. Facing such a high-level field, it was crucial to be precise in choosing your footing, managing your effort, and selecting your gear.

Before heading out for a winter race like Ventoux, take the time to properly choose your trail poles: they make a difference in technical sections and when your hands seek support in the snow or wind. This detail becomes strategic when the weather turns.

The winter conditions (-6°C at the summit and gusts up to 80 km/h) made this first round particularly challenging. Each runner had to adapt their ascent and descent, manage the ice, and find a good compromise between protection and lightness. We appreciated how the young hopefuls played collectively.

The winners of the Trail Ergysport Ventoux 2018: Marc Lauenstein (SALOMON) for the men and Lucie Jamsin (ISOSTAR) for the women. Marc confirmed his mastery of formats around 40 to 50 km, while Lucie imposed her consistency and power on the cold slopes.

On the men's podium, the battle was tight: Marc Lauenstein finished in 4h00'22" ahead of Ludovic Pommeret, who was twenty to thirty seconds behind, and Romain Maillard completed the top 3. Names that, on this type of demanding course, pay for their experience and ability to manage the tough sections.

Among the great stories, the first appearance of the Terre de Doubs / SALOMON hopeful team left a mark: a team made up of cadets and young talents who shone in the 15 km, winning several rankings. The next generation is here, intrepid and ambitious.

If you want to wear your own colors on a course like Ventoux, also think about optimizing your pack: the aid stations, the jacket, the survival blanket. A good pack can save your race. For that, check out the trail packs from the best brands: capacity, support, and quick access to gels.

Material preparation doesn't stop there. Your feet are the foundation: investing in solid high-performance trail shoes gives you confidence on snow, roots, and rocks. On a technical course, the high fit of a good shoe is immediately felt.

We can never say it enough: the logic of equipment changes according to the weather. In winter, prioritize insulation, windproofing, and breathability. It's also an opportunity to think about the versatility of your kit: you don't take the same jacket for a 9 km summer run and for Ventoux in January.

For those looking for the right price without compromising on quality, there is running gear at the best price suitable for short models and long distances. Favor pieces tested in the field by runners who share your level of demand.

And for those preparing for long campaigns or entire seasons: we regularly offer trail gear at the best price to renew shoes, clothing, and accessories without breaking the bank. Investing wisely pays off in performance and durability.

The women's field was not left behind. Lucie Jamsin won the event in just under 5 hours, ahead of Claire Mougel by 11 minutes. A demonstration of strength and strategy, in conditions where consistency prevails over flamboyance.

During the race, we saw interesting technical choices: ergonomic grips, self-locking laces, technical layers rather than heavy ones. On the textile side, runners who opted for high-performance trail clothing and well-ventilated gear limited energy loss due to micro-thermal shocks.

To equip yourself at your level, we also offer clear guidelines for choosing your trail gear: distance, elevation gain, expected weather, running frequency. This diagnosis saves you from unnecessary purchases and helps you focus on the essentials.

• Weather conditions: anticipate wind and cold;
• Choice of footing: suitable shoes and poles;
• Pack management: quick access to aid stations and layers;
• Lighting: essential if the race may extend.

On the electronic and safety side, don't neglect lighting: a high-performance trail headlamp allows you to stay fast and safe at nightfall or in the white sections at dawn. Battery life, weight, and beam are essential criteria.

Feedback from the field is clear: experience matters, but well-chosen gear amplifies your performance capital. The rigor of training combined with the right equipment, and you turn a difficult challenge into a well-controlled adventure.

We also talk about the ecosystem: races, teams, young talents, and brands. SALOMON confirms its driving role in this circuit, supporting both established athletes and young talents. It's this dynamic that drives trail running forward in France and Europe.

Do you want advice from a passionate person? We offer practical sheets, field feedback, and tested comparisons by our team. We are a team of seasoned athletes: we test, we use, and we select. We speak the truth: no inflated promises, just concrete.

In summary: the SALOMON national circuit 2018 at Ventoux was a tough first round, revealing, and full of lessons. Podiums, young talents, and extreme conditions: a cocktail that puts the fundamentals back at the center. Whether you are contemplative, competitive, or adventurous, there are lessons to be learned for your next outings.

We invite you to read our reports, to engage with the athletes, and above all to come test your gear in the field. The mountain does not forgive improvisation: prepare yourself, equip yourself, and enjoy.