National SALOMON circuit 2018: return on the Over The Mountain opening

National SALOMON circuit 2018: opening Over The Mountain at Ventoux

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

2200 runners lined up on 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.

On the 46 km, the density was enormous. The race brought together the French trail team and many teams. Faced with such a high level, one had to be precise in choosing their supports, in managing effort, and in choosing their gear.

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

The winter conditions (-6° at the summit and gusts up to 80 km/h) made this first round particularly spicy. Each runner had to adapt their ascent and descent, manage the ice, and choose a good compromise between protection and lightness. We loved how the young hopes managed to play collectively.

The winners of the Trail Ergysport Ventoux 2018: Marc Lauenstein (SALOMON) for men and Lucie Jamsin (ISOSTAR) for 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, 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 rough sections.

Among the beautiful stories, the first appearance of the Terre de Doubs / SALOMON hope team marked minds: a team composed of cadets and hopes who shone on 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 bag: the refreshments, the jacket, the survival blanket. A good bag can save your race. For that, check out the trail bags from the best brands: capacity, support, and quick access to gels.

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

We can never repeat it enough: the logic of equipment changes according to the weather. In winter, we prioritize insulation, windproofing, and breathability. It's also an opportunity to think about the versatility of the 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, textiles, 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 performant and well-ventilated trail clothing limited energy loss due to micro-thermal shocks.

To equip yourself at your level, we also offer clear markers for choosing your trail gear: distance, elevation, 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 supports: suitable shoes and poles;
• Bag management: quick access to refreshments and layers;
• Lighting: essential if the race can stretch.

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

Field feedback is clear: experience matters, but well-chosen equipment amplifies your performance capital. The rigor of training combined with the right equipment, and you transform a difficult trial into a beautiful controlled adventure.

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

Do you want advice from a passionate person? We offer practical sheets, field feedback, and comparisons tested 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 national SALOMON 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 exchange with the athletes, and above all to come test your equipment in the field. The mountain does not forgive improvisation: prepare yourself, equip yourself, and enjoy.