3-9 September 2016
25,000 m D+ 200 miles Start and Finish Cogne, Aosta Valley – Italy
BREAKING NEWS March 15th 2016
THE JUDGE ACCEPTS THE APPEAL OF VDA TRAILERS AND RESTRICTS THE 4K
Regarding the Tor des Géants ® – Regione Valle d’Aosta issue, The Ordinary Tribunal of Turin – Company Division has accepted the appeal presented by VdA Trailers.The Tribunal of Turin considers the actions of the Region regarding Vda Trailers and the Tor des Géants® to be damaging and harmful and considers the 4K race organized by the Region to be harmful of the rights of VdA Trailers and of the normal operation of the Tor des Géants ®2016, since it overlaps it regarding route, length, altitude difference and duration.
Specifically, the Tribunale prohibits, effective immediately, the Autonomous Valle d’Aosta Region and the Forte di Bard Association from accepting registrations and collecting the related registration fees for the “4k Alpine Endurance Trail Valle d’Aosta” event planned from September 3 – 9, 2016.
In addition, the Tribunal prohibits the Autonomous Valle d’Aosta Region and the Forte di Bard Association from making any reference to the “Tor” or the “Tor des Géants” in the presentation, promotion and publicizing of the “4k Alpine Endurance Trail Valle d’Aosta” event, including the use of the expression and the brand of “Tor des Géants®”.
Finally, the Tribunal prohibits the Autonomous Valle d’Aosta Region and the Forte di Bard Association from engaging in any actions which might hinder the organization or execution of the Tor des Géants®, such as that, in particular, of issuing declarations aimed at leading people to believe that the Tor des Géants®2016 will not be held, or that it has been or will be replaced by another event organized by the Region, or to make declarations regarding the “limited safety” of the “Tor des Géants”.
This decree has become law with immediate effect.
The Autonomous Region of the Aosta Valley is organising an endurance trail running event to be raced clockwise along the Alte Vie 1 and 2 high-mountain trails, at an altitude between 300 and 3,300 msl. A 350 km circuit with 25,000 m. elevation gain which starts and ends in Cogne, in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park.
It was the need to make the best use of all the various synergies involved and to focus particularly on the safety and spectacularity of the competition that prompted the Autonomous Region of the Aosta Valley to launch its own project, taking over the organisation of the event and actively involving the whole territory.
These are the main innovations:
- Obligatory GPS device provided to every runner
- Possibility of participating individually or in pairs
- Greatest possible care taken in laying out the course
- Obligatory small crampons, supplied in the race bag
- Monetary prizes for those who finish in the first few places in the overallrankings according to the Itra Regulations
- Alternative routes available in the event of bad weather
- Random antidoping tests
- Skin Tattoo with the route elevation profileThe competition can accept up to a maximum of 1,200 runners and is a semi self-sufficiency event. In order to enter, athletes must be at least 21 years old in 2016. Accompaniment is permitted, without transport service or transfer of material.The route highlights key elements of the Region’s rich historical, cultural and natural heritage: as well as the famous Fortress of Bard it touches on well- known tourist destinations such as La Thuile, Courmayeur, Breuil – Cervinia, Champoluc, Gressoney and Cogne, and also gives both athletes and spectators the chance to discover some rather less renowned but outstandingly beautiful spots.The most precious contribution will come from the over 2000 volunteers who will be supporting and assisting the athletes along the route and together with them at least 100 mountain experts. A compact group with a single grand objective: to ensure that the race is a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone and that it takes place in the safest possible conditions.
Illustrious, silent spectators of the event, the majestic “4K” of the Aosta Valley: Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso.
The race will take runners on an unforgettable journey amidst the marvels of the Aosta Valley Alps, in the company of warm, friendly crowds of spectators who will be lining the route to cheer them on. An extreme experience awaits them, a real physical, introspective and emotional voyage in which mental as well as physical endurance will be a decisive factor.
4K Alpine Endurance Trail Valle d’Aosta is a tough, fascinating competition, raced in a breathtaking natural setting. Ready to accept the challenge?
Pre-registration opens on the 1st of March 2016 at 12 noon on the site http://www.4kvda.com and will close on the 25th march 2016 at 12 pm. The draw is due to take place on the 26th of March at 1 pm.
The registrations can be accomplished from the 27th march 2016 to the 20eth april 2016.
Individual participation fee: € 550,00
Contacts: info@4kvda.com
As a footnote, I am a little confused! the Tor des Geants despite rumours of being cancelled (?) has gained sponsorship from Montane and (according to the website) is still scheduled to take place in September. 2400m and 330km in the valley Aosta….
More news HERE
IAN CORLESS 
Hi Ian, this is the result of a conflict between the organizer of TDG and the Valle d’Aosta Region. Some say the Region is “stealing” the TDG concept, other argue that it is best that such a race is not only in the hands of a private organizer. I do not know the details, and therefore I can not say who is right, but it seems it is also a question of money… Anyway, it seems peculiar to have two races that are virtually the same being organized in the region. I guess next year there will only be one, and we’ll see who “wins” this local battle..,
Hi Luca, in my opinion and it is one that many agree with, TDG have needed a kick up the butt for the last few years, long before the ‘Canepa’ fiasco rumours have circulated about the problems. Obviously, this is a political situation, what else in Italy 😉 – Bit it looks as though the new race will address many issues that TDG didn’t, most importantly ‘trackers’. Needless to say it’s a mess. Two races of this size, to all purposes on the same course, juts one week apart is crazy. I think you are correct, only one will win but I think the new race may financially succeed through the backing of the Aosta valley. It was only recently that this was released and I quote: “the Valle D’Aosta region in North Italy has decided to withdraw the permission for VDA Trailers to run the ‘Tor Des Geants.”
Ian, where is that quote coming from? When I google those words only your comment shows up.
Wouter I was provided the quote internally, but it should have been made public, I will look into it.
http://www.aostasera.it/articoli/2016/02/18/39302/i-sindaci-con-la-regione-negli-anni-ci-sono-state-carenze-sulla-sicurezza-ci-sara-un-unico-tor
More news : http://www.tordesgeants.it/en/news/vda-trailers-safeguards-tor-des-géants®-and-its-rights
Ian, you are right to be confused. The issue is not as simple as the press release which you have published. Both political and financial issues (maybe better to say disagreements and/or arguments) are involved with the majority of Italian trail runners on the side of the original Tor (organised by the VDA trailers, a private sports/trail running association) and against this new 4KVDA (organised by the President of the Region (Valle d’Aosta) together with the mayors of all the VDA villages and supported by the “Soccorso Alpino” (Mountain Rescue Service).
The ridiculousness of the disaccord can be observed in the fact that this new race will take place just one week before the Tor, in an inverse direction and starting from Cognes instead of from Courmayeur.
If you wish I may be able to put you in contact with the Editor of the largest Trail Running Magazine “Spirito Trail” so that you can get more firsthand information.
Send me a mail if this is something you wish to pursue.
It’s March 1st and the 4K website is still under construction. I cannot register for the race even if I wanted to. This does bode well for the new organizers as it seems they are hastily throwing this together.
I had no problems signing up.
Yes it’s working now.
Here’s the dilemma…I’m on the waiting list for the Tor. Do I sign up for 4k just in case I don’t get in? Tor says they’re safeguarding the race, but can the region revoke their permits? Or do I be a superhero and run both races back-to-back?
Please, see the information below:
THE JUDGE ACCEPTS THE APPEAL OF VDA TRAILERS AND RESTRICTS THE 4K
Regarding the Tor des Géants ® – Regione Valle d’Aosta issue, The Ordinary Tribunal of Turin – Company Division has accepted the appeal presented by VdA Trailers.
The Tribunal of Turin considers the actions of the Region regarding Vda Trailers and the Tor des Géants® to be damaging and harmful and considers the 4K race organized by the Region to be harmful of the rights of VdA Trailers and of the normal operation of the Tor des Géants ®2016, since it overlaps it regarding route, length, altitude difference and duration.
Specifically, the Tribunale prohibits, effective immediately, the Autonomous Valle d’Aosta Region and the Forte di Bard Association from accepting registrations and collecting the related registration fees for the “4k Alpine Endurance Trail Valle d’Aosta” event planned from September 3 – 9, 2016.
In addition, the Tribunal prohibits the Autonomous Valle d’Aosta Region and the Forte di Bard Association from making any reference to the “Tor” or the “Tor des Géants” in the presentation, promotion and publicizing of the “4k Alpine Endurance Trail Valle d’Aosta” event, including the use of the expression and the brand of “Tor des Géants®”.
Finally, the Tribunal prohibits the Autonomous Valle d’Aosta Region and the Forte di Bard Association from engaging in any actions which might hinder the organization or execution of the Tor des Géants®, such as that, in particular, of issuing declarations aimed at leading people to believe that the Tor des Géants® 2016 will not be held, or that it has been or will be replaced by another event organized by the Region, or to make declarations regarding the “limited safety” of the “Tor des Géants”.
This decree has become law with immediate effect.