The BAT RACE 2022 is over ! Thanks to all participants who took the usual challenge to compete in a SUP Race… under the surface of the earth !
The Alpine Lakes Tour has struck a blow again at the start of the season with the return of the BAT Race: the only underground paddle race!
Saturday March 12, 2022, stand-up paddle enthusiasts from Switzerland, France, Italy and even the Czech Republic and Poland had an appointment for this reissue of a world first at Lac de St-Léonard, the largest underground lake in Europe, located in Valais (Switzerland).
The fact of being underground, almost in the dark, gives a very unique atmosphere to this race.
A very feminine race
It’s rare enough to point it out: there were more women than men yesterday at the BAT Race with a very high level!
A paddle tournament
Competitors competed in a tournament with a women’s board and a men’s board. All participants were able to run at least 3 times.
The equipment (paddle, vest, paddles) was provided by the Alpine Lakes Tour’s sporting partner: Red Paddle Co, inventor of the inflatable stand up paddle.
A race in disguise!
The theme was naturally that of superheroes! But not everyone had to be Batman or Batwoman… A special prize was awarded for the best costumes!
The results
Finalists women tournament
- Leilou Spano
- Nicole Angeloz
- Loreline Rossel
- Samelia Perrenoud
- Marie Théraulaz
- Audrey Vassali
Finalists men tournament
- Wolfgang Guetg
- Olivier Comazzi
- François-Xavier Vuchot
- Fabrice Bernoud
- Stéphane Guillermin
- Édouard Favre-Felix
Finalists kids tournament
- Hugo Viguier
- Chloé Fortin
- Jade Vienot Carteret
- Thomas Fortin
The underground lake of Saint Léonard
The underground lake of St-Léonard is located in Switzerland, between Sion and Sierre, in the heart of the Valais Alps. This lake nestles between 30 and 70 meters deep. With a length of almost 300 meters, it is the largest natural and navigable underground lake in Europe. Weakly influenced by seasonal changes, the temperature of the cave is constantly around 15 degrees, that of the water at 11 degrees.
Open to the public from March to October, the lake can be explored by taking part in guided tours on boats with a capacity of 40 people. Original events are regularly offered there, such as aperitifs or concerts on board the boats.
The official opening of the lake to the public for the 2022 season will take place next weekend.
Navigating the lake on a stand-up paddle is totally unique and reserved for this stage of the Alpine Lakes Tour.
