OCC: Strategy Guide & Split Times

Course analysis: sprint and walls

Unlike UTMB where long-term management is key, the OCC demands sustained threshold or tempo intensity.

• Champex – La Giète : First major difficulty. Starting too fast from Orsières is a common and costly mistake.
• Trient – Catogne : A steep climb often exposed to the sun. Many runners crack here due to heat and intensity.
• Vallorcine – La Flégère : The final major climb. Save energy if you want to finish strong.

Intensity strategy

Aim mostly for Zone 3 (Tempo) on climbs. The shorter race duration (8–10 h) favors fast sugars (gels, drinks), as high intensity often limits solid food digestion.

Split times – Example 9h30