Nicola Volani, a SUP race enthusiast from Riva del Garda, Italy, recently participated in the Alpine Paradise Race, a standout event on the Alpine Lakes Tour. Held on the breathtaking Lake Place Moulin in the Aosta Valley at 2000 meters altitude, this race was not for the faint-hearted, requiring not only physical endurance but also a strong will to reach the remote race location. As someone who only began exploring the SUP racing world in 2022, Nicola shares his insights into what makes the Alpine Paradise Race unique and his determination to return next year. Next stop of the Alpine Lakes Tour: the Very Flat Race, on Sunday October 6!
Ciao Nicola, can you introduce yourself? Where are you from, and how did you get started in stand up paddling?
Hi Mathieu! My name is Nicola Volani, and I live near Lake Garda, Italy, specifically in the northern part, in Riva del Garda. I’m 39 years old and the father of Sophie, who is 14! I first got into the world of SUP in 2019 after many years playing football. Since 2022, I’ve been exploring the world of SUP racing, and it’s truly fascinating. The environment is amazing, and I’ve met so many fantastic people. I’m part of a group of friends called Dark Side SUP, with whom I do stand up paddling, surfskating, and many other sports!
How was your weekend at the Alpine Paradise Race? What stood out to you?
The weekend at the Alpine Paradise Race was fantastic; I would call it an incredible experience. I expected it to be a beautiful race, but the reality exceeded my expectations. I put in a lot of kilometers to get to this race, but it was absolutely worth it. I return home with the strength of a unique experience. I had the privilege of paddling with other athletes in a stunning location. It’s not every day that you get to race at 2000 meters, in the heart of the Alps!
What makes the Alpine Paradise Race unique compared to other events you’ve participated in?
There are several factors that make this race one-of-a-kind. First of all, it’s not easy to get there. You have to drive to Bionaz, a small town in the Aosta Valley, and park near the dam. Then, you have to walk 5 km to reach the Prarayer refuge, where the race is held. SUP boards are transported by boat, which is crazy! So, just participating in this event requires a good amount of determination.
Another incredible aspect is that when you arrive at Lake Place Moulin, it feels like you’re setting off on a mountain hike, but you’re actually there for a SUP race! We’re all dressed and equipped for the altitude at 2000 meters, but we also have all the gear for SUP!
Thirdly, many of the participants stayed at the refuge, so we spent the whole weekend together with people from various nationalities. It was a wonderful experience!
The race takes place at 2000 meters altitude—how did that affect your performance and experience on the water?
Paddling at 2000 meters above sea level is very different from paddling at sea level. Your breathing becomes shorter, and it’s much more challenging. I had to conserve my energy during the long distance race on Sunday, and even during the 1.5 km technical race on Saturday. The weather was cloudy, but fortunately I didn’t feel cold during the races. In fact, the temperature was ideal for pushing myself to the maximum. I actually prefer the cold, as I don’t handle heat very well! The water was very cold, so it was important to stay focused and avoid falling off the board.
Staying in a mountain refuge must have been a special experience. What was that like, and how did it enhance the overall atmosphere of the event?
It was an amazing experience! Staying at the refuge allowed me to connect with many people who practice SUP, sharing meals and accommodations for two whole days. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly, and joyful. I think that was the real highlight of the event—I felt like I was part of one big family! From a logistical perspective, it also made communication among the athletes much easier.
Please tell us about the two days of racing. What were the race formats and distances, and how did you approach them?
On Saturday, there was a 1.5 km technical race, with three laps of the course, including a beach run. It was a tough and exhausting race but absolutely beautiful. Each lap had about six buoys, and the beach run was between two flags.
Sunday’s race was the 10 km long distance event, which involved paddling all around the lake, with buoys placed near spectacular waterfalls. Although it was a long course, there were several buoys to navigate, adding to the challenge.
For the technical race, I gave it my all right from the start, securing a good position on the first lap. I worked to maintain my speed on the second and third laps despite the fatigue, and I finished in 5th place. The technical race helped me realize just how challenging it is to paddle at altitude, and I used that experience for Sunday’s race.
For the long distance, I started cautiously to avoid falling into the water, especially with the congestion of athletes at the first buoy. After that, I found my rhythm and maintained it until near the end. In the last two kilometers, I slowed down slightly due to the altitude and fatigue, but I finished in 12th place with a solid race pace overall.
Was this your first Alpine Lakes Tour event? Are you planning to attend more in the future?
Yes, this was my first time participating in the Alpine Paradise Race. Thanks to some friends who had raced in previous years, I heard about it and signed up. The Alpine Lakes Tour website is easy to use, which made registration simple. I definitely want to participate again next year! It’s an experience I want to repeat and would highly recommend to everyone!
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