Congratulations! What was the first emotion that crossed your mind as you crossed the finish line in Courmayeur?
As after every ultra, a great sense of pride and accomplishment. The joy of sharing it with a friend too. Even if the fatigue after such an event and two sleepless nights outside makes it all a bit blurry when you cross the finish line. The weather was particularly favorable. I had a wonderful adventure in the mountains.
This duo race was a big gamble. What do you and your partner take away from this shared experience?
Certainly, it was a gamble. But there were two important points that made it work. The first is that we know each other very well. We know when we want to talk, or conversely, to stay in our own bubble. Our level is also quite similar. The second point is that we were already used to doing ultra-trail races together, notably the formidable PTL in 2022 (editor's note: not finished, abandoned at km 210/300), and another race in Switzerland two months before the TOR.
What do I take away from it? First, it's very pleasant, to break the monotony of the ultra, to have a partner to talk to. Then, being two helps us make better decisions about managing our race: stop times, potential equipment issues, preventive care to perform, time barriers. In short, we share what seems important to us.
What do I take away from it? First, it's very pleasant, to break the monotony of the ultra, to have a partner to talk to. Then, being two helps us make better decisions about managing our race: stop times, potential equipment issues, preventive care to perform, time barriers. In short, we share what seems important to us.
Was there a memorable moment — funny, difficult, or unexpected — during those 130 km?
There are so many memorable moments during 40 hours of moving in the mountains.
But I will nevertheless mention the passage at the Col de Malatrà, the last one to cross before descending to Courmayeur. Already, it is quite technical and airy. You have to remain attentive even when you are already much less lucid. Once up there, it's already a first relief, even if there are still 3 to 4 hours of descent to the finish. Between shouts of joy (and even tears of joy for one of the competitors ahead of us), it's a moment charged with emotions. We knew we were going to become demi-Giants!
But I will nevertheless mention the passage at the Col de Malatrà, the last one to cross before descending to Courmayeur. Already, it is quite technical and airy. You have to remain attentive even when you are already much less lucid. Once up there, it's already a first relief, even if there are still 3 to 4 hours of descent to the finish. Between shouts of joy (and even tears of joy for one of the competitors ahead of us), it's a moment charged with emotions. We knew we were going to become demi-Giants!
How did your body (and mind) react after several days of effort? How did COOKNRUN help you? What is your first desire now?
Rather well, for that matter. Even if there were lows and highs, as with every ultra-trail. In addition to flash naps of less than 5 minutes, we managed two rest periods of less than 25 minutes so as not to be completely "gassed" upon waking. This allowed us to maintain the lucidity and energy necessary to go all the way.
In terms of ultra nutrition, the quality of the refreshments lived up to the reputation of the Italians and this race: soups, pasta, and Italian cold cuts were our best allies. I obviously had my COOKNRUN energy bars in my bag to counter any cravings and dips in energy. Thanks to COOKNRUN for this valuable support!
In terms of ultra nutrition, the quality of the refreshments lived up to the reputation of the Italians and this race: soups, pasta, and Italian cold cuts were our best allies. I obviously had my COOKNRUN energy bars in my bag to counter any cravings and dips in energy. Thanks to COOKNRUN for this valuable support!
If you had to summarize this TOR Dret in three words, what would they be?
"See you next year".
Why not come back, and this time become a Giant 🇮🇹
Why not come back, and this time become a Giant 🇮🇹
Photos ©https://torxtrail.com/ / ZZAM Agency - Ph. Roberto Roux / ZZAM Agency - Riccardo Cabella