Tag Archives: Francois d’Haene

Julien Chorier – GR20 attempt

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October 12, Julien Chorier will attempt to break the record for crossing the GR 20. This is Julien’s first experience of running a solo challenge like this. Depending on weather conditions, the attempt may take place on the 11th or 13th.

The GR 20 hiking trail crosses from the north to south of Corsica between Calvi and Conca. It is a long mountain route of 185 km and has an elevation gain exceeding 14,000 meters. The previous record held since 2005 by Pierrot Santucci in 36:53:5 was beaten in 2009 by Kilian Jornet and he set a new benchmark of 32:54:2.

“The GR 20 says Kilian Jornet has a beautiful layout with large technical trails and an uneven background of beautiful mountain views and the Mediterranean Sea. I could enjoy the journey and views even if the last few hours were very hard because of the distance. I like the competitive spirit, the strategic aspect, the 100% commitment and tactics compared to other routes or races. In a record there are many variables with or without assistance, pacer or not … and it’s hard to be fully engaged if you’re not very focused. I hope Julien has fun and the weather is kind. I think he’s ready, he is a good friend and I hope there will be a new time to beat on the GR 20 from mid-October!”

  1. Calenzana
  2. Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu
  3. Refuge de Carrozzu
  4. Refuge d’Asco Stagnu (Haut Asco)
  5. Refuge de Tighjettu
  6. Bergeries de Ballone (alternative to Tighjettu)
  7. Refuge de Ciottulu di i Mori
  8. Castellu di Verghio (alternative to Ciottulu di i Mori)
  9. Refuge de Manganu
  10. Refuge de Pietra Piana
  11. Refuge de l’Onda
  12. Vizzavona
  13. Bergeries de Capannelle
  14. Col de Verde (alternative to Prati)
  15. Refuge de Prati
  16. Refuge d’Usciolu
  17. Refuge d’Asinao
  18. Col de Bavella (alternative to Paliri)
  19. Refuge de Paliri
  20. Conca

Julien Chorier, Team Solomon explains his reasons for the attempt.

“This is the most legendary GR de France. The challenge in Corsica is a project a little more personal. You need to get involved: contact with the right people, recognize the path, analyze each sector, implement the whole strategy and logistics … An opportunity also to acquire more experience managing an effort of more than 30 hours. ‘

Julien had the opportunity to hike on some areas of the southern part of the GR 20.

“It was a first time to learn about the most technical parts of GR, including the north section and meet up with the people who will accompany me. The northern part is very technical, I will have to be careful and I do not try to go too fast in this sector. I can retrieve a lot of time in the southern section providing I am still fresh ‘
Other potential difficulties are the weather. If it rains the rocks will be slippery. Night vigilance must be optimal in order not to get lost and not to fall.. Julien has never done this type of solo effort over a long period.

“I hope to be ready physically and that I have given the course respect for its severity. I will also be accompanied by friends who know the route because it is their training ground every day. I think for example  William Peretti and his wife, Stephanie Semper, who is the previous female record holder.”

The female record was conquered in July 2011 by Stephanie Semper 50 h 52 min 10 s. Emilie Lecomte set a new record on June 22, 2012 with a time of 41:22:10 and you can read an interview by Niandi Carmont here

In his attempt, Julien Chorier be assisted by a team of guides and guards all coordinated by William Peretti and other runners. Among them, fellow team mate François d’Haene. Logistics will be handled by Solomon.

Julien says “It is very tiring. It’s a huge psychological challenge. Support is crucial to maintain a proper pace and keep me on track despite fatigue. Based on Kilian’s times, my team help will allow me to monitor supplies and equipment”

Benchmarks
Julien Chorier, Team Solomon, was born October 16, 1980 in Saint Martin d’Heres.

He won the 2011 160 km Hardrock Hundred Endurance Run, the 163 km Wide Raid Meeting, 80 km Ultra-Technitrail Tiranges. In 2012 he won 156 km of the Ultra Trail du Mont Fuji and won the 100 km from Zugspitz Ultra trail and second in the 73 km Trail Citadels.

‘Get Ready’ S3 EP 10 – UTMB

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Another great video from the ‘Get Ready‘ series of films that feature The North Face and possibly one of my favourite ultra runners of all time, Sebastian Chaigneau.

Seb running up Notre Dame de la Gorge

Seb is a great guy. He always has time to talk, chat, relax and give advice. We have actually a 60 minute interview with Seb ready to transcribe and and edit for Talk Ultra, so we must aim to get that out soon…

This film captures the 2012 The North Face Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc.

As you may know, I was at the race and managed to catch up with Francos D’haene, Lizzy Hawker and Mike Foote after the race. You can listen to the interviews HERE or HERE on iTunes.

Seb the day after the race keeping his eyes protected

I spoke with Seb after the race and he told me how his vision disappeared and how frightened he became. I’m glad to say he is recovering well.

Here is a great movie that captures the atmosphere of UTMB 2012.

Episode 17 Talk Ultra

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Episode 17 is one seriously stacked show and somewhat a departure from our typical show format.

You can listen to Talk Ultra via the following methods

iTUNES   LIBSYN   WEBSITE   MP3

I have been travelling to several races and therefore it would seem ridiculous to concentrate on just one interview when I can get soundbites from so many. In some respects, this is what Talk Ultra is all about. An audio magazine bringing you up to the minute chat as it happens within the ultra world.

The show is dominated by two races. The Skyrunning Trofeo Kima (report here) and of course The North Face Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc.

Trofeo Kima was a wonderful race and I had the honour to catch up with Kilian Jornet before the race.

 

After the race I chatted with Andy Symonds, Nuria Picas, Philipp Reiter and Emelie Forsberg.

 

 

 

I was at the UTMB at the invite of Vibram and as such I was following the race from a Vibram perspective. This allowed me to see the workings of a Pro Team from within.

In addition to this it also allowed me a great opportunity to chat with and discuss the race. In this weeks episode you can listen to four Vibram Trail Running Team members. The section of the show starts at : 00:56:10 (timings are approximate):

  • 01:00:15 Francesca Canepa 2nd overall in the ladies race at UTMB 2012
  • 01:11:15 Ronan Moalic 20th overall UTMB 2012 
  • 01:17:55 Beppe Marazzi 
  • 01:27:45 David Gatti 

In addition to the above, you can read an article on Francesca Canepa HERE

You can also view a story in pictures of the UTMB from a Vibram perspective HERE

UTMB also allowed me an opportunity to catch up with 3rd place, Mike Foote, mens winner Francois D’Haene and ladies winner, Lizzy Hawker.

  • 02:50:45 Francois D’Haene winner of the 2012 UTMB
  • 02:54:30 Mike Foote 3rd place in the 2012 UTMB 
  • 02:58:30 Lizzy Hawker, 5th time winner of the UTMB and the queen of ultra running

 

Hope you enjoy the show !

 

 

UTMB 2012 quick review

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Well, the rain came, the snow fell and the course was quite rightly considered too dangerous to send so many runners to potential harm. With rain forecast for all of the race evening, snow above 1600m and possible drifts with -5 temperatures the TNFUTMB organisation decided to cut short the route to 100k, keep it below a certain altitude and keep the whole race in France. Using a ‘sort of’ figure of 8 loop the runners would go out and come back on themselves primarily through Contamines and Les Houches and then finish as planned in Chamonix.

Of course this is not what any runner wanted to hear. All the money, all the time training and focussing on a target race for it all to be removed at the last minute. If this was the first time then we could all say ‘bad luck’! But unfortunately this is the fourth year in a row the race has had problems and although they cannot control the weather and I do believe they made the correct decision I can’t help but wonder why they can’t plan ahead and have a ‘safe’ longer route available as an option.

Certainly the lack of a longer route saw pre race favourites, Julian Chorier and Iker Karrera defect from the race. Juian heading to the GR20 and Iker doing a ‘flyer’ to make the start of the GoreTex Transalpine race at 2100hrs that very same day.

However, a very good field remained with Francois d’Haene, Jonas Buud, Mike Foote, Csaba Nemeth, Jez Bragg, Sebastian Chaigneau, Miguel Heras, Carlos Sa and Kaburaki amongst others ready to fight it out in the dark and wet.

In the ladies race pre race favourite, Lizzy Hawker looked ready and happy to run. Emma Rocca, Krissy Moehl, Amy Sproston, Rory Bosio, Francesca Canepa and Katia Fori all took to the start.

Lizzy Hawker set her table very early and never let up. I saw her at Notre Dame de Gorge and she was running a gradient others walked. She was pushing hard, so hard she never came out of the top 20 overall. Lizzy took a great win in 12:32:13 and was 16th overall. Following in second place was Francesca Canepa from Vibram. She ran a strong consistent race and took an excellent podium slot behind Lizzy in 13:17:01. Emma Rocca filled the vacant podium slot in 13:23:37.

Lizzy triumphant for a 5th time

In the mens race Francois d’Haene took the lead out of Contamines and slowly pulled away. My tip for the shortened race was Jonas Buud. I felt that 2:22 marathon speed and WR 100m time would play into his hands and allow him to runner quicker in the final stretches of the race. Not so! Francois finally finished with a 30 minute lead in 10:32:36 leaving Buud in 2nd with 11:03:19. Revelation of the race was super talented Mike Foote. He ran easy for 30k saying he was thinking of quitting. At 50k he felt much better and then just speeded up. In doing so he moved from way outside the top 10 and just kept picking runners off until he finished on the podium in 3rd in 11:19:00.

Francois on the climb Notre dame de Gorge

Notable drops was Seb Chaigneau who was lying in 4th place and with just 10k to go dropped due to problems with vision. Jez Bragg dropped early with stomach issues and Miguel Heras dropped too.

In the ladies I guess the big looser was Krissy Moehl but in real terms she has had a super crazy calendar and to perform at UTMB was unlikely.

RESULTS

MEN

  • François D’Haene 10:32:36
  • Jonas Buud 11:03:19
  • Mike Foote 11:19:00 
  • Carlos Sa 11:22:39
  • Csaba Nemeth 11:37:18
  • Jean-Yves Rey  11:43:48
  • François Faivre 11:51:32
  • Arnaud Lejeune 11:53:17
  • Sébastien Buffard 11:57:47
  • Tsuyoshi Kaburaki 12:03:04

LADIES

  • Lizzy Hawker 12:32:13
  • Francesca Canepa 13:17:01
  • Emma Roca 13:23:37
  • Rory Bosio 13:43:10
  • Katia Fori 13:58:25
  • Magdalena Laczak 14:07:50
  • Fernanda Maciel 14:12:01
  • Amy Sproston 14:13:35
  • Emelie Lecomte 14:35:54
  • Nerea Martinez 14:58:59

View my photos Faces of UTMB here

Faces of UTMB

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A series of people, faces and experiences from the 2012 UTMB.

Starting at 1900 in Chamonix the race took a shorter route of 100k and remained in France covering 6000m+ of vertical gain on a very wet, snowy and cold night. These images tell the story of 15 hours following the race.

UTMB pre race

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With just over 24 hours to go to the 2012 TNF UTMB here is just a quick look at some of the contenders for this year’s race.

One important factor is the weather!

The race organisers have been tweeting, texting and posting as much as they can about the severe weather that is predicted over the race weekend. It would now appear that a ‘mandatory’ 4 layers of clothing will be required.

Forget being lightweight! Finishing anyone of the races this year in Chamonix may very well come down to how good your kit is.

Australian, Mick Donges has just posted a last minute blog and writes:

“The forecast is snow down to 1800m, temperatures on the high mountain passes are -10 degrees and they are saying 4 layers of clothing is necessary. They are predicting severe and dangerous weather.”

Will the course be shortened I guess may very well be one big question. My gut reaction is no! Lessons have been learnt from previous years and I think the process of ‘pre-warning’ via text, email and social media is all in attempt to ensure that all participants are prepared. The 2010 shortened race made the UTMB organisation re look at mandatory kit and increase what was required for 2011 and 2012. It would appear that they are now ‘adding’ to this kit pre race to compensate for worsening conditions. Having said that, safety is paramount and should conditions become extremely dangerous I am sure they will have no issue in ‘pulling the plug’ and I agree and support that.

The LADIES

Firstly, Ellie Greenwood has moved down from the UTMB to the CCC and I predict a win for her! The terrain on this course may not be what she is used too but the cold and snow is something she is well practiced in and actually I think she may even welcome it!

Krissy Moehl is the course record holder and loves the UTMB but she has had a busy year with Western States, Hardrock and mow UTMB. She knows what is needed on this course and she has the invaluable experience. If she is fresh she will be up at the front with Lizzy Hawker.

Amy Sproston has placed well at Western States but UTMB is a whole new ball game for the 100k-world champ and I have to say she may well be in for a surprise.

Rory Bosio is another achiever at Western States but as was shown last year in the men’s race, UTMB is not Western States! I think Rory may be up at the front but not contending with my ladies prediction…

Lizzy Hawker loves the course and I wouldn’t bet against her. I spoke to her at Sierre Zinal and she was racking the training and was running the UTMB course in 2 days as ‘training’. She has some issues with her back but even with this issue, the mountains are her playground and she will take the win barring disaster.

Emma Rocca from Spain is maybe a little more suited to the UTMB as she has a multi-sport background and is a ski mountaineer.

Katia Fori from Italy has been top 10 at UTMB before and will once again contend.

Finally, Meghan Arbogast will toe the line. Another great 100k runner, Western States finisher and 2nd at KFK50 but as I keep saying… UTMB is nothing like those races and I can’t help but think the terrain and cold weather will play against the American field

The MEN

Dave Mackey has moved down to the CCC and Mike Wardian is out of the race due to a stress fracture. To be honest I don’t think either of those removals will make any difference to the UTMB outcome. Both are great runners but not in contention on this course.

With Kilian Jornet not taking part (or will he?) the field this year is maybe a little more open.

Jez Bragg after winning the shortened race in 2010 hasn’t fulfilled his potential but this may be his year. He didn’t race as he wanted at Western States but that may well have been a good training run for the UTMB. He is super motivated.

Seb Chaigneau after 3rd last year told me that this may be his last UTMB but he recently had a bad accident and damaged his knee. He will start the race but who knows what implications this will have, He knows the mountains, he knows the course and he is tough. If the knee causes no problems he will be up at the front.

Julian Chorier is the hot tip. He is in great form and meticulous in prep for the big races. With the Salomon Team behind him they will be going into this race with a plan. A plan to win.

Other Salomon athletes such as Iker Karrera who placed 2nd in 2011 will also be chomping at the bit and we may well see Chorier, Karrera and Francois d’Haene all running together to help each other along until the latter more decisive stages. Francois d’Haene has a good year this year and he will be in the top 10 if all goes well.

Nemeth Csaba from Hungary placed 4th last year and knows the race well. He has finished multiple times in the top 10 and I guess he only needs a ‘perfect’ year to move onto the podium or take the win. He did after all finish 2nd in 2006.

Tsuyoshi Kaburaki, Carlos Sa and Patrick Bohard all paced top 10 in 2011 and return to the 2012 race. Although Kaburaki finished behind Sa and Bohard you can’t help but think a good race will move him up the field and place him top 5. In 2009 he was on the podium in 3rd and the previous year he was 4th.

Jonas Buud from Sweden is super quick and his 100m-world record of 12:32 confirms that. But just like Ian Sharman, this speed doesn’t translate to the high mountains. He has won the Swiss Alpine Marathon though. He may make top 10 but not top 3.

I am still uncertain if Miguel Heras is running. If he is he will be up at the front and may well take the win but he has had a mixed year. My outsiders are a couple of Aussie – Jim Villiers and Clarke McClymont. Clarke is running the race for the first time but having met him, chatted and discussed him with a close friend he may just create a surprise…

I will be in Chamonix over the race weekend and provide updates and news as and when I can.

Without doubt an interest race lies ahead.

New Horizons for the ISF

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Another important step marks the rapidly changing face of skyrunning as the ISF takes on the 100-mile distance.

The rule was approved at the ISF AnnualGeneral Assembly which took place in Spain on July 6 during the SkyGames®.   Members representing the 22 countries in person or by proxy attended the meeting, chaired by President, Marino Giacometti.

The new Secretary General was elected in the form of skyrunner Nina Dacanay from the Philippines who no doubt will bring, among her many qualities, competence and efficiency together with a strong passion for promoting the sport.

New blood on the Management Committee includes Evgeny Kolchanov (Russia), Ian Sharman (Great Britain) and Fabio Menino (Italy) – all three runners.   In fact, key runners were elected to stand on the Athletes’ Commission, namely Anna Frost (NZL) Joe Grant (USA) together with Fabio Menino and Ian Sharman.   Their input will be invaluable in the development and strategy of the sport and to represent a voice for runners everywhere.

The athlete has always represented the number one focus for the skyrunning management and, at the beginning of the season, a seminar was held on the island of La Palma, Spain, with a view to gaining insight from the sport’s principal players – what runners really want and how they would like to see the sport develop.  “Less Cloud. More Sky” was the title, emblematic of the new horizons skyrunning aims to explore.

Running legends representing different disciplines, countries and brands attended the three-day seminar from May 14 – 16, together with a number of the most representative media outlets from four continents.

Representing the ISF were president Marino Giacometti and VPs Lauri van Houten and Dr Sergio Giulio Roi.  The superstar athletes attending were: KilianJornet, Iker Karrera, Anna Frost, Seb Chaigneau, Maud Gobert, Francois d’Haene, Thomas Lorblanchet, Florent Troillet, Gustavo Reyes, Csaba Nemeth, GiulianoCavallo and Americans Anton Krupicka, Mike Wolfe, Geoff Roes, Joe Grant, Ian Sharman, Nick Clark, Nikki Kimball, Transvulcania winner Dakota Jones and World Mountain Running champions Max King and Marco De Gasperi…..

For a new generation of runners the skyrunning past, illustrated with slides and videos, was an eye-opener. The topics examined included:  the social media phenomenon, sponsorships and the industry – how these relate to the runners – and back to the industry; why a federation was created; how it interacts with the athletes; and the federation’s spirit and values.

The feedback from runners has proven invaluable in indicating the way forward and, just two months later, in giving runners a place and a voice on the Federation’s Management Committee and Athletes’ Commission.

Thanks to the success of “Less Cloud. More Sky” another seminar is programmed for 2013.