Grand Raid: Leslie Nowicki wins the Trail de Bourbon in Reunion

The Caledonian champion took advantage of a first experience on the Grand Raid to win the victory in the 100 km individual race which took place between Cilaos and Saint-Denis de la Réunion. A masterstroke.

First experience on the Grand Raid and first victory for Leslie Nowicki. Registered on the Trail de Bourbon, the Caillou trail runner completed the 100 km of the race in 16 hours 39 minutes and 34 seconds. A 14^e place in the general classification which delights the Caledonian. “It went well because I finished alreadydeclared the champion at the end of her crossing of Reunion Island. I really came here to finish it above all, I didn’t have a race goal. It’s my first 100 km so I really came for the discovery”she continued.

“It’s a great trail, a great island”

The Trail de Bourbon, the second longest individual race after the Diagonale des fous with its 100 km and 6,090 meters of positive altitude difference, starting from Cilaos, crosses the three cirques before reaching the Redoute stadium in Saint -Denis via La Possession and Colorado. This last passage complicated the race for the Calédonienne who, despite “perfect” weather for the majority of the course, had to take a particularly slippery path due to the rain which fell in the area. Leslie Nowicki nevertheless dominated the competition and recorded at the finish more than 40 minutes ahead of her closest competitor, the Reunionese Marion Zaradzki, 2nd female (17 hours 19 min and 21 sec) therefore and 21st in the general classification. Chloé Mériel finished third in 17 hours 45 min and 14 sec.

“I was told that there was a great atmosphere. I really don’t regret coming because it’s true that it’s a great trail, a great islandadded the Caledonian who took advantage of the Grand Raid to meet family there. The people are welcoming, the volunteers are adorable, there’s nothing to say.” she concluded.