Triathlon. In New Zealand, Thomas Mortagne from the Caen Triathlon lived his dream

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Thomas Mortagne will spend the end of year holidays on the other side of the planet. On December 15, 2024, he participated in the Ironman 70.3 World Championships which were held in New Zealand. If he finished the race far from his usual standards, he fully enjoyed the event.

Thomas, we left six months ago, after your qualification for these Championships. So what has happened since then?

Thomas Mortagne: Lots of things! First of all, there was a lot of excitement around this participation. I was able to count on around ten sponsors. My business and those of friends or family members who have activated their network. Which is extraordinary for an amateur athlete. I have, moreover, made posts on social networks to promote sport in the professional environment.

Between work and the preparation I followed for these World Championships, the weeks were very big and very intense, but the challenge is so enormous that it boosts us. This obviously requires adjustments, but I wanted to show that it is possible to combine your professional life with such competitions.

You completed the race in five hours and twenty minutes. Quite far from your usual standards, but what are your impressions?

I arrived only three before departure: too little to be able to digest the jet lag, the temperature and the fatigue of the trip. I was not in the best conditions. Between fatigue and cramps, the race was difficult. I'm disappointed with my time, but I had a lot of fun. My only goal was to be there and cross the finish line. I was able to rub shoulders with great champions like Léo Bergère [3ème des Jeux Olympiques de Paris, ndlr]. The organization was exceptional. The landscapes, the lake in which we swam or around which we ran were magnificent.

“There must have been around three thousand spectators”

Would you say that having participated in these World Championships makes you now belong to a particular category of triathletes?

I wouldn't say that. I see the excitement that this can create in a conversation, that it can make other triathletes dream, but above all I hope that it will arouse desires and that some will say that they too can access it. It is a source of pride to receive the “finisher” cap.

In both the men's and women's races, there must have been around three thousand spectators. It was impressive! All nationalities are represented and we are encouraged based on the club flag or emblem on our suit.

Now that this page has definitely been turned, what are you dreaming of? What are your next goals?

I'm going to take a month's break before participating in the next Ironman in Les Sables d'Olonne with the long distance group that has just been created at the club. I want to share it with my friends.

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