Published on 18/10/2024 20:44
Reading time: 1min – video: 2min
2024 edition: the arrival of Mathieu Blanchard
The 2024 edition of the Grand Raid was marked by the impressive arrival of Frenchman Mathieu Blanchard. Recognized for his exceptional performances, he crossed the finish line after 23h25’02” of racing.
The Isérois raised his arms in Saint-Denis on Friday, after covering the 175 kilometers of the race in 23 hours and 25 minutes.
He enjoyed a triumph in Saint-Denis de La Réunion. Mathieu Blanchard crossed the finish line of the Diagonale des Fous first, Friday October 18, with a time of 23h25’03”. On a course 175 kilometers long (ten more than in 2023), with more than 10,000 meters of positive altitude difference in the Reunion jungle, the native of Cavaillon washed away the disappointment of the Ultra-Trail Mont-Blanc, during which he had abandoned a month and a half ago due to an injury to his tendon. ‘Achilles.
“What I perhaps preferred was the atmosphere. The Reunion Islanders are very authentic in their joy and in their desire to share and encourage. It does the heart good, we receives good energy which allows us to fly on the trails”declared the 36-year-old ultra-trailer in Réunion la 1ère.
2024 Edition: Mathieu Blanchard “it was totally unexpected”
For the 2024 edition of the Grand Raid, Mathieu Blanchard shares his feelings on his significant victory, saying: “It was totally unexpected.” Moved by this performance, he also evokes the incredible atmosphere of the Reunion Islanders who encouraged the runners throughout the course.
He succeeds another Frenchman, the Savoyard Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz, who gave up this year after the terrible climb of the Maïdo on the list of winners of the toughest race of the “Grand Raid”. Starting early Thursday evening, Blanchard was in the lead for almost the entire race. The Swiss Jean-Philippe Tschumi and the American Ben Dhiman should complete the podium in the evening.
Related News :