Ultra-runner Blanchard to tackle Transat Cafe L'Or in first offshore race

PARIS - Mathieu Blanchard, one of the world's top ultra-runners, is set to embark on a new adventure this Sunday by competing in his maiden offshore sailing race, the Transat Cafe L'Or, alongside New Zealand's Conrad Colman.

"The idea was born many years ago when I was reading a lot of adventure stories, particularly about ocean crossings," Blanchard told Reuters before the transatlantic race from Le Havre to Martinique, once known as the Transat Jacques Vabre.

The chance to take on the challenge materialised in November, weeks after France's Blanchard won the Diagonale des Fous, one of the most prestigious ultra-trail races.

On a visit to the Vendee Globe he met Belgian actor Francois Damiens, who raced in the Transat Jacques Vabre in 2013.

"I mentioned that if I ever had the chance, I would do it," Blanchard recalled.

Soon after, Colman, who also holds American citizenship, reached out to propose the collaboration while he was in the middle of the ocean, during his second Vendee Globe, where he finished 21st with his IMOCA class boat MS Amlin.

"This year is a transitional one for me, allowing me to explore different opportunities before gearing up for the next Vendee Globe in 2028. That's how this unique project with Mathieu came about," Colman, who is a former mountain bike specialist, explained to Reuters.

"I've had a high-level career in another sport, so it's refreshing to draw inspiration from someone with a different perspective."

Preparing for the challenge required intensive training for Blanchard, who finished second at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in 2022. He undertook a mandatory survival course and completed a 1,000-nautical-mile (1,852 km) qualifying route.

"In total, we've spent 20 days sailing together, plus the survival course and lots of theoretical reading," said the 37-year-old athlete.

"I imagined it would be more comfortable, but there's absolutely nothing comfortable about it. It can be violent when the winds are strong, the boat slams hard, it's very noisy, and moving around is extremely difficult."

"I WANT TO BE COLD, SCARED, IN PAIN"

Blanchard, who finished second in the Hardrock 100 ultra-trail race last July, admitted he struggled with seasickness.

"Having experienced pain in my life and sport, seasickness tops the scale," he said. "The pain in ultra-trail races is more targeted, but seasickness affects the whole body, draining all strength. It's very unsettling."

With less than 48 hours until the start, nerves are beginning to set in as challenging sea conditions loom.

"I must admit, I'm not going to play the superhero. I'm very, very scared, but I'm also super excited because I chose to do this and know what I've signed up for," said the south of France native.

Colman plans to shoulder most of the navigation responsibilities in the early stages.

"During the transfer from Lorient to Le Havre, Mathieu struggled to fully grasp the risks and understand the actions of surrounding boats. It's something that comes with experience, and perhaps I initially underestimated this challenge," the Kiwi skipper said.

In the IMOCA class, divided between 13 foil-equipped boats and five older-style designs without these “Dali” foils, Colman is focused on competing within the second unofficial category.

For Blanchard, success in the Transat Cafe L'Or goes beyond rankings.

"I want to experience a great adventure, to feel strong emotions. I want to be cold, scared, in pain, angry, happy, amazed under starry skies," he said. "In my life, I prefer to collect beautiful stories rather than material possessions."

After the race, which is expected to last 10 to 14 days, the pair will reverse roles in Martinique, with Blanchard coaching Colman through the trails of the "Island of Flowers." They may even join one of the races in the TransMartinique trail event. REUTERS