"We plunged into the unknown": two friends from Monaco and Beausoleil complete an ultra-trail around Mont Blanc

A few days after completing the highly competitive "Courmayeur - Champex - Chamonix" race, the two friends are still struggling to achieve their goals. "I had trouble enjoying the finish because of the pain in my knees, but it's a great sense of pride and pleasure to have completed this race. It was an extraordinary experience," said Nicolas Vial, 33, the only Monegasque taking part in the event. "I still haven't fully realized it... I was very sore for two days, but now I'm feeling better," added his friend from Beausoleil, Quentin Brondeault, 34.

2,000 experienced runners and 500 dropouts

The two companions set themselves the challenge of completing the "CCC." The little sister of the premier competition: the Mont Blanc ultra-trail. And the finale of the annual circuit. A demanding 101-kilometer course through Italy, Switzerland, and France, with a positive elevation gain of 6,050 meters. No less. As proof, out of more than 2,000 participants, all professionals and seasoned amateurs, nearly 500 dropped out along the way.

"It was a big challenge for us," Quentin Brondeault begins. "We're used to doing 50-kilometer trails. We did two last year, including one in Nice. This allowed us to be selected to participate in the CCC this year. We did a good preparation, especially around Mont Agel, and then we plunged into the unknown," he continues, having also participated in the prestigious Berlin Marathon with Nicolas Vial last year. This diligent preparation allowed the two friends not to suffer too much during the day and night of the crossing. Well, a little, anyway.

Extreme conditions… but appreciated resupplies

"For my part, I had a pretty positive start to the race, even very positive. I was in good shape, I completed 70km during which I didn't feel tired. Then, when I arrived at a refreshment point after these 70km, I started to have pain in my knees, to have digestive problems... the last 30 kilometers were really very complicated," says the Monegasque. "For my part, it was hard to get going. At the start of Courmayeur, you arrive almost immediately on a small path. This causes a funnel effect and traffic jams. It took me 40 minutes before I could really begin the adventure. Once you get past this obstacle, you are captivated by the mountains and the landscapes," says Quentin. "During the second part, which was completely at night, we had wind, snow, and cold rain; it was truly an adventure. The organization switched to a severe cold and storm kit before the race. I was a little apprehensive because I had never run at night, but it was smooth, the path was well marked, everything went perfectly [...] my mental strength allowed me to go all the way."

An extreme trail to which we must add another factor: the weight on the shoulders for 24 hours.

"Just in water, I already had 4 liters on me. I think we must have been carrying six to eight kilos. In the bag, we had a waterproof jacket, a second skin, a survival blanket, a headlamp, compotes, energy bars..."

Despite everything, the two friends were able to refuel at the refreshment points, which will clearly remain in their memories. "Every 12-15km, we had refreshment points. And there, it was a royal buffet! We were really spoiled. Whether in Italy, Switzerland or France. A little charcuterie, mountain cheese, and it gives you a boost to face the cold," recalls the Beausoleil resident.

At the start of the Mont Blanc ultra-trail next year?

Nicolas Vial completed this "CCC" in 24 hours and 8 minutes, and Quentin Brondeault in 25 hours and 25 minutes. Ranking 1168th and 1389th respectively. A great performance that calls for more... why not this time in the legendary Mont-Blanc ultra-trail event.

"I wasn't initially keen to attempt the UTMB. Because it meant staying on the circuit, doing more races. But after experiencing this race with such an atmosphere, you finally said to yourself that doing the complete tour of Mont Blanc might be worth a try..." , concludes Nicolas Vial, who, in the meantime, will go and try the famous Chicago marathon.