Baouw : Why did you choose this race as your main objective for the season?
Julien : It's an incredible race. I tried to enter in the autumn and I got in. It's a stroke of luck you just can't turn down!
Baouw : What do you like about this race?
Julien : It's a return to the fundamentals of trail running, with a very rugged course in the high mountains (passages at an altitude of over 4,000 metres). There are around 150 runners at the start in a small village. The scenery is breathtaking and the atmosphere, which is very confidential, is incredible because the few people present are very involved in the event. It's more an adventure than a race!
Baouw : How do you prepare for such an event?
Julien : It's certainly one of the toughest 100 miles I've ever done. The altitude makes it very difficult.
I've done some classic ‘ultratrail’ preparation, adding in as much training as I can at Val-Thorens (between 2,300 and 3,000 metres altitude), as well as a preparatory race in Andorra last weekend (55km / 4,700m D+) with some very wild sections. Andorra is a lot like the mountains of Colorado.
Baouw : What is your objective during the race?
Julien : In all honesty, my goal is to finish this HardRock100. The 3rd for me. If the time can get closer to 25 hours, I'll be really happy.
Banana-kiwi-Vanill,Julien's favourite Baouw! A delicious and healthy treat!
