Michel Lanne
wins the TDS®

We took some time with him the day after his victory for a chat. Read the interview to discover the man and the story of his race!

MICHEL LANNE – THE FREE RUNNER

"You never know how it’s going to go, and that’s what motivates me"

Originally from the Pyrenees – you can hear it in his melodic accent – Michel Lanne is an atypical runner. He didn’t like running and entered his first race on a bet with his father.

He just won the TDS (119 km / 7200 m+) this Wednesday, August 30, 2017, after winning the CCC in 2016. Just goes to show... You never know, sometimes it works out on a misunderstanding! – Jean-Claude Duss

LAST NIGHT, THE JULBO TEAM WAS IN CHAMONIX TO SEE YOU AT THE FINISH LINE OF THE TDS. YOU WERE WALKING CALMLY…

(Laughs) Yes, I wanted to enjoy that very special atmosphere at the finish. A victory in such a major race doesn’t happen often! I pushed hard until Les Houches so I could finish more calmly in Chamonix, and I was able to see people I knew in the streets and wave to them.

YOU SEEMED TO HAVE MANAGED EVERYTHING FROM START TO FINISH!

Uuhh (laughs), no, not really. I had lots of highs and lows. When I got to the “Passeur de Pralognan” after a 2000 m climb from Bourg Saint Maurice, I thought I was going to explode. My muscles were so tight. And the lead group was still close together. After that, I managed to push past the physical and mental barrier and could move more freely and take the lead.

At Les Contamines, right before the aid station, there was a flat section on pavement. I think it put me to sleep. At the aid station, I didn’t even notice Mathéo (Jacquemoud, ed.) was there. I couldn’t even talk – sorry Mathéo if it seemed like I ignored you! (laughs) … Then I continued a bit on autopilot and felt better once I was back on the trails.

AT COL DU TRICOT, DID YOU KNOW HOW MUCH OF A LEAD YOU HAD?

Yes, thanks to my father who was sending me text messages that I received on my watch. It sounds silly, but when you’re first at the aid station, it’s impossible to know how far behind the others are. So that was really helpful! I pushed hard until Les Houches, and the rest, you know it!

WAS IT HARD TO WAKE UP THIS MORNING?

Well… there was no waking up. Certain individuals from a certain eyewear brand from the Jura made me drink beers until late (laughs), and then… I couldn’t sleep. Anyway, it’ll take me a whole week to recover from this adventure!

LUCIE, MICHEL, AND MICHEL

BEER, BURGERS AND REST – IS THAT YOUR PLAN NOW?

Yeah, I’m a big foodie! Plus I couldn’t eat well during the race so I have some catching up to do!!

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT RUNNING?

I’m a full-time mountain rescuer, part of the PGHM. I spend my time in the mountains, just like when I was a kid. My job is full of unpredictability – you never know what will happen – you have to accept nature’s constraints. I think it broadens your mind and gives perspective.

WOULD YOU SAY YOU HAVE A MENTAL EDGE COMPARED TO OTHER RUNNERS?

Yes, it’s true that with rescue operations that can last several days in tough conditions, I’ve already faced hard situations. Running with a headlamp at night doesn’t bother me. Being able to enjoy myself in any weather is definitely an advantage.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE WORK, TRAINING, AND RACING?

I work full time so I juggle a bit. With my “patrol,” we’re a tight-knit team of ten people. I don’t have an adjusted schedule because I don’t see myself stepping out of the group to train – that would break the cohesion. And anyway, I don’t have a training plan.

SURPRISING, WHEN EVERYONE’S OBSESSED WITH DETAILS!

It’s not that I haven’t tried, but structured training doesn’t suit me. I go by feeling, you know? For me, the mountains are for pleasure, trail running is a bonus. If I had to choose, I’d rather have a stable, structured job.

You know, I used to feel guilty because I didn’t follow my coaches’ guidelines.

And my life is unpredictable – in my job, we can be called at any time. So strict training just doesn’t fit with my lifestyle or my way of thinking.

YOUR FUEL IS PLEASURE!

Yes, that’s it – the pleasure of being in the mountains.

HOW MANY RACES PER YEAR DO YOU ENJOY?

This season I’ve already done six and I have another one planned for the end of the year. Last year I only did four, but because I had set a too-structured training plan, I couldn’t enjoy myself and raced less.

WE’VE BEEN RUNNING TOGETHER SINCE 2013, RIGHT?

Yes, I contacted Lucie (our sports marketing manager, ed.) and we got along well. I felt Julbo wasn’t a brand that takes itself too seriously. I really like the spirit within the brand. I still remember the shoot we did with Jérémy Bernard at La Tournette – I think the picnic bags were heavier than the camera gear! That says it all!