Mathieu Blahard, one the world's best ultra-runners is about to embark on an exciting new adventure by taking part in his first offshore sailing race – the Transat Cafe L'Or – alongside New Zealand's Conrad Colman.

Blanchard said that the idea came to him many years ago while he was reading adventure stories about ocean crossings, especially. This was before the Transat Jacques Vabre, a transatlantic race between Le Havre and Martinique.

The opportunity to tackle the challenge arose in November, just weeks after France's Blanchard had won the Diagonale des Fous - one of the world's most prestigious ultratrail races.

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

Blanchard remembered: "I said that I would do it if ever I had the opportunity."

Colman, an American citizen, proposed the collaboration soon after. He was on his second Vendee Globe with his IMOCA-class boat MS Amlin, and finished 21st.

This year, I am in a transitional period. It allows me to explore new opportunities before preparing for the Vendee Globe 2028. This unique project with Mathieu was born out of that, Colman explained.

It's refreshing for me to be inspired by someone who has a different perspective.

Blanchard had to undergo intensive training in order to prepare for the challenge. He finished second in the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc 2022. He completed a survival course, a qualifying route of 1,852 kilometers (1,852 nautical miles), and a mandatory training.

The 37-year old athlete said, "We've spent a total of 20 days together sailing, plus we took the survival course, and read a lot of theory."

It's not comfortable at all. When the wind is strong, the boat can be very violent. It's noisy, and it makes moving around difficult.

"I WANT to be cold, scared, in pain"

Blanchard, the second-place finisher in Hardrock 100 Ultra Trail Race last July, acknowledged that he suffered from seasickness.

Seasickness is the worst pain he has ever experienced in his life. Seasickness is a much more widespread problem than the pain experienced in ultra-trail racing. It's very unsettling."

As the race approaches, nerves begin to build as sea conditions become more challenging.

"I'm not going be a superhero," I confessed. "I'm scared but also excited, because I know what I signed up for and I did it myself," said the native of south France.

Colman intends to take on the majority of navigational responsibilities during the initial stages.

Mathieu was unable to grasp the risks or understand the surrounding boats during the transfer. The Kiwi skipper admitted that it's a challenge you get used to.

Colman will compete in the second unofficial class of the IMOCA class. This is divided into 13 foil-equipped boats, and five older designs without the "Dali"-foils.

Blanchard's success at the Transat Cafe L'Or transcends rankings.

"I want a thrilling adventure and strong emotions. "I want to feel cold, afraid, angry, sad, and amazed under a starry sky," he said. "In my lifetime, I would rather collect beautiful stories than material things."

Blanchard will coach Colman on the trails of Martinique after the race. They might even take part in one of the TransMartinique race events. (Reporting and editing by Ken Ferris; Vincent Daheron)

(source: Reuters)