David Hauss sets new record on the ascension of Piton des Neiges in 4h41

From 4th place at the London Games in 2012, to double winner of the Trail de Bourbon (2016 / 2017) the talented all-rounder tells us more about this record achieved under strict control, in 4h41 for the ascent and the round trip in 8h58'.

What was the route? The distance? The previous record? What time did you envisage?

I had already thought about this record a few years ago, but it was difficult to place this in my schedule in any "normal" year. So following the cancellation of the GRR I decided to take on this route, to beat the record for the climb and set a time on the round trip, returning to my starting point.

I started on Sunday October 18th from Pierrefonds then the Entre-Deux, the Dimitile via the zebra path then the Jacky Isnard path, the Kervéguen hillsides, the Caverne Dufour gîte and the summit of the Piton des Neiges at 3070m. I knew 75% of the route but had never done the whole thing before or even a recon, so I went by my feelings…. 73km round trip for 4000D+.

The old record of 4h52 was held by Jeannick Boyer since 2014 and Julien Chorier in 2018 had run it in 5h06. My goal was to complete the climb in 4h45.

Why this project? How important was this route for you?

I chose this route because it was the one used for the sea-summit record attempts but also because after Dimitile it's one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the island, while running along Cilaos by the top of the circus ramparts.

The route is very ever-changing with asphalt to start with, then; forests, lots of tree roots, very hilly single tracks and technical paths with volcanic rock on the summit.

Can you tell us how you felt along the way?

I started at 5.30am in the morning to avoid the heat and profiter beautiful morning colours.

I made a fast start on the asphalted section because this part of the route gave me an advantage and allowed me to better manage my effort afterwards.

I monitored my timing splits by the minute, remaining in control of my feelings for the first 2 hours.

I started to feel the effects in the higher altitude, so I had to lower the pace to ensure I could finish strongly. I lost a few precious minutes on my lap times but still 5' ahead of the record. The important thing was to pick up the pace as soon as I could and to smooth out my effort as much as possible. I never felt too bad and always in control of my sensations and paces.

Can you tell us about your preparation?

I didn't do any particular preparation for this record as I arrived on the island only 6 days before. I only ran about 15 kilometres to get familiar with the climate and the course. As I was in need of orientation, I decided to go with my feelings on the day of the climb.

How was the logistical support organised?

On the day, I had the benefit of having 5 people on the climb, to provide me with supplies and support along the route. I also had 2 friends who ran with me along the route and refuelled me during the race. It was a good choice because on the one hand I was able to be focused in the effort to handle the hard parts, but with still enough support to give it everything on the summit. I also had a team of 6 people who followed me along the route, to make a film which will be released soon…

What is your programme for the rest of the season?

For now, I have no races planned. I want to get back to my family, to spend the winter and prepare the next season.

Which products were the most important for you for this challenge?

During my challenge, I decided to be as light as possible, apart from my personalised outfit.

I chose not to wear a bag but only my FreeBelt to put gels and bars and 1 flask which I refilled throughout. I also used the Full Socks Oxygen to drain my legs as much as possible during the ascent. It was again a very good choice.

I am happy to put my name to this ascent and to have been the first to make this round trip between the sea and the top of the highest point of the Indian Ocean.