FEEDBACK FROM : GREGOIRE CURMER, 1ST GRAND RAID REUNION 2019
"I was so excited to be on the start line of this beautiful race once again! It was a great pleasure to run this legendary race with the big names of the trail and I could´t wait to get started as soon as I stepped foot on the island. I love the landscapes of this island and the amazing people that encourage you throughout the course.
In the beginning, I didnt push too hard, knowing it is a long and hard race, I preserved my energy and kept calm. However everything changed when I arrived at Cilaos at the 68km mark where I was informed that I was in the lead group. So I decided not to put any pressure on myself and just focus on continuing my race and doing my best to get ahead, without using too much physical energy because I knew there was still a long way to go at that point of the race. Luckily I actually had really good sensations all the way, feeling strong all the way which also helped me to stay calm and not panic at all.
I am very happy with this performance I see that the years of work and sacrifice finally has paid off! Winning this race was a dream for me and for sure I am going to come back to try and repeat my victory!"
FEEDBACK FROM : LUDOVIC POMMERET, 2ND GRAND RAID REUNION 2019
"10 years ago I raced my first 100 mile race here at Reunion Island where I finished 2nd place. Five years later I returned and finished 2nd again.
This year I was not feeling so good at the beginning of the race so I focused on keeping my pace. When I get lost I was between 2 groups alone. After 10-15 min I was feeling that I was not on the right route, but as there was race signs it seemed very strange. Finally I decided to go back but I see other racers few minutes later that told me that it’s the right way…. there’s race signs!!! I continued with them but the downhill was too long and we were not yet at the aid station where we should have been. So I decide to go back… even if I crossed maybe 50 runners, I continued and finally one of the runners that had saved the race route on his watch, confirmed that we were off the track. I couldnt believe my luck…another GRR!!
It was hard to get motivated again, but finally I was there for racing and I had my family, friends, and my team mates that count on me… I didn’t know at this moment time several of the favourite runners made the same mistake.
I continued my race pushing maybe a little bit more at the beginning, until I returned to my race pace. The weather was really fresh, so I put my hurricane jacket, 2 shirts and gloves… keeping them until sunrise.
I discussed with some runners now I’m never alone, After Mare a Boue, I was with Renaud Rouanet and Martin Kern. I stay with Martin during 15 hours and we had time to discuss and exchange a lot. That was good, as it was his first GRR, so I explained to him the next steps and we were helping each other to keep fighting. Unfortunately Martin eventually dropped with an injury, but I continued on with Nicolas Riviere. We tried keeping a good pace until the end.
So this was a great race even if I could never expect to reach Gregoire that did a really good race. I’m satisfied with my race…even if it looks like I will always remain the 2nd place finisher of the Diagonal des Fous."
FEEDBACK FROM : DAVID HAUSS, 6TH GRAND RAID REUNION 2019
"Before the race I was very calm. Everything went well in the last stages of preparation and then spending 3 weeks at home in Reunion before the race was very refreshing. Even before the start of the race I was very relaxed to participate in a big party… more than a race for me. It was a really good feeling.
Shortly after the start, we went clear quickly with 3 runners including myself and Jordi Gamito. After counting 3 ‘ahead at the 1st checkpoint, we lost track together with another race of the Grand Raid circuits… It was after 2am and the 2nd refuelling. We then descended really far down before noticing that we were wrong because the course was still marked by the other race! Jordi then abandoned and we went back at a fast pace in the opposite direction. I made 8.1km and 500D + and went from Leader of the race to 416th place at the checkpoint Notre Dame de la Paix, 1H after the passage of the 1st! I was consumed with frustration but I tried to remain focused on my pace despite everything and keep the goal in my mind to continue to catch up to the lead. It was very hard to accept this error, so early in the race. The end of the race from Possession to KM145 was complicated because mentally I had nothing left to try to reach the leaders. I only wanted to reach the finish line while maintaining my 6th place.
I’m very happy with the result and the way I ran. I did not give up and always believed in the podium because I knew I was well prepared. The race takes place at home here in Reunion and I was really supported throughout the course…It was a great!! But it is difficult not to regret this error and all this frustration of having to go back. The organisation was once again not up to scratch as several incidents took place on the different races of the WE. I think I have paid a lot for this extra use of energy towards the end of the race.
Congratulations to the winner and to all the finishers, it was an edition that will be remembered".
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