9h29’29”: much more than a time

The Médoc Atlantique Frenchman XXL will remain a profoundly significant adventure.

Not because it was my first XXL triathlon (it wasn’t) but probably because this edition had something different. Something more intense, more demanding, and more human as well.

9h29’29”.

That’s the time it took me to complete the 3,800 m swim, the 180 km bike ride, and then the final marathon.

A time that represented much more than a sporting performance. Behind it, there were months of preparation, constant adjustments, moments of doubt, a lot of discipline… and this constant desire to reach for something greater than oneself.

The goal was clear: to finish in under 10 hours.

And then, as the day went on, without really calculating, without actually thinking about the time, this sub 9h30 became possible.

A long, demanding… and vibrant day

The swimming quickly set the tone.

From about 1,500 metres, the lake became hostile: torrential rain, waves, loss of visibility, blurred markers… around me, the tension was rising. Some swimmers began to panic.

In those moments, there is ultimately only one thing left to do: keep calm. Breathe. Keep moving forward.

I emerged from the water in 1h16’22”, relieved, but already aware that the day was going to demand a lot mentally.

Then comes the bike. Two loops of 90 km where the sensations are surprisingly good. The weather calms down, the body responds, and the mind does too. The first loop passes almost naturally in 2h16’, averaging 39.5 km/h.

The second lap is more difficult. The wind picks up. The legs slowly begin to understand that the day will be long. But paradoxically, it is often in these moments that everything becomes interesting: when you have to stop enduring and start managing your effort intelligently.

I finally complete the 180 km in 4h44’35”, with an average of nearly 38 km/h.

And then comes the marathon.

That very particular moment when you never really know how the body will react after so many hours of effort.

The sun finally arrives. The atmosphere becomes incredible. Supporters shout your name every 50 metres, the encouragement literally carries the body when the energy starts to wane.

I set off by feel, around 4’30/km, without looking at the watch too much. The first three loops pass almost unconsciously. The last one requires more concentration. The thighs burn. The calves do too. But at that moment, the pain becomes secondary. The mind takes over.

And internally, a certainty appears: nothing can stop me from reaching that finish line.

I finish this marathon in 3h16’35” (4’39/km), for a final time of 9h29’29”, in 55th place in this XXL edition.

What sport reveals

With a bit of hindsight, I realise that this type of event goes far beyond the simple sporting framework.

Because at its core, an XXL triathlon is mainly about:

• commitment,

• consistency,

• energy management,

• clarity in difficult moments,

• and the ability to move forward for a long time without losing sight of one's goal.

Qualities that are also found greatly in professional and entrepreneurial life.

For several months, I have been developing new projects, new ambitions, with the same desire to build for the long term, to fully invest myself, and to give the best of myself with sincerity and determination.

This race reminded me of something essential: the most beautiful results do not come from a spectacular effort made in one day. They often come from an accumulation of small actions repeated consistently, even when no one is watching.

And ultimately, whether in sport, in professional projects or in human encounters, it is often commitment, passion, and the ability to endure over time that make the difference.

A huge thank you to all the people who encouraged, supported, or shared this adventure closely or from afar.

Thank you to Lille Triathlon for its incredible energy throughout the day.

Thank you to my family.

And a special thought to my sister, with whom I shared part of this preparation, and who also achieved a superb performance in 10h31’31”, with a magnificent 8th place in the women's category.

The adventure continues.