My first trail run in Cambodia

I didn’t know Southeast Asia very well. I lived in Jakarta for 2 years, but that was a long time ago, I was 6 years old…
Thank you, Laurie, for introducing me to the country of your ancestors. To the temples of Angkor. The day spent with the children of Ptea Clara and the night under the stars with them.

If you’re ever in Phnom Penh, come and visit Sandra Rousseau and her 90 children. Like me, you’ll be touched by her kindness, hard work and courage. She reminds me of Francine Leca. You feel so small in front of these ladies. I know that despite her outspokenness she won’t dare to tell you, but I can: don’t bring crayons or anything, what’s missing here is money.

And to finish with the Angkor Trail. And winning it. To stand on the highest step of a running podium!! A few years ago, I wouldn’t have believed it for a second 😂. Even though I actually won the men’s race, I finished 2nd behind you, Laurie Phai, who spent the whole race dragging me along and spraying me with water. I’m used to 8km, but there, galvanized by the bib, a group of young Khmer runners and a 2-meter-tall Russian, I started off a little fast …

Now I’m back at the shipyard, with my head full of images and dreams, and above all, bursting with motivation to prepare for this Vendée Globe, which is coming up fast!