Thierry first ventured into Arctic environments in 2018. Already one year later he started at the 430 mile race at the Yukon Arctic Ultra, Canada. Which he won. After more winter adventures in the following years, he joined us at our Lapland Arctic Ultra 500km adventure in 2024 and won. This year he wanted to do both, the Yukon Arctic Ultra and then the Lapland Arctic Ultra. Unfortunately, stomach problems in the Yukon meant he could not finish. Pretty much exactly one month after Canada, he stood at our Överkalix start line March 1st. Again with the 500km as his goal. After 150h and 25min Thierry finished and won the 500km race for the second time.
It is always such a pleasure to see him perform. Well prepared, well organised, with an extremely steady pace and having the capability to go unbelievable distances with relatively little rest. At the same time, Thierry is always in a good mood and clearly enjoying the challenge of it all.
He did say at the finish line that he will now retire from winter ultras. If he really does, it was an honor that he picked the LAU as his last long distance winter challenge. BUT we all find it hard to believe and hope to see him back many more times!
Congratulations, Thierry!
Overall rank #2 goes to John Knapp (England) who participated with a fatbike. It took him 154h 25min to reach the finish line. Rank #3 goes to foot athlete Pawel Dregan (Germany). His race was done and dusted after 167h 25min. Pawel did receive a 6 hour time penalty but it did not change his ranking.
More 500km participants have since reached the finish line and more are on their way. With a bit of luck all those remaining in the race will get here before the cut-off on March 11th at 09:38am.