Francois Picks Sides

Always the gentleman, François D’Haene posts a lengthy update on his Instagram (the official press release vehicle for micro brands and elite athletes):

I received this email, and I didn’t perceive it as a call for a boycott but as an interesting perspective on what the landscape of trail competitions is becoming.

Kilian didn’t really mean to call for a boycott, it’s not that bad you guys.

Kilian and Zach are right: there are beautiful races elsewhere, and it would be a shame to reduce trail running to the UTMB (and I don’t think that’s what the UTMB wants).

I make sure not to have two similar seasons in a row because changes are the origin of an ongoing motivation. It’s the unknown that keeps the passion away.

It’s good to build your season based on the personal challenges you’re looking for. It’s healthy. No one wants a zero-sum game here. Not even UTMB.

And after 4 years, I’m already excited thinking about the 2025 edition.
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I already know that I will find that unique atmosphere and the numerous trail runners who, like all of us here, will touch their dreams by arriving under the starting arch in Chamonix. That’s how it is!

Francois is in for 2025.