‘I’m here to win’ – Rémi Bonnet primed for a repeat at Mont-Blanc Marathon

Saying he’s “well rested and well trained”, Swiss superstar Rémi Bonnet can’t wait for his Golden Trail World Series return this weekend at the Mont-Blanc Marathon, an event he won in great style last year.

The overall men’s winner in each of the last two seasons, he’s missed the first three races – which saw two wins for Patrick Kipngeno and one for Kilian Jornet – so is looking to make up for lost time.

‘The rest did me good’

He told the GTWS’ Mickaël Mussard: “I’m feeling good! I’m in shape and motivated to be back at the Golden Trail World Series. It’s been a while since I’ve pinned on a bib for a big race, so I’m looking forward to it.”

As to why he waited for the fourth race in the series, he explained: “I think I needed to rest mentally. Physically, I still felt in good shape after the winter season, even though we had a big World Cup season.

But I felt that mentally, I needed to release the pressure and rest, and it did me good!

“I think I’m well-rested now and well-trained.”

Eyes on the double

And ominously for his 2024 rivals, he added: “We’ve done a lot of volume at the beginning of the season, which I wasn’t necessarily able to do in previous years. So, I think I’ll be in better shape and hold up better over the distance.”

Pressed as to whether he feels stronger than last year, he said: “On marathon distances, yes. I think I’ve been able to do a lot of volume, so I’ll be a bit stronger at the end of the races. We’ll see how it goes, but at least the sensations are good and all the indicators are green.”

Given which it’s no surprise at all that he’s aiming to be back with a bang with a win in Chamonix.

“I’m here to win, that’s clear. I want to do the double and try to achieve a great time like last year. The level increases every year, and you never know who will be in form or who might be the underdog, but I want to run my race and see where it takes me.”

Elazzoui a threat?

The winners of the GTWS races so far this season – Kipngeno and Jornet – won’t be in opposition on Sunday but we’ll be getting Rémi’s views on that stellar duo between now and the next race at Sierre-Zinal.

But one man he will be up against is Elhousine Elazzoui. So what does he make of his form going into the race?

Rémi told us: “I think he has gained confidence; he has seen that he can win races, and it suits him. Before, he was there but would wait for others and wasn’t too bold to go off on his own. Now, I think he understands he can win, and that changes everything for him, so he will certainly be stronger than last year.”