Tanguy Renaud-Goud, 21, won the St Hil’Airtour in June, one of only six pilots to complete the week-long 344km adventure race in France. A physical education student at University Savoie Mont Blanc he learnt to fly when he was 12.
After coming 20th in last year’s race he started this year with “no pressure” as he’d already had a good season. “I tried to stay ahead, because I learnt last year you have to.”
The race follows a series of three loops, each time coming back to St Hilaire over seven days. The weather was “catastrophic” for the first four days. “We hiked for miles, trying to make top-to-bottoms. But then it got better, allowing us to make some good flights.”
Crossing Grenoble on foot on the second day was a low point, taking off from the Pointe de Rognier between clouds a high point.
His team included supporter Régis Casset, his parents and friends who hiked with him. “They often reminded me that I was in the lead, and that I had chosen to do this!”
He covered 200km in the air, 312km on the ground, hiking 55 hours overall. His secret power? “Rice, tomato and mozzarella salad, in great quantity!”
His plans include the French Championships, more classic XC comps and, eventually the Red Bull X-Alps. “I am very far from the level of Gaspard Petiot or Benoit Outters, never mind Chrigel. But yes it is the objective! I will try for 2021.”
Tanguy was flying a Supair Wild (EN C), Strike harness and using a Flymaster instrument.
Published in issue 192 (August 2018)
