The three-time winner of the UTMB is now fully committed to thinking about the environment. The Jura native no longer flies, is involved in Kilian Jornet's association and chooses sponsors in line with his principles.
What international athlete can afford not to fly anymore? While more and more professional athletes are taking environmental issues into account in their communication at least, few of them are giving up the ease (and necessity for most) of air travel. However, this is what Xavier Thévenard, three times winner of the UTMB and considered as one of the two best French trailers with François D'Haene, has committed to do. The Jurassien has indeed announced in 2020 his decision not to take any more long-distance runs. "It's not conceivable to say to myself that I'm going to fly 15,000 kilometers to go run on the other side of the planet and do a 170-kilometer trail and come back," explains the man who has already won every UTMB race (UTMB, CCC, TDS and OCC). "I won't go to the United States anymore because I say I won't take long-haul flights. And besides, we have a lot of great races in the Alps or nearby that I've never done before. So let's do those first. I don't need to go to the other side of the world to run. I'm having a great time here. "
It is also with this in mind that Xavier Thévenard joined the Kilian Jornet Foundation. The aim is to raise public awareness of the new outdoor sports. Alongside the Spaniard (who has also announced his intention to limit his air travel), Xavier Thévenard has taken part in drawing up a charter containing a list of tips to help mountain sports enthusiasts reduce their impact on the environment. "With Kilian, we are similar. He's a mountain and nature lover like me," says the Jurassian. "Being in a natural environment is what makes us happy. So we have to take a step in this direction. That's why, with his foundation, we're working on a form of carbon footprint application designed to not exceed a certain threshold each year. "
The latest proof of his ecological commitment, Xavier Thévenard signed with the Swiss brand ON Running at the beginning of January, after 10 years of partnership with Asics. If the Frenchman trains regularly in Switzerland (he lives close to the border where he renovates an old barn with his architect companion, Amélie), it is above all because of the ecological commitment of the Zurich brand that Thevenard went with them. On Running says it does not use virgin plastics and aims to use recycled products in its entire range of shoes and clothing (by 2021, half of the shoes will be made of recycled materials). Finally, the new sponsor of the tricolour runner has also accepted the choice of the runner not to fly anymore. "We are supporting me in this process," confirms Xavier Thévenard. "Currently, On and I are working together to develop 100% recyclable shoes. Today, we all know the current state of our planet, we can no longer deny it. We all have a role to play in preserving all the living beings on this planet, and allowing us to see a better future. There are no small or large gestures. "