CORSICAN QUEST - PART 2

Kilian’s record breaking run required technical prowess, dedication, tenacity and sheer guts – and, of course, someone to stamp the card…

Any attempt at breaking a record presupposes the existence of a governing body whose role is to oversee and validate the performance. When it comes to the GR20, the FFME (Fédération francaise de la montagne et de l’escalade) are the people behind the all-important tasks of timekeeping and checkpoint controls. They also publish a sheet of rigorous conditions that you need to adhere to for any chance of success. Chief among its members is Paul André Acquaviva, president of the Corsican Regional Committee and instrumental in smoothing out any wrinkles during the planning stage, who was on hand with his stopwatch and official rubberstamp at the very start in Calenzana and the finish in Conca. In addition to clocking in at all the mountain huts on the GR20, five other mandatory checkpoints were strung out along the route, all manned by the FFME. Col di Vergio, Vizzavona, Capanelle, Col de Verde and Col de Bavella all saw Kilian whip out his notepad to receive the essential seal and signature, along with a salutary pat on the back. In the end, it doesn’t matter how fast you go - if these guys don’t see you do it, then you didn’t.