A PENARTH publican will climb over 5,000m as he takes on a 94km running challenge in the Alps.
Francois Commeureuc-Cherot recently scaled a major peak in life when he was announced as co-owner of the Pilot pub in Penarth.
It seems Mr Commeureuc-Cherot has developed a taste for conquering peaks as, now, he takes on the “tOur-du-Lac” of the Solomon MaXi-Race series.
The MaXi-Race series was born out of a meeting with various sports event organizers in a desire to promote the practice of sports as a facilitator of human exchanges and discoveries.
Maxi-Race set races all around the world from China to Ecuador, however Mr Commeureuc-Cherot has picked a peach of the pile, with the tOur-du-lac, or ‘lake tour’, round the stunning vista of Lac d’Annecy, just South of Geneva, coming with a health warning.
It is says on the website: “We’d like to make you aware of the historic difficulty of the tOur du lac course.
“We don’t want to set a minimum entry level for this format, but please be aware that without adequate and specific training, it will be difficult to complete the tOur du Lac.”
On June 1, Mr Commeureuc-Cherot will have 20 hours to complete the 94km course climbing up over 5,000m of some of the toughest terrain in the world.
Mr Commeureuc-Cherot is a lover of running, which he says clears the mind.
He entered the race with his friend as a personal challenge and has been training by running up and down Pen-y-fan.
On the race, Mr Commeureuc-Cherot said: “I want to thank the Pilot team for supporting me in the training. To our customers, thank you for your good luck messages. My family are behind me and I thank them for their support.
“I guess the only thing left to say is best of luck for me and my mate!”
Pilot wins CAMRAS Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend Pub of the Year 2024
The Pilot holds a special place in the hearts of many people in Penarth.
In January, the pub announced long standing staff member, Francois Commeureuc-Cherot was promoted to director and co-owner, alongside business partner and fellow Frenchman Serge Luceau.
It hasn’t meant too much change at the Pilot, with Monsieurs Commeureur-Cherot and Luceau emphasising operations are carrying on as usual, with a few added continental twists to be introduced over time – such as the wine list getting some valuable influence from the home of wine, France!
Read more on the Pilot
The most recent change has seen the Pilot commended by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).
On the pub, CAMRA said: “While The Pilot maintains its long-established reputation for high-quality food and wine, it has recently increased its emphasis on sourcing and serving up to three high quality ales in excellent condition, along with interesting craft alternatives.”
From everyone at Penarth Times we wish Francois good luck!
Got a story in Penarth? Email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.
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