Recapturing the Marathon de l’Ardèche Magic with Paolo Marconi

Picture this: a winding river, hidden in the heart of the enchanting Ardèche region of Southern France, with its mesmerizing landscapes, dramatic twists, and thrilling whitewater sections. This is the stage for the Marathon de l’Ardèche, an exceptional multi-craft event that has captured the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. In our exclusive interview, Paolo Marconi, a standout in SUP racing for the past 10 years, takes us on a journey through his memorable experience at the 2022 Marathon de l’Ardèche. While Paolo won’t be part of the upcoming edition on November 10 and 11, his vivid recollections and tales of Ardèche’s magic will inspire all adventure-seekers to explore this unique race, promising an unforgettable, picturesque, and adrenaline-pumping adventure on the river.

Hello, Paolo. The first question that comes to mind is, how would you rate your level of fun and overall experience at the Marathon de l’Ardèche last year?

The level of fun was 100%! Paddling downstream at full speed was incredibly enjoyable, the landscape was awe-inspiring, and the event was enormous! There were so many people on the water, paddling different crafts, and I felt like I was part of a major sports event.

Can you share your motivation for participating in the 2022 Marathon de l’Ardèche, especially considering it was your first time competing in this event?

At the end of the 2022 season, I was seeking a longer race and a different format. I’m always on the lookout for new experiences in the world of stand-up paddling, and the Marathon de l’Ardèche provided a fantastic opportunity. Additionally, the Marathon was the final stop of the Eurotour, making it a great occasion to challenge myself by racing against some of the top international paddlers.

What aspects of the Marathon de l’Ardèche made it stand out as a unique and special race compared to other SUP events you’ve participated in?

Over the last 10 years, I’ve participated in numerous events, but the Marathon de l’Ardèche was my first downriver race with whitewater sections. As I mentioned earlier, the landscape and the number of participants were truly impressive. However, what struck me the most was the race itself. The speed I could achieve while paddling with the stream and the highly technical whitewater sections made my day on the water truly exceptional.

You had the opportunity to share this experience with your life partner, Susak Molinero. How did this joint participation enhance your overall experience?

Susak and I have been traveling the world for the past 10 years, racing and paddling. Coming to Ardèche was particularly special, as we had the chance for a brief family vacation with our son Kilian and Susak’s parents. Besides the race, we had the opportunity to explore the region and discover new places, making it a truly memorable experience.

The Ardèche region in the South of France is renowned for its stunning landscapes. Could you tell us about any particularly beautiful stretches of the 27 km course that left a lasting impression on you?

The race course was beautiful right from the start when we paddled under the rocky arch. Another special memory for me is the final whitewater section, where the speed was exceptionally high, and the stretch was narrow. I had to stay highly focused to avoid any mistakes. However, the most stunning part, in my opinion, was the final few kilometers, where we had to sprint through the mist, fully immersed in an unreal landscape. I believe that’s a memory I will cherish for a long time.

Reflecting on your 2022 participation, what strategies or lessons did you learn that helped you achieve a podium finish, and what tips would you give to a newbie?

As I mentioned, it was my first and only downriver race, so I hesitate to give too many pieces of advice since I’m not a seasoned river paddler. However, I can share that training your legs, staying on your board, and most importantly, having fun are key aspects to a successful race.

Can you describe the organization and atmosphere surrounding the Marathon de l’Ardèche? Were there any memorable moments or surprises that stood out during the event?

The organization was excellent! The event was quite significant, with participants coming from various disciplines. I was impressed by the efficiency of the organizers, who did an outstanding job with logistics. Managing a large number of participants and creating such a successful event is no easy feat. Bravo!

Are you taking part in the 2023 edition?

Unfortunately, I won’t be participating in the Marathon de l’Ardèche this year. I’ll be in Thailand for the ICF Worlds during those days. Nevertheless, I sincerely hope to return in 2024. This year, some of my SUP friends will be joining the event after I shared how much fun it was last year. See you in 2024!

Convinced yet? Get ready for the 2023 Marathon de l’Ardèche!
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