I am sure Jim Walmsley and the Coconino Cowboys will start fast from the gun

Ryan Sandes returns to Western States 100, but this year as a pacer of François D'Haene. We've talked to him about what he expects in Squaw Valley.

Ryan, this year returns to WS100 after your victory in 2017. Has it been difficult to give up trying to win again?
Western States is one of my favorite races but I knew I would not be recovered enough from the Himalayas to race it properly. I am sad not to be racing it this year but I hope to be back next year. Most importantly I am very excited at the opportunity help my Salomon team mate Francois and share his Western States experience with him.

You will be in California, but like pacer/crew of François D’Haene. Is new for you?
Yes this will be my first time at WS100 pacing but I am really looking forward to the new experience. I hope I will be able help Francois and I am sure I will learn a lot from Francois too.

Both, François and you, have the experience of previous participations. Exists a “perfect plan” to win WS100?
Francois is an amazing athlete and he has prepared well for WS100. I will meet him in California later today and then we can start planning from there. I am very excited for Francois but no, the plan for win no exists 🙂

Last year you knew how to be patient and wait for your chance and win. Is the strategy that must be followed François? Do you think that Jim Walmsley will attack from the start again?
I am sure Jim and the Coconino Cowboys will start fast from the gun. I think for Western States this year it is going to be important to run your own race but not let the leaders get too far ahead of you. I still believe the real race starts from Forest Hill and you need to have good legs to be able to run from there. I think Francois needs to be in contact with the leaders at Forest Hill (100km) and then start racing from there.

What will your work be exactly? Crew or pacer?
I am pacing Francois but I will also help with crewing etc where I can.

 

 

François D'HaeneRyan SandesWestern States 100
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