The appointment is set at 5.45am this Tuesday 21st August. Lauriane Bonnamant should try, if the weather still allows, to swim across the Channel
Arrived on Wednesday 15th August in England, Lauriane Bonnamant should start on Tuesday 21st August in a challenge she has been preparing for over two years : to swim across the English Channel. The appointment is made at 5.45 am, and it is only then that the decision to leave will be made, depending on weather conditions. On the eve of her departure, the time was at rest and logistical preparation for this sports trip that should last between 13 and 15 hours, according to the team’s estimates.
In the head of the sportswoman, it is a mixture of excitement and stress that dominates. And the thirty-something, living in Cherbourg for eight years, knows it: the mind will be essential to overcome this ordeal.
“I will really stay in my bubble. I know there will be ups and downs, we will see in the water. To stay focused to the maximum, I do not want to have information on the distance travelled, nor on my time. I do not want that to possibly play on my mind.”
34 kilometres … at least
The shortest distance to connect England to France is 34 kilometres, between Dover on the British side and Cape Gris-Nez on the French side, in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. But Lauriane Bonnamant knows it, the distance may be greatly lengthened:
“We must do according to our pace, weather and currents. In reality, it is rather forty kilometres that is travelled. Some even go beyond.”
At her side, is her sister, her father and also Oliver White, who crossed the English Channel in 2005, will also be present for the encouragement, the refuelling and the advice to the swimmer in the following boat.
She should give her first arm movements early Tuesday and her family will share as much as possible this event through its Facebook page . You can also follow his progress on the La Presse de la Manche website .
