In a remarkable display of athletic prowess and mountaineering skill, French climber Benjamin Vedrines has shattered the record for the fastest ascent and descent of Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak. The 29-year-old rising star in the world of mountaineering achieved the feat on Sunday, beating a mark that had stood for more than a decade.
Vedrines, known for his relentless pursuit of challenging climbs, reached the summit of the 15,771-foot (4,808-meter) Mont Blanc in just 3 hours and 49 minutes, and then completed the descent in 2 hours and 22 minutes, for a total round-trip time of 6 hours and 11 minutes. This blistering pace eclipsed the previous record of 6 hours and 52 minutes, set in 2007 by Kilian Jornet, the renowned Spanish ultrarunner and mountaineer.
The young Frenchman’s accomplishment is a testament to his exceptional physical conditioning, technical climbing skills, and unwavering mental fortitude. Vedrines, who hails from the Haute-Savoie region of France, has been ascending Mont Blanc since his teenage years and has developed a deep understanding of the mountain’s treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
Speaking after his record-breaking run, Vedrines expressed his elation and gratitude for the support of his team. “I am overjoyed to have set a new speed record on Mont Blanc,” he said. “This achievement is the result of years of hard work, training, and dedication, and I couldn’t have done it without the invaluable support of my team. They have been with me every step of the way, and their guidance and expertise have been instrumental in helping me push the boundaries of what is possible on this iconic mountain.”
Vedrines’ feat has captured the attention of the international mountaineering community, with many hailing him as the new face of French alpinism. His record-breaking performance on Mont Blanc is expected to inspire a new generation of climbers to push the limits of human potential on the world’s highest peaks.
