As a tribute to Nicolas Petotot, who sadly left us too soon at the age of 44, the organisers of the Natureman triathlon in Verdon, France, have created the Nicolas Petotot Trophy to recognise athletes that demonstrate a fighting spirit.
The trophy will be awarded to the athlete at this year’s Natureman event who makes the most lasting impression on the race officials – at positions along the bike and run routes – as well as with the event’s facilitators and organizers.
The trophy itself will have a turtle symbol, in recognition of Nicolas Petotot’s nickname ‘The Turtle Man’.
Following an unexpected aneurysm, Nicolas Petotot passed away suddenly and tragically in 2012. He originally started triathlon as a challenge to friends in 1999. Over the years he achieved podiums in many races and competed at the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. He was also an accomplished scuba diver and triathlon coach in France.
He married Patrycia in Hawaii in October 2007 amidst the Ironman World Championship – a dream completed after the couple had been together for 20 years.
He was also the Patron of ‘Rêves’ (‘Dreams’), an organisation that helps make and realise the dreams of sick children.
The Natureman organisers note that ‘Nicolas had core values: discipline, education, the right balance with his sporting life, professional and personal achievement. He never yielded to pressure.’
Le cours est belle
The Nicolas Petotot Trophy at the Natureman triathlon in France, aims to keep the athlete’s memory alive and award endeavour for those currently racing.
The event offers up one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. Taking place in the region surrounding the Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon or Grand Canyon du Verdon), in south-eastern France (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence); the 2013 event on 5-6 October promises some stunning scenery and fighting spirit to the finish line…
