At 34, Franck Le Ven remains a prominent figure in Breton running, though the Saint-Pol Athletic Club member has faced a challenging path back to peak fitness. After struggling with a hamstring tendon injury late last year, the athlete is now recalibrating his goals for the end of the season.
Le Ven Overcomes Injury with Podium Finish at Landivisiau
Le Ven’s recent months were defined by inconsistent form and physical setbacks. Describing the year as “bizarre,” he noted that his training was interrupted by the injury, which caused long periods of discomfort. However, a third-place finish at the Landivisiau 10 km race recently signaled a return to form. The result was unexpected, as he had only decided to enter the race at the last minute after a strong training session at marathon pace the day prior.
During the race, Le Ven maintained a realistic pace, choosing not to challenge the two leaders, Tom Prigent of Stade Lesnevien and Florian Quéméneur of Stade Brestois. He acknowledged their superior form, noting that he was satisfied with his own performance and felt comfortable throughout the duration of the event.
Shift in Focus from Malaga to Taulé-Morlaix
With his recent momentum, Le Ven has opted to adjust his racing schedule. He officially abandoned his plans to compete in the Malaga Marathon, which was originally scheduled for November 8. He cited concerns about his current readiness, stating that he preferred to avoid the risk of hitting a “wall” at the 30-kilometer mark. Instead, he has redirected his training toward the Taulé-Morlaix road race.
Le Ven is now working with his coach to prepare for the upcoming event, with a primary goal of approaching or potentially breaking the 30-minute barrier over 10 kilometers. Despite the high level of competition expected at the race, he remains focused on the experience rather than external pressure.
Perspective on the Upcoming Competition
As he prepares for his second appearance at Taulé-Morlaix, Le Ven expressed a desire to simply enjoy the race. For the athlete, the focus is on building upon the progress made in Landivisiau while continuing to manage his recovery from the injury that hampered his earlier performances this year.
