Suffering from multiple sclerosis, Natacha Burg will take part in the Lévézou triathlon with Alexis Bernat, an athlete from Millau

Le projet est né il y a maintenant près d’un an. Midi Libre – Laura Vaillant

On August 31, Alexis Bernat from Millau will accompany Natacha Burg, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, in a new sporting challenge: the Lévézou triathlon.

The people of Millau know her well. Natacha Burg was one of the torchbearers in the passage of the flame in the city of gloves on May 13. The former goalkeeper of the Toulouse football club, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, had been chosen by the community to represent the Paralympic Games. However, even before he wore the symbol of the Games, a new sporting challenge was already blossoming in his mind: completing a triathlon.

Not stingy with this type of challenge, the 42-year-old from Millau started in 2018 with the iconic 100 bornes de Millau race. A distance covered in a chair adapted for running. The former footballer has also participated in the Viaduc race three times. Not to be outdone, new desires for adventure are born. “I said to myself why not a triathlon, says Natacha Burg. And why not the one in Villefranche-de-Panat which was not a dream but rather an objective."

So, a year ago, she met Alexis Bernat through mutual friends. “I am a volunteer firefighter so I knew Louise Villemagne from the Lucio association. I had told her about my desire to take on a sporting challenge while supporting a person with a disability.” Originally from Saint-Affrique, the man who has been swimming since he was a child arrived in the city of gloves a few years ago. And since then, he has been competing in the surrounding area. “I like Millau because of the outdoor sports,”, argues the 34-year-old from southern Aveyron. As if it were obvious, the two profiles met, and the adventure began.

Running will be the most accessible stage for both athletes. DR – Alexis Bernat and Natacha Burg

Promoting paratriathlon

In particular through the steps taken last September with the Rodez 12 Triathlon club. The format presented by the two Millavois did not fit into any category of the races offered by the event. However, things were going to change. "I was contacted again by Nicolas Bocq, president of the club, who was excited by the idea."

“We are an aware club” since we have four people with disabilities in our ranks, explains the president from Rodez, himself in a wheelchair. It therefore seemed logical to us to open this sport to people who cannot practice it. And sport in general, for that matter."

So, everything was done to make this day in Villefranche-de-Panat a sporting moment. Volunteers, referees, specific arrangements, it remained to find the appropriate equipment in order to cover the distances of the S format in a way that was both optimal and comfortable. Namely, 750 meters of swimming followed by 20 km of cycling before finishing with 5 km of running.

“The boat, I had some apprehensions. But it went well,” says Alexis Bernat. DR – Alexis Bernat and Natacha Burg

Material barriers to practicing the discipline

After a few meetings, the equipment was finally found. As for swimming, Alexis Bernat will tow, with the help of a climbing harness, an inflatable boat kindly lent by the outdoor sports company Roc & Canyon. The most difficult part remains the bike stage with a vehicle recently found from a private individual. Homemade, it will be rented a week before the event. The 20km training can then begin.

Some adjustments will be necessary for Natacha Burg to be comfortably seated. DR – Alexis Bernat and Natacha Burg

So little time to prepare. But the two Millavois affirm it: “The goal is to finish with a smile, for both of us. We don't do it for the time” . A kind of foot in the stirrup finally, allowing to test the equipment and make the necessary adjustments before seriously considering a new sporting project. “I spoke to him about an Ironman in three years” , smiles Alexis Bernat. “I answered yes, in two years”, continues the South Aveyron woman.