UT4M Ultra Tour Des 4 Massifs 2021 Preview

Posted on July 12, 2021 by talkultra

The 9th edition of the Ut4M (Ultra Tour Des 4 Massifs) will take place in July 2021, 15th – 18th after missing the 2020 edition due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Alpine Trail based in and around Grenoble, just 1-hour from Lyon has the tagline, ‘where the magic happens’ and no doubt there will plenty of magic as runners participate in one of the 13-races on offer over an incredible 4-days.

The main event is the 160km which has two options and in many ways, sets the stage for all the other events that take place, as the shorter event utilise sections of the 160km route.

As the name suggests, the 160km route takes in the complete Ultra Tour Des 4 Massifs either in one go, starting at 1600hrs on July 16th or over 4-days, starting at 0800 on July 15th. The remaining 3-stages utilise the same routes as the Ut4M 40 (4 days and 4 races) routes.

Also on offer Ut4M Master 100km, the Ut4M 80 Challenge, the Ut4M 20 challenge comprised of 4-races and finally, the Ut4M 10.

Synopsis:

Ut4M 160 solo and 4-day challenge encompasses all that is on offer in the stunning area of France and provides a full 360 all encompassing experience. Departing from Seyssins and in the first section, Pic Saint Michel, Vif and Uriol will be experienced.

Connex is the start of the second massif and the Pas de la Vache is the highpoint of the whole route before Rioupéroux concludes this section.

Croix de Chamrousse in the heart of the Belledonne massif is welcomed in the third Massif, here, it is high mountain terrain with rocks, akes and snowfields. The Pra refuge will be expreinced and the Col du Loup at 2400m.

The final massif starts with the Manival, then the Faita pass followed by Chamechaude, the highest peak of the Chartreuse massif. Sappey-en-Chartreuse, Col de Vence, Mont Rachais and finally the Bastille before the arrival in Grenoble.

Ut4M Master is a classic 100 km long distance that encourages trail runners to t0 spend a night in the heart of the mountain! First, the Belledonne massif known for its steep trail and technicality. Then the Chartreuse massif with its dense forest that in bad weather will test everyone.

Ut4M 80 Challenge is a new challeneg that begins with the Vercors massif and a long climb towards Moucherotte and descent towards Lans-en-Vercors. Pas de la Vache and then a vertical kilometre climb will test all. The finish in the Chartreuse massif passing by the St-Eynard fort offers an exceptional night view of Grenoble and its metropolis.

Ut4M 40 Series breaks down the Ut4M 160 route to 4-stages that may be taken individually or, they make up the Ut4M 4-day challenge.

Ut4M 20 Series offers 4 races in the Vercors, Taillefer, Belledonne and Chartreuse – A perfect way to discover either part of a mountain range or a distance for novices in trail running. Each of these races allows different profiles: ascending or descending, day or night, rocky or single track.

Ut4M 10 starts and concludes in Grenoble. An event for anyone, young or old.

Statistics:

The Ut4m 160 covers 172km with 11330m of vertical gain. The 4-day races starts at 0800 on July 15th along with the Ut4M participants and then follows the daily timings of the Ut4M 40 races.

The Ut4m 160 solo event starts 16th July at 1600 hours.

The Ut4M Master has a total distance of 98.9km, 5930m of vertical ascent and starts July 17th at 6am.

The Ut4M 40 races start at 0800 15th July along with the Ut4M 160 4-stage race and then each day, 16, 17th and 18th at 0700. Distances are 42km per stage and ascent of 2700-3400m.

The Ut4M 20 series has 600 to 1900m per stage over 20kms and they start at 10am on the 15th, 0900 on the 16th, 1000 on the 17th and at midnight on the 18th.

The Ut4M 10 has 300m of ascent and depart July 17 at 1400 hrs.

Full details and information available HERE

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adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Long Term Review

Posted on July 5, 2021 by talkultra

I have just retired my adidas Terrex Speed Ultra shoes…. Looking at the photo above, you may well be thinking that this is going to be a harsh look at how the shoe has lasted long term! For perspective, please read my adidas Terrex Speed Ultra shoe review first.

Look different when new – adidas Terrex Speed Ultra

I received my Terrex Speed Ultra in February and now 4-months on and 834km later they have given up! A recent 5-day trip to the mountains of Jotunheimen in Norway and 168km of rocks, snow, ice, mud and harsh terrain pushed them to the limit and over. Even on the final day of 33km with the right upper torn, the shoes performed perfectly.

Recent fastpacking trip to Jotunheimen, Norway – Perspective on the terrain.

I am reluctant to retire them!

Without doubt, the Speed Ultra have not only been a highlight shoe of 2021, but they are a highlight shoe in my collection of run shoes, and trust me, I have many, many pairs.

Until the recent run trip, the Speed Ultra was holding up really well, the upper showed little deterioration and the Continental outsole, while showing wear on key strike points, was still good.

Some may say that they want more life out of shoes than 800km. Not me, I am super happy with 800km and especially when the ride and feel is as good as it is in the Terrex Speed Ultra.

I have not found a shoe yet that comes close to the Terrex Speed Ultra that manages to combine grip, comfort, flexibility and pure enjoyment. No matter what terrain, this shoe has been awesome.

On road, they have excelled. Modelled on the Boston 9 road shoe, you can feel the adidas road shoe experience here, but, I would go as far to say that on road, I have preferred the Speed Ultra over the Boston. Alternating them, the Speed Ultra gave me more fun and more bounce – a real winner.

On trails, the Continental grip has been superb offering secure confidence on rocks, roots, and hard trail in the wet or dry. It’s not an aggressive outsole, so if you encounter lots of mud, there is a compromise to be made.

The toe box was wide allowing for toe splay but it did not compromise precision and this is no doubt due to how well the Speed Ultra holds the foot via the lacing and excellent fit. The 8mm drop is just superb for comfort, and the cushioning of 18/26 was perfect in managing long-term comfort with no loss for a feel for the ground.

The upper was extremely breathable and as such allowed feet to remain cool, allows water to disappear quickly, however, running through snow and water, I certainly had less insulation.

GOOD and BAD

GOOD

The Terrex Speed Ultra been a joy to use and without doubt are my favourite shoe. So much so that I have now ordered two pairs to replace the sadly retired test pair. Comfort, grip, great design and a shoe that makes you want to run longer, farther and faster.

BAD

After a complete smashing up, the upper has torn and the outsole has split. However, both these failures came at the shoes life expectancy end and on some of the most harsh terrain and conditions you can put a shoe through. I really have thrown everything at this shoe, plenty of road miles to wear down the Continental grip and then mud, snow, ice and rocks. In all honesty, I used the Speed Ultra for the last fastpack as I knew at the end of it I would be saying goodbye. While the upper and outsole tearing could be seen as bad, I see it as just the end of the shoes. However, had this come early, then without doubt I would be asking questions about life/ durability.

Conclusion

The adidas Terrex Speed Ultra is my shoe of 2021 so far and the shoe I want to use on a daily basis, irrespective of the conditions. Light, responsive, fun, fast and great grip. I want nothing more from a shoe and yes, they look pretty darn good too!