Richard Bowles – He’s at it again…

Running the Israel National Trail (INT)

RBowles

Described as a hybrid of Bear Grylls and Forrest Gump, Melbourne based adventure runner Richard Bowles is set to create another record in the world of ultra-distance trail running, in one of the most fascinating countries on the planet.

Just another long distance runner? Hardly. In 2012 Richard ran over 10,500km of trails, the equivalent distance of 249 marathons, but in much different circumstances. Imagine doing Tough Mudder 10 times a week, add in to the mix some crocodile infested river crossings, an avalanche zone and an active volcano and you’re getting some sense of Richards typical week, every week, for a whole year.

Is he a bit nuts? Maybe, because he’s about embark on yet another wild adventure.

Starting on Sunday 14 April 2013 , Richard will run (and climb) atleast 80km each day along the 1009km INT that winds its way from the Red Sea in Eilat in the southernmost part of Israel to Dan in the North, near the border of Lebanon and Syria, where he plans to arrive 12 days later on April 26….or even sooner if all goes well!

The trail, described by National Geographic as one of the worlds most ‘epic trails’, was the vision of Israeli Ori Dvir, and showcases Israels impressive landscape. Traversing the arid and unforgiving Negev, along ancient Roman roads, climbing up and down craters and canyons, past historically significant sites and over mountain passes, along lush river valleys, and through the heart of the bustling Tel Aviv.

richardbowles2

During 2012 Richard became the first person to run the worlds longest marked trail, the rough and remote Bicentennial National Trail of Australia traversing the treacherous and remote dividing range mountains from Melbourne to Cooktown, raising awareness and funds for mental health organisation SANE Australia along the way. Just 3 weeks after completing this incredible feat, Richard flew to New Zealand to tackle their incredibly tough and dangerous 3,054km Te Araroa Trail, and in just 65 days Richard became the first person to run the entire trail.

Combining a passion for adventure, a love for running, and a determination to make a positive contribution to the places through which he runs, Richard and the team will be choosing a worthy charity, one whose work is close to his heart and to which he feels he can offer the most benefit to. The charity partner will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Richard believes in giving back, as these adventures and the people who support him give him so much.

Run INT Project

Running 1009km on Israel’s National Trail, over mountains and deserts….and in just 12 days! Or less!!

Project Website

www.richardbowles.com.au

The Israel National Trail – 1009km winding through this most geographically and historically significant part of the world, from Eilat in the South to Dan in the North.

www.israelnationaltrail.com

WHY?

The question most people ask is why would anyone want to run over 80km each day for 2 weeks? Richard explains, “The trail less travelled offers the best adventures, and I’m all about challenging myself on a daily basis”.

Richard says he is keen to meet with the communities through which the trail passes, and always takes the time to do so…even when running such huge distances each day. “The highlight of the projects in 2012 was meeting people. Being welcomed into their homes, sharing stories over a meal, and enjoying the wonderful adventure that they had now become a part of”.

Who is Richard?

Richard Bowles has many years experience in the discipline of distance running and regularly runs 200km weekly on trails around Melbourne. He is the first person to ever run the worlds longest marked trail (5,330km Bicentennial National Trail, Australia) , and is the Australian Record holder of the 2010 Tenzing Hillary Mt Everest Marathon; Winner of the 2011 Tasmanian 3 Peaks Challenge (sailing and mountain running event) and Record Holder of the Wilsons Prom Ultra Marathon 2010.
For more info go to http://www.richardbowles.com.au

More about the Israel National Trail

Inspiration for the trail came from Avraham Tamir, a well-known children’s book author who, at the age of 78 hiked the Appalachian Trail. Upon returning to Israel he proposed a hiking trail that wove its way from one end to the other. And so, in 1991, the Israel National Trail (INT) was born. Beginning in the far north of the country hugging the border with Lebanon, the tiny Kibbutz Dan marks the starting point. The finishing line is found some 1009km further south, where Israel’s Red Sea coast stops at the border with Egypt. To undertake the entire trail takes seasoned hikers 30 to 45 days maintaining a pace of about 30 kilometres a day.

Salomon S-Lab EXO Twinskin Skort

salomon-exo-s-lab-twinskin-skort-alu-red

 

You are going to have to trust me on this one… I don’t wear a ‘Skort’ often but I have seen Emelie Forsberg and Anna Frost in them throughout 2012.

Now of course they are Salomon sponsored athletes but believe me, if they didn’t tick the boxes and if they were not completely comfortable, they would be choosing another item to wear within the Salomon range.

‘Skorts’ are an unusual item. Initially they were frowned upon by many… my partner included, but it would appear that once you wear one there is no going back!

Emelie Forsberg copyright Ian Corless

Emelie Forsberg copyright Ian Corless

Skorts are basically a tight fitting short (like cycling shorts) with a loose ‘over’ fabric. Now I am guessing here but the functional side is quite obvious. The tight shorts provide close fitting comfort and the loose overlay provides some modesty.

The EXO short is a compression product and as such holds the leg muscles tightly providing reduced muscle fatigue and postural support by increasing blood flow. Within the shorts are an additional inner brief for comfort.

The compression reduces muscle vibration and from all the ladies I have spoken to who have used the Skort they have all come back with similar comments: “I could feel the tightness of the compression holding my muscles and restricting vibration but in a very comfortable way. It didn’t feel restrictive”.

Of course this hold and compression not only reduces fatigue whilst running but it also aid the recovery process. In both the mens EXO shorts and the ladies EXO Skort a universal comment of “legs feel less tired and trashed the next day” is common

salomon-exo-s-lab-twinskin-skort-alu-red-back
The EXO fabric has actiLITE material and this is strategically positioned to be thinner in certain places to allow the body to loose more heat. They have a high waistband with pockets included. The S-Lab range is all about functionality and it is these pockets in conjunction with EXO fabric that sets these products apart from much of the competition. The pockets can carry a small jacket rolled up, gloves, gels, a phone, money or whatever small essential items that may be needed. The pockets have a ‘tab’ to make access easy and of course if you use the Skort with the 2013 S-Lab Light Jacket (HERE) they make the perfect combination.

The S-Lab range is all about making products that perform at the highest level. They allow freedom of movement and offer additional functionality. This, as always, comes at a price so expect to pay in the region of £90 in the UK.

Anna Frost at Cavalls del Vent copyright Ian Corless

Anna Frost at Cavalls del Vent copyright Ian Corless

Specifications

Light postural support, muscle compression and improved blood flow, these shorts improve performance without chaffing.

    • EXO SENSIFIT STABILITY – Run easier: better alignment of your body allows you to run easier on uneven trails downhill & uphill. Run longer: Reduce cramping, muscle soreness, saving energy & preventing injuries. +5% of muscle performance. Recover better: Improve recovery time. +11% of active recovery.
    • Twinskin technology – skin fit under-shorts, loose fitting over-skirt
    • Ultralight, flexible ACTILITE™ Stretch Woven outer skirt material that is light and breathable
    • ACTILITE Stretch Mesh – lightweight & breathable waist construction
    • 3  Pockets for gels, gloves, jacket etc
    • Skin fit
    • Inseam length: 23 cm

Fabric:

    • ACTILITE™ STRETCH WOVEN material – light, flexible and breathable
    • ACTILITE™  E JERSEY
    • ACTILITE STRETCH MESH – highly breathable mesh
    • Inner Brief: PA 78%; EL 22%
    • Shell: PES 88%; EL 12%
    • Overlay: PU 100%
    • Waistband: PA 59%; EL 41%
    • Weight: 140g

Salomon website HERE

 

The North Face – AK Stormy Trail

A5YKJK33As the main sponsor of the TNFUTMB, The North Face fully understand the needs of every runner when embarking on the epic alpine journey. Irrespective of distance, the mountains can be a cruel and hard place.

Look at the history of the race. For several years the TNFUTMB has been hampered by bad weather. Just last year, 2012, the race was shortened at the last minute and ‘mandatory’ kit was increased to 4 layers to ensure the safety of every runner.

Two pieces of mandatory kit are a fully waterproof jacket with hood and taped seams but also over trousers. Now many runners, particularly the elite runners think… “I will never wear over trousers”. The 2012 edition of the TNFUTMB confirmed to many that mandatory kit, (although sometimes one may think it is over the top) is absolutely necessary,

To this end, The North Face have created two items that tick all the boxes. The AK STORMY TRAIL JACKET and AK STORMY TRAIL PANTS. Available in Black & Yellow

A5YKJK3

A48DJK32

Key Features

It’s simple really…. a tailored fit to reduces excess material and flapping. A reduction in ‘extras’ as these only add opportunities for onward problems or areas were leaks may appear. Lightweight and small pack size.

Box TICKED

The AK STORMY range do all the above and then some. Of course that doesn’t come cheap. At £160 for the jacket and £110 for the pants this is an investment. But you get what you pay for and I certainly wouldn’t want to compromise when I am several thousand feet up in the rain and snow.

SPECS

AK JACKET – The North Face® Men’s AK Stormy Trail Jacket is a waterproof, breathable, hooded running jacket for maximum protection in the foulest weather. Featuring The North Face® FlashDry™ technology, microporous particles improve and accelerate the removal of excess moisture from the skin, allowing drier and more comfortable performance for longer, in a range of weather conditions. Used and recommended for endurance races such as The Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc, the jacket is constructed with a reflective brimmed, stay-put hood, an adjustable hood cinch and a reflective drop-tail hem for increased coverage and weatherproofing. Easily stowed in a backpack and with a glued zip chest pocket for secure storage, follow the athletes in The North Face® Men’s AK Stormy Trail Jacket.

A5YKJK32

  • Reflective brimmed hood with stay
  • Adjustable hood cinch
  • Glued chest pocket
  • Reflective drop-tail hem
  • Stowable

available S,M,L,XL

AK PANTS – The North Face® Men’s AK Stormy Trail Pant is a waterproof, windproof, breathable running trouser for maximum protection in the foulest weather. Featuring The North Face® FlashDry™ technology, microporous particles improve and accelerate the removal of excess moisture from the skin, allowing drier and more comfortable performance for longer, in a range of weather conditions. Used and recommended for endurance races such as The Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc, these performance fit pants are constructed with an elasticized waist with adjustable drawcord and articulated knees for increased mobility. Easily stowed in a backpack and with reflective logos for increased security on night and low level visibility runs, follow the athletes in The North Face® Men’s AK Stormy Trail Pant.

A48DJK3

  • Elasticated waist with adjustable drawcord
  • Performance fit
  • Articulated knees, Ankle zips
  • Reflective logos
  • Packable

available S,M,L,XL

A full test of the AK range will follow soon. Initial impressions are superb. Fit is excellent. The attention to detail really is spot on and both garments are a real joy to wear but ultimately, they are a pleasure to run in… that is what counts!

 

Episode 29 – Robbins, Bragg, Grant, Corbett

Episode 29 Talk Ultra

 

Come back man Gary Robbins telling us what it’s like to return from 2 years of injury to not only win Hurt 100 but to set a new CR. Jez Bragg tells us about completing ‘The Long Pathway, Te Araroa’ in New Zealand. Joe Grant says goodbye and heads off to the Iditarod. Colourful Catra Corbett tells us about drugs, alcohol, running, tattoos, clothes and Truman. In addition to all that, we also have… phew; Talk Training about the long run, ‘A year in the life off…’, part 3 of our Marathon des Sables special, A Meltzer Moment, Up & Coming races and of course the News.

Show Notes:

03:45:45

00:00:00

00:00:45 Start and introduction

00:09:31 “Year in the life of….” This week Amanda Hyatt tells us all about her first ultra. Not  one day, but two days of 33 miles. As many of you will be able to relate to, it didn’t quite go to plan. But did she finish…?

00:27:52 News Plenty of news with a catch up from Rocky Raccoon, The Coastal Challenge, Fuego Y Agua and more…

00:35:06 Jez Bragg completed The Long Pathway, Te Araroa and I was very fortunate to speak to him less than 24 hours after he crossed the finish line. I think you will be able to hear in his voice how this journey not only exhausted him but changed him. Check out his website HERE and take a look at his sponsors The North Face

00:54:30 back to Karl

01:18:50 Joe Grant spoke to us several weeks ago about his preparation for the 350 mile Iditarod Trail Invitational. I caught up with him this week, just a day before he headed out to the race. Joe’s website Alpine Works. The ITI website HERE

01:35:05 back to Karl

01:38:15 BlogCatra Corbett colourful, fresh, modern and different. Catra or Dirt Diva adds some spice to the ultra scene. Listen to what she has to say and check out her blog HERE

02:12:25 Talk Training with Marc Laithwaite – this week we talk about the long run….

02:31:35 Interview with Gary Robbins. Life with passion, pursue your dreams. Gary just a few years back won the Hurt 100 and in doing so broke Geoff Roes old course record. He was suddenly seeing all the hard work pay off but then a series of events almost ended his running career… hear Gary talk about that period of his life and what it is like to comeback and be on top! For more information and a list of results, check out his blog HERE

03:18:00 Back to Karl

03:20:30 A Meltzer Moment with Speedgoat Karl. Good, Bad and Ugly.

03:27:25 Marathon des Sables spécial. This is part 3 and we are back with Stuart Rae to find out how the progress is going to the 2013 edition in April.

03:40:55 Races the up and coming races for the next 2 weeks

03:42:30 Close
03:45:45
LINKS

Miguel Heras – Calendar 2013

Miguel Heras at Templiers copyright Ian Corless

Miguel Heras at Templiers copyright Ian Corless

Salomon athlete, Miguel Heras has just posted his race calendar for 2013

– ULTRA DEL MERIDIANO 2 FEBRERO

-TRANSGRANCANARIA 3 MARZO.

-ADVANCE WEEK 3-10 ABRIL

-LAKE SONOMA 13 ABRIL

-TRANSVULCANIA 11 MAYO

-ZEGAMA 26 MAYO

-WESTERN STATE 29 JUNIO

-EUROPEAN CHAMPS 27 JULIO

-LEADVILLE 17 AGOSTO

-RUN RABBIT 13 SEPTIEMBRE

-UROC 28 SEPTIEMBRE

– SAN FRANCISCO 2 DICIEMBRE.

Miguel Heras copyright Ian Corless

Miguel Heras copyright Ian Corless

Great to see some classic races in that list and of course plenty of Skyrunning too!

Follow Miguel at his website HERE

Joe Grant joins Inov-8

Joe Grant

February 21, 2013

HARDCORE new inov-8 athlete Joe Grant is preparing to tackle the extremes of Alaska in a 350-mile race described by organisers as the world’s longest human powered winter ultra-marathon.

An interview with Joe is available on Episode 27 of Talk Ultra and just THIS WEEK, Ian from Talk Ultra caught up with Joe before he headed out to the race. You can listen to that audio in Episode 29 of Talk Ultra released on February 22nd.

The 29-year-old, who will form part of a new global inov-8 team of athletes set to push boundaries and stretch limits in 2013, begins the Iditarod Trail Invitational in Knik, Alaska, on Sunday.

Born in the UK, raised in France and now based in Colorado, US, Joe will wear inov-8’s roclite™ 286 GTX boot to tame the snow and ice in a race that can take runners anything between four-and-a-half and ten days, depending on conditions in the Alaskan wilderness.

There are just seven checkpoints on the course where food and lodging is available. Between checkpoints racers have only each other.

Joe said: “It will be the longest ultra I’ve done in terms of distance and the extreme cold will make it tough but it’s a super exciting challenge. I just hope I can keep all my toes until the end!

“When racing over 350 miles in such wilderness and conditions it’s crucial to have trust in your footwear.

Roclite243_2-13[1] roclite286gtx_02-01

“The roclite™ 268 GTX is light and close to the ground, which is good on uneven snow. It runs like a low top trail shoe, but has all the advantages of a high top for these kinds of conditions.

“The GORE-TEX membrane helps keep my feet dry and warm, while the height of the boot in combination with gaiters prevents snow from getting in.”

Following that, Joe hopes to go head-on with the world’s best mountain runners at the opening race in the 2013 Skyrunner ultra series.

May’s 83km Transvulcania ultra-marathon monster on the island of La Palma in the Atlantic Ocean, which features 4,415m of elevation gain, was last year won by Dakota Jones, with Joe in joint 11th.

Joe went on to record an outstanding second place finish at the epic 2012 Hardrock 100-mile race in the US – an achievement he wants to better this year.

“I want to be on the start line for Transvulcania but it will depend on how my recovery goes after the Iditarod Trail Invitational,” said Joe, who has finished top-20 at the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB).

“The Hardrock 100 is a big one for me this year. It’s an awesome race, which embodies everything I like about racing in the mountains. I really want to do a fast time there in July.”

Joe will wear shoes from inov-8’s trailroc™ and roclite™ ranges to race over trails and mountains across the world in 2013.

He said: “I’m super excited about the roclite™ 243 (new for spring/summer 2013). Its specifications are spot-on and I couldn’t think of a better shoe for trail and mountain running.”

More details on Iditarod Trail Invitational visit http://www.alaskaultrasport.com/alaska_ultra_home_page.html

Dave James to race Copper Canyon

iancorless.comP1060526_Snapseed

Dave James is to race the Copper Canyon race on March 3rd. Of course, Copper Canyon was made famous n the book “Born to Run’ by Chris McDougall.

Formerly known internationally as the Copper Canyon Ultramarathon and of Born to Run fame. In memory of Micah True “Caballo Blanco,” the race has returned to the name by which it was known in the Canyons, “Ultramaraton Caballo Blanco.”

In an email from Dave, he says:

“I wanted you to be the “first” (besides the new RD) to know and make it official that I will be racing in Copper Canyon on March 3rd in that race that made the book “Born to Run” famous. Apparently, at last years race a former New York City Marathon Champion from Mexico showed up late to the start but was still able to pass all but one of the racers. According to Josue, the new RD who is also the RD for Fuego Y Aqua, he plans to race again and be on time for the start this year ;). There is also a very talented Japanese runner racing and some of the locals that have struggled in USA races such as Run Rabbit Run but obviously do well at home.” Run Strong! Pura Vida 🙂
Thanks Dave! Really appreciate the heads up.
Born to Run author Chris McDougall posted in July 2012

It’s on! Copper Canyon Ultramarathon 2013 is a go.

Caballo’s legacy is in great hands: Caballo’s wonderful girlfriend, Maria, and Josue Stephens — a seasoned race director, ultra runner, and longtime Mas Loco — are heading down to the Copper Canyons this month to lock in logistics with the Presidencia of the host town, Urique. Choosing Josue Stephens as co-director of the race was inspired; he’s smart, tireless, fluently bilingual, and canyon savvy. You couldn’t build a better pick in a lab.
Maria tells me: “The 2013 CBUM (Caballo Blanco Ultramarathon) is progressing beautifully, or as Micah would say organically.” It should be a truly epic event, considering how many veteran Mas Locos will return to the race to wish their friend vaya con dios. Registration is now open on Ultrasignup.
No doubt, Barefoot Ted and his Lunar Monkeys will be there in force.

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The Race

http://ultracb.com for more information
In honouring all former traditions of this 50-mile foot race, both cash prizes and food vales (vouchers), are rewarded to the top finishers. 
Runners completing each loop, receive vouchers which provides maize, beans, rice, flour and non-GMO seed corn for their families. This reward ensures nutritional sustenance to both the physical and cultural survival of the Raramuri people.

The celebration will also include the Corrida de los Caballitos Kids’ Run on March 2, 2013, a race for the children of the Canyons, awarding to everyone, finisher medals and shirts.

The Caballo Blanco “Copper Canyon” Ultra Marathon is Directed by Mas Locos: ultrarunner Maria Walton, and by ultrarunner and philanthropic race organizer, Josue Stephens, founder and director of the Fuego y Agua Ultra in Nicaragua.

General Details
  • 50+ miles (80km)
  • Ran on rocky single-track and dust roads
  • Cutoff time is 14 hours
  • Course is marked with white paint on rocks
  • Insured event
  • Medical assistance available
  • Travel Information is here

Ultra Sign Up HERE

The COPPER CANYON website is available HERE

Scott T2 Kinabalu

T2 Kinabalu

 

Scott are renowned for Cycling and Skiing but in the running community they are still considered a newbie…. however, take note! With Sage Canaday, Marc De Gasperi, Ian Sharman and Joe Gray amongst others utilising the benefits of the Scott range you may very well want to take a more in-depth look at the 2013 offerings from the Scott Running brand.

I did a review of the Scott eRide Grip 2 some time ago, I used the shoe extensively on the trails out in La Palma on the Transvulcania La Palma course. In summary, the shoe really impressed me. It had the combination of factors that makes a shoe great to wear. You can read the review HERE

Scott eRide Grip2 2013 model

Scott eRide Grip2 2013 model

 

I have now just received the new addition to the Scott Trail range, the T2 Kinabalu. The design of this shoe has had great input from legendary mountain runner Marco De Gasperi and initial impressions show that all the great features of the Grip 2 have been transferred to the Kinabalu but in a lighter more streamlined shoe.

Scott Kinabalu

 

I will be racking up some miles in these over the coming month so I am really looking forward to feeding back how this shoe performs in comparison to the Grip 2 but also in direct competition to other shoes available form other manufacturers.

The T2 Kinabalu is the ultimate lightweight trail machine according to Scott. Maximum protection and traction with minimal weight. An ideal balance of lightweight materials, cushioning, protection and quick response thanks to eRide Technology. Shaped for smooth transition whether you are striking on the heel, mid foot or forefoot to adapt to the varied terrain. Our lightest trail shoe with uncompromised traction and protection, featuring an AeroFoam midsole, which is 50% lighter than traditional EVA foams.

Scott T2 Kinabalu

 

eRIDE

Get that fleet-footed feeling with our eRide range. The unique rocker shape creates a very stable midstance, promoting the faster and more efficient running style that runners strive for. You`ll be rocking as the miles roll by.

eride

 

The benefits:

1. Healthier body position

2. More energy efficient

3. Natural midfoot strike

4. Lower profile heel

5. Smoother ride

6. Minimal and lighter weight

Aero Foam

Working with our athletes, we always hear that they would like to run in lighter shoes, but are not willing to sacrifice any cushioning performance. So, we found an alternative to the EVA foam used in most running shoes. SCOTT Aero Foam combines lightweight materials with a wear resistant compound, resulting in shoes that are lighter, have more cushioning and last longer than traditional running shoes.

Aerofoam

 

Scott T2 Kinabalu

 

Specs

  • Weight 270g for UK9
  • Drop 11mm
  • eRideComposite push-through plate
  • AeroFoamWet traction rubber
  • Lace bungy
  • Upper: Mesh/Synthetic Overlays
  • Lower: EVA/rubber

Scott Website HERE

Salomon S Lab Light Jacket 2013

salomon-s-lab-light-jacket-sensifit-mens-dark-cloud-back

Salomon need no introduction to the trail and ultra running community. Born in 1947 in the French Alps. For more than 60 years the brand has progressed to now offer some of the most innovative and ground breaking products to be used on the trails and mountains. With constant athlete feedback and collaborations, Salomon have progressed running apparel to new levels with innovative solutions.

The Sense and Sense Ultra shoe models are now one of the most talked about footwear options in the trail and ultra community. A shoe that was developed closely with Kilian Jornet.

Apparel has also been developed, tweaked and modified to provide todays runners with specific clothing designed to excel. Welcome the 2013 Salomon S-Lab clothing range.

Salomon S-Lab Light Jacket

This is the jacket that the Salomon racing team have been using on the trails and mountains throughout last year. The 2012 season threw some really bad weather at the team and this jacket was put to great use at races such as Zegama, Cavalls del Vent and Templiers.

Andy Symonds at Templiers copyright Ian Corless

Andy Symonds at Templiers copyright Ian Corless

Weighing in at just 70g this jacket rolls up into nothing and can be added to the pockets within the S-Lab shorts/skort range (see follow on posts) or added to a waist belt. It is ultra light, windproof with a super soft and comfortable feel. It has a simple design and is ideally designed for racing situations when a light and additional layer is required. Should conditions be particularly cold or continually wet, a more durable jacket may well be required.

Specs

    • Fully windproof CLIMAWIND™ material
    • Featherweight at 70g
    • Highly breathable
    • Full length Zip for easy/quick on and off
    • Highly Packable and will fit in the palm of your hand
    • Reflective branding
    •  Active fit jacket – unrestricted movement

Fabric:

    • CLIMAWIND PRO™

Available in white and black.

salomon-s-lab-light-jacket-sensifit-mens-white

Salomon website: HERE

Trans Gran Canaria update

Trans Gran Canaria

 

I have just had confirmation that I will be flying over to Gran Canaria on Monday 25th for several days ahead of the race the following weekend.

I will be staying at a holding camp with the elite athletes so that I can obtain some interviews, capture some images and report back before the action commences.

Unfortunately due to prior commitments I will be unable to stay for the race as I need to leave for Lanzarote on the 28th, rest assured though I will provide as much feedback as possible.

I guess the breaking news is as follows:

Lizzy Hawker has withdrawn from the 119km race as she needs more time to allow for adequate recovery before moving on with a very hectic 2013 racing schedule.

Emelie Forsberg is a last minute addition but she is taking the short option of 42km. It was only last week that she stepped of skis so this will very much be an easing into 2013.

Emelie Forsberg copyright Ian Corless

Emelie Forsberg copyright Ian Corless

Ryan Sandes said it’s still early season and has dropped from the 119km distance to the 83km. He obviously has big plans for later in the year and quite rightly is taking a cautious approach to what is still very early in 2013.

CONFIRMED ENTRANTS as of Feb19th

119km

  • Carlos Sá Portugal 119km race
  • John Tidd USA 119km race
  • Lidia Gómez Spain 119km race
  • Marta Prat Spain 119km race
  • Miguel Heras Spain 119km race
Miguel Heras copyright Ian Corless

Miguel Heras copyright Ian Corless

  • Nerea Martínez Spain 119km race
  • Sebastien Chaigneau France 119km
Seb Chaigneau copyright Ian Corless

Seb Chaigneau copyright Ian Corless

  • Zigor Iturrieta Spain 119km race

83km

  • Julia Böttger Germany 83km race
  • Marco Olmo Italy 83km race
  • Philipp Reiter Germany 83km race
Philipp Reiter at Cavalls del Vent copyright Ian Corless

Philipp Reiter at Cavalls del Vent copyright Ian Corless

  • Ryan Sandes South Africa 83km race

42km

  • Emelie Forsberg Sweden 42km race
  • Nuria Domínguez Spain 42km race

Update on Talk Ultra – @talkultra

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/talkultra

Blogs, photos and posts – https://www.iancorless.com