Limone Extreme SKY results:
2010 Skyrunner® World Series titles:
Men
Women
As light faded over Lake Garda, the worlds best Skyrunners departed the town of Limone and headed up… up 1000 vertical meters for the final of the 2014 Skyrunner(R) World Series.
Leading from the front, Kilian Jornet almost didn’t need a head torch as he illuminated the trail with his speed. Last years winner and Skyrunner(R) World Series 2013 champion, Urban Zemmer followed but the writing was on the wall. Kilian looked impressive, relaxed and despite high humidity looked as cool as a cucumber.
37:27 after the start, fireworks confirmed Kilian’s arrival at the summit, Zemmer placed 2nd 37-seconds later.
Zemmer’s La Sportiva team mate, Marco Moletto placed 3rd.
For the ladies, a suer motivated Christen Dewalle lead 2013 Skyrunner(R) World Series champion Laura Orgue all the way to the summit producing a strong and world class performance.
Laura Orgue forever strong over the VK distance held on to 2nd place 2-minutes behind Dewalle.
Antonella Confortola had a battle for third place but held on recording a time of 48:16
Kilian’s victory confirms that he is now Skyrunner(R) World Series champion in VK and ULTRA distances. Tomorrow’s SKY race will make history… Kilian Jornet will be crowned Skyrunner(R) World Series champion in all three disciplines. A first!
If ever proof was needed of the Catalans supreme form and ability, this is it! We are experiencing history and in years to come we will look back and say, ‘do your remember?’
Bravo Kilian.
Results
Kilian Jornet 37:27
Urban Zemmer 38:05
Marco Moletto 38:19
Christel Dewalle 44:51
Laura Orgue 46:51
Antonella Confortola 48:16
All good things must come to an end… at least for this year! The 2014 Skyrunner® World Series concludes this weekend in the mountains that surround Lake Garda.
On Friday the VK will commence as the light fades and darkness surrounds the mountains. Sunday the SKY race takes place over a course of 23.5km’s and 2000m +/-. Two races, one great weekend of running and at conclusion we will have newly crowned male and female Skyrunner® World Series champions for both VK and SKY distances.
As one would expect, these two races are attracting a who’s who of the Skyrunning world.
Vertical Kilometre
In the VK, La Sportiva and Salomon are fielding two very strong teams. Illuminated by the glow of head torches, a very interesting battle will unfold.
Urban Zemmer is the outright favourite after winning Limone Extreme in 2013 and in the process winning the Skyrunner® World Series. However, La Sportiva teammates, Nejc Kuhar, Nadir Maguet, Marco Facchinhelli and Marco Moletto will be looking to pull rank and gain valuable points.
Kilian Jornet has been training hard and as we all know, can never be ruled out when it comes to head-to-head racing uphill. Add to the mix, Marco De Gasperi and Thorbjorn Ludvigsen and the Limone Extreme VK looks set to be a classic.
For the ladies, 2013 Skyrunner® World Series champion, Laura Orgue, like Zemmer is the outright favourite. This lady has been unbeatable uphill in 2013 and I don’t think Limone will be any different.
Stevie Kremer will push and push and look to gain an advantage as will Christel Dewalle, Antonella Confortla, Emelie Forsberg, Sara Longoni, Francesca Rossi, Beatrice Delflorian and surprise entrant, Julia Bleasdale. Julia is an exciting prospect from the UK and I am extremely keen to see how this Olympian performs.
SKY RACE
Do you want to bet against Kilian Jornet? No, me neither. Kilian has excelled in 2014 and other than placing 2nd to Luis Alberto Hernando at Transvulcania; the Catalan has won every rave (VK’s excluded). Kilian has been training hard and Limone will see one chapter close for 2014 before the transition to skis and another Summit attempt in December.
Marco, 11th August 2012 in the mountains above Zinal.
Marco De Gasperi if fit is potentially the one person to push Kilian all the way to the line and if firing on all cylinders, may well take the glory away from the Salomon runner. I personally have waited all year for this head-to-head to happen and the prospect is exciting.
Waiting in the wings is a plethora of Skyrunning talent who will be looking to upset the apple cart and history shows that anything can happen.
Manuel Merillas is hot property at the moment and after strong performances in the Skyrunner® World Series, his presence at Limone adds an exciting element to proceedings. Recent top-3 performances at Trofeo Kima and The Rut add weight to a very strong case that we see a surprise on the shores of Lake Garda.
Ionut Zinca had a great result at Limone last year and recently placed well, once again at Dolomites Skyrace. I would anticipate Ionut having a great race, he’s a fierce competitor and top performer.
Zaid Ait Malek won the Matterhorn Ultraks and is without doubt a contender for the podium at Limone. However, Aritz Egea has performed consistently all year and at just under 24km’s, the Limone course plays to his strengths.
Michel Lanne had a great run at the Skyrunning World Championships and a glimmer of that strength will intimidate the competition.
Alex Nichols is one again making the long journey from the USA and has great potential to mix it with the best, however, 2014 has been a tough year and his current form is unknown.
Tadei Pivk will also be a hot contender for the top-5.
Did we say THIS FIELD IS STACKED…. !
Rounding out the hot contenders for the top-5 places are Jono Wyatt, Alexis Sevennec, Thorbjorn Ludvigsen, David Schneider and Nicola Golinelli.
Look out for:
Stevie Kremer already has the 2014 Skyrunner® World Series sewn up, so, this will take the pressure off and allow Stevie a trouble and stress free run. As we all know though, she probably will still nail it and has every chance of taking away the victory.
Elisa Desco, Emelie Forsberg and Laura Orgue will do everything in their respective powers to ensure that Stevie does not have another victory. In all honesty, the ladies race is wide open. Laura Orgue has displayed pure class going up hill and certainly, the first half of the Limone course will suit her racing style. I expect to see Laura to be leading at the summit; the question will come if she can hold of the charging train of Forsberg, Desco and Kremer. Very few ladies can go downhill like Emelie Forsberg and if she is in contact during the 2nd half of the race, Emelie will potentially take top honours.
Elisa Desco is a very rounded athlete uphill and downhill, at 23.5kms the distance will suit the Italian and with valuable points at stake, we can expect a 100% committed effort for victory.
Maite Maiora started the year with a bang at Transvulcania and has continued to bang the drum all the way throughout 2014. For sure, Maite stepped up a level this year and along with Desco, Forsberg and Kremer, she has been a force to be reckoned with. The podium is a distinct possibility but it’s going to be a battle.
Victoria Wilkinson had a great race at the Dolomites Skyrace and has continued to excel on the UK Fell running scene. The podium may just be out of reach but top-5 is a distinct possibility.
Anna Lupton has been missed in 2014 with injury. Arguably, Anna has been the UK’s most consistent performer in previous Skyrunning events and it’s great to see her back on a start line.
Tessa Hill has been a little quiet in 2014 but has committed herself to Limone and has recently posted, ‘My main way of preparing for this is to get as much climb in the legs as possible and then top things up on the bike.’
Julia Bleasdale is a British Olympian who raced the 5000m and 10,000m at the London Olympics. She placed 8th in both finals. Julia tipping her toes into the Skyrunning world is a great boost for the sport and Skyrunning in the UK. However, Julia understands the challenge ahead, “I hear so many great things about Skyrunning, but I do not underestimate the strength required to compete in this extreme discipline! So I am delighted to mix things up at the end of the season for variety. I love running in the mountains as they give you depth in your strength, but track athletes cannot transform themselves in just a few weeks to be ready for this!”
Stephanie Jiminez excels at the Sky distance and Limone will suit the skill set of the Salomon athlete. Her experience sets her apart from the competition and on her day, she can beat the best in the world.
Ones to watch:
Links
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SKYRUNNING HERE
Episode 46 of Talk Ultra and on this weeks show we have an interview with Speedgoat 50k winner and 2nd place at UROC, Stephanie Howe. Brit fell running sensation, Ricky Lightfoot talks about his progression to ultra. Anthony Bethell provides an insight into his first year participating in the Skyrunning season from an everyday runners perspective. Marc Talks Training. Emelie Smiles and Miles. The news, a blog, up and coming races and Speedgoat is back
15 MINS of FAME – Anthony Bethell
NEWS
Limone Extreme VK and SKY
VK
Men
1. Urban Zemmer 37’10” RECORD 2. Thorbjorn Ludvigsen 37’34″ 3. Marco Moletto 38’37″ 4. Kilian Jornet 39’04″ 5. Philip Gotsch 39’12”
Women
1. Laura Orgue’ 46’10″ 2. Antonella Confortola 47’19″ 3. Samatha Galassi 48’27″ 4. Tessa Hill 48’45″ 5. Leire Aguirrezabala 49’05”
2013 Skyrunner® Vertical Series ranking extract
Men
1. Urban Zemmer (ITA) La Sportiva – 288 points
2. Marco Fachinelli (ITA) La Sportiva – 236 points
3. Marco Moletto (ITA) La Sportiva – 224 points
Women
1. Laura Orgue Salomon (ESP) Salomon – 308 points
2. Vanesa Ortega (ESP) Boquique – 251 points
3. Tessa Hill (GBR) Arc’teryx – 242 ponts
SKY
Men
1. Kilian Jornet (ESP) Salomon – 2h17’03
2. Ionut Zinca (ROU) Valetudo Skyrunning Italia – 2h18’27”
3. Aritz Egea (EMF) – 2h18’53”
4. David Schneider (AUT) inov-8 – 2h20’40”
5. Zaid Ait Malek – 2h21’09”
Women
1. Stevie Kremer (Salomon Agisko) – 2h46’13”
2. Antonella Confortola (GS Forestale) – 2h53’58”
3. Emelie Forsberg (Salomon) – 2h54’54”
4. Tessa Hill (Arc’teryx) – 2h58’20”
5. Leire Aguirrezabala (EMF) – 2h58’54”
Sky World Series Final Ranking
Men
1. Kilian Jornet (ESP) – Salomon
2. Luis Hernando (ESP) adidas Trail Running
3. Alex Nichols (USA) inov-8
4. Jokin Lizeaga (ESP) – EMF
5. Aritz Egea (ESP) EMF
Women
1. Stevie Kremer (USA) – Salomon Agisko
2. Emelie Forsberg (SWE) – Salomon
3. Silvia Serafini (ITA) – Salomon Agisko
4. Nuria Dominguez (ESP) – Buff
5. Anna Lupton (GBR) – inov-8
BLOGS
Dakota Jones writes on iRunFar a very personal and insightful post on the pressures of running and what it means to drop!
Link: http://www.irunfar.com/2013/10/dropping.html
‘My sponsors, however, pay me to do one thing well: race. And this race, though less important on an international scale, is actually a huge deal for Montrail. The company does really well in Japan–they’re the best-selling trail shoe in the country–and they are the title sponsor of this race which has almost 3,000 people. So even though you have never heard of the Hasetsune Cup, Montrail has a lot riding on it. That’s why they were willing to fly me out to Japan two years in a row, by no means a small investment. They are willing to devote the resources to increase the chance of success. Last year I won, but today I dropped out. Fifty percent is an F.’
INTERVIEW – Ricky Lightfoot recently raced in South Africa and smashed the OTTER course record. In this interview we discuss his progression from British Fells to the world of ultra running.
TALK TRAINING – with Marc Laithwaite http://www.theendurancestore.com/blog/blog/2013/10/17/the-periodisation-of-nutrition-what-to-eat-and-when/
INTERVIEW
This week’s interview is with Stephanie Howe. Steph sure is a fast lady and has gained a reputation over faster and shorter distance races. Just recently she placed second behind Emelie Forsberg at UROC.
MELTZER MOMENT
GOOD – Trails are open!
BAD (ass) -Ueli Steck http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2013/10/15/swiss-climber-conquers-annapurna-solo/
UGLY – Karl’s face on TV
SMILESandMILES with Emelie Forsberg – smilesandmiles@yahoo.com
RACES for the next two weeks
Australia
New South Wales
Hume & Hovell 100 | 100 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Hume & Hovell 50 | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Washpool/Gibraltar World Heritage Trails – 50 km | 50 kilometers | October 20, 2013 | website
South Australia
Heysen 105 | 105 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Victoria
Ned Kelly Chase 100km – Wangaratta Fitness Fun Addicts | 100 kilometers | October 27, 2013 | website
Western Australia
Oxfam Trailwalker Australia – Perth | 100 kilometers | October 18, 2013 | website
Chile
Rapa Nui GrandTrail – 80 K | 80 kilometers | October 27, 2013 | website
Estonia
Haanja Jala100 – 100 km | 100 kilometers | October 26, 2013 | website
Finland
Western Finland
Wihan kilometrit – 100 km | 100 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Wihan kilometrit – 50 km | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
France
Aveyron
Endurance Trail | 106 kilometers | October 25, 2013 | website
La course des templiers | 71 kilometers | October 27, 2013 | website
Charente-Maritime
100 km de Royan | 100 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
50 km de Royan | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Corse-du-Sud
Corsica Coast Race | 95 kilometers | October 30, 2013 | website
Ille-et-Vilaine
Entre Palis et Mégalithes | 64 kilometers | October 20, 2013 | website
Nord
Trail Des Hauts-Pays – 50 km | 50 kilometers | October 20, 2013 | website
Savoie
Grande Course du Lac | 55 kilometers | October 20, 2013 | website
Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia
Röntgenlauf Ultramarathon | 63 kilometers | October 27, 2013 | website
Greece
Rodopi Advendurun 100 miles | 100 miles | October 18, 2013 | website
India
Bhatti Lakes 100 Mile | 100 miles | October 27, 2013 | website
Bhatti Lakes 50 Mile | 50 miles | October 26, 2013 | website
Italy
Piedmont
Lago d’Orta Ultra Trail – 55 km | 55 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Lago D’Orta Ultra Trail – 80 km | 80 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Trail del Lago d’Orta – 55 km | 55 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Japan
Inagawa 100km Ultra “TOASHI” Fun Run | 100 kilometers | October 26, 2013 | website
Mexico
Carrera de Baja Mexican Trail | 100 kilometers | October 20, 2013 | website
Namibia
Namib Desert Challenge | 220 kilometers | October 28, 2013 | website
Nepal
Everest Sky Race | 360 kilometers | October 18, 2013 | website
NEPAL Action Asia 3 day ultra 100km | 100 kilometers | November 01, 2013 | website
Nepal Action Asia Ultra 3 day marathon 60k | 60 kilometers | November 01, 2013 | website
New Zealand
Blackmores XTERRA Trail Challenge Waihi Ultra Marathon | 60 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Réunion
La Mascareignes | 61 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Trail de Bourbon | 77 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
South Africa
Bonitas Golden Gate Challenge | 70 kilometers | October 24, 2013 | website
Spain
Andalusia
Ultima Frontera – 166 km | 166 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Ultima Frontera – 55 km | 55 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Ultima Frontera – 83 km | 83 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Sweden
Markusloppet | 50 kilometers | October 26, 2013 | website
United Kingdom
England
Caesar’s Camp 100 | 100 miles and 50 miles | October 20, 2013 | website
Clarendon Way Ultra | 48 miles | October 23, 2013 | website
Coastal Trail Series – Suffolk – Ultra | 34 miles | October 26, 2013 | website
East Devon Way Ultra | 53 miles | October 21, 2013 | website
Ennerdale 50k Trail Run | 50 kilometers | October 20, 2013 | website
Original Mountain Marathon | 52 miles | October 26, 2013 | website
Rowbotham’s Round Rotherham International Trail Event | 50 miles | October 19, 2013 | website
Sussex Border Path Ultra | 49 miles | October 24, 2013 | website
Two Moors Way Ultra | 50 miles | October 20, 2013 | website
Vangard Way Ultra | 44 miles | October 25, 2013 | website
Wessex Ridgeway Ultra | 52 miles | October 22, 2013 | website
Wales
Pembrokeshire Coast Challenge | 78 miles | October 18, 2013 | website
USA
Arizona
Cave Creek Thriller 50K | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line 100 mile Ultra & Relay | 100 miles | October 19, 2013 | website
Javelina Jundred 100 Mile Endurance Run | 100 miles | October 26, 2013 | website
California
100 Mile Endurance Challenge | 100 miles | October 19, 2013 | website
Coyote Ridge 50 Km Trail Run | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Dirty Dare Trail Run 50 km | 50 kilometers | October 20, 2013 | website
Lake Hodges 50K | 50 kilometers | October 27, 2013 | website
Whiskeytown 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | October 26, 2013 | website
Connecticut
Bimbler’s Bluff 50k | 50 kilometers | October 20, 2013 | website
Delaware
Sinnemahone Ultra Marathon 50K | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Florida
Mutual Mine 50K | 50 kilometers | October 27, 2013 | website
“Running for the Bay!” 50K | 50 kilometers | October 20, 2013 | website
Hawaii
Peacock Ultramarathons 100K | 100 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Peacock Ultramarathons 50K | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Illinois
Des Plaines River Trial 50 Miles | 50 miles | October 19, 2013 | website
Forest Glen 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Kansas
Lake Perry Rocks! 50K | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Prairie Spirit Trail “Fall Classic” 50K Ultra Race | 50 kilometers | October 26, 2013 | website
Prairie Spirit Trail “Fall Classic” 50 Mile Ultra Race | 50 miles | October 26, 2013 | website
Maryland
Fire on the Mountain 50K | 50 kilometers | October 27, 2013 | website
Minnesota
Surf the Murph 50K | 50 kilometers | October 26, 2013 | website
Missouri
C2C Ultramarathon and Team Relay | 39 miles | October 20, 2013 | website
Dogwood Canyon 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | October 20, 2013 | website
Spirit of the Osage 50K Endurance Run | 50 kilometers | October 20, 2013 | website
Nevada
Pioneer Saloon Ghost Run 50K | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Pioneer Saloon Ghost Run 50 Mile | 50 miles | October 19, 2013 | website
North Carolina
WC-50 Ultra Trail Marathon 50k | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
WC-50 Ultra Trail Marathon 50M | 50 miles | October 19, 2013 | website
Ohio
Run With Scissors Double Marathon | 52 miles | October 27, 2013 | website
Stone Steps 50k Trail Run | 50 kilometers | October 27, 2013 | website
Oklahoma
Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd 100K | 100 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd 100 Mile | 100 miles | October 19, 2013 | website
Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd 50K | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Pennsylvania
Quad State Quad Buster | 46 miles | October 26, 2013 | website
Tussey mOUnTaiNBACK | 50 miles | October 20, 2013 | website
Tennessee
Ragnar Relay Tennessee | 196 miles | October 25, 2013 | website
Texas
Cactus Rose 100 Mi Trail Run | 100 miles | October 26, 2013 | website
Cactus Rose 50 Mi Trail Run | 50 miles | October 26, 2013 | website
Utah
Antelope Island 100K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Antelope Island 50K Trail Run | 100 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website
Goblin Valley Ultra 50K | 50 kilometers | October 26, 2013 | website
Pony Express Trail 100 | 100 miles | October 18, 2013 | website
Pony Express Trail 50 | 50 miles | October 18, 2013 | website
Washington
Ft. Steilacoom 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | October 20, 2013 | website
SCOTT Cougar Mountain Series 50k | 50 kilometers | October 27, 2013 | website
West Virginia
Run Around the Gorge | 69 kilometers | October 26, 2013 | website
CLOSE
LINKS
All images are available to purchase for personal or commercial use HERE
As daylight disappeared on the shores of Lake Garda 192 runners departed on the quest to complete a VK under darkness with only illumination from a headlamp.
It was a fabulous spectacle as the lights of Limone glowed in the distance.
Departing in one large group it was always going to be a frantic charge for the front of the race. A clear path a huge advantage for a fast and trouble free race.
Urban Zemmer at halfway
Urban Zemmer (US La Sportiva) was a pre race favourite and he didn’t disappoint. He charged and led from the front. He wanted that Skyrunner World Series title and he needed a win today with maximum points and the current leader, Marco Facchinelli, to finish outside the top four places.
At the line Urban achieved his goal taking the win in an incredible 37:10. Second place went to Thorbjorn Ludvigsen from Norway, 37:34, third place Marco Moletto (La Sportiva) was just over a minute back in 38:37 and Kilian Jornet (Salomon) was fourth, 39:04.
The male overall rankings will have big changes after this race with current leader Marco Facchinelli finishing twenty second, Ferran Teixido Marti Ventoa (currently second), thirteenth and Joan Freixa Marcelo (currently third) in eighteenth place.
The ladies race had an interesting dynamic with Antonella Confortola (GS Forestale) looking to repeat her win at Canazei VK on the Limone course. However, Laura Orgue (Salomon Santiveri) currently lying third in the Skyrunner World series, Like Urban Zemmer would be looking for maximum points to hopefully take the overall series title.
Antonella Confortola at halfway
With grit and determination Laura took the lead and never looked back powering up the 1000m of vertical gain and crossing the line in 46:10, over 1 min ahead of Antonella Confortola who finished in 47:19. Samantha Galassi finished third in 48:27 with Brit, Tessa Hill (Arct’eryx) taking a great fourth place 48:45.
Vanessa Ortega Trancon who lead the World Series before the Limone race finished sixth and Alba Xandri Suets who was placed second finished in eigth place. These placings will without doubt affect the overall ranking.
Skyrunner World Series rankings will follow asap after the judges have checked the results and made all the necessary calculations.
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