Episode 220 of Talk Ultra is co-hosted by Karl Meltzer and we talk with Tomas and Jordi from Pyrenees Stage Run and woman of the moment, Therese Falk from Norway.
La Sportiva CYKLON shoe review HERE listen to Episode 208 of Talk Ultra is a special show with DANIEL FEENEY and Jonathan Wyatt discussing the collaboration between BOA and La Sportiva for the new, Cyklon shoe.
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All good things come to an end. Yesterday, stage 7 concluded the 2021 Pyrenees Stage Run. In stage racing, the last day is often an easy victory run allowing participants to relax, tick off easy miles and cruise in to the finish and conclusion of the race. Not so at the PSR, stage 7 from Esterri d’Àneu to Salardú was tough one!
On paper, considering what had gone before, 32.8km’s and 2300m+ didn’t seem over scary. However, on inspection of the maps and discussions at the race briefing, it was clear that the middle section of the route would reduce runners to crawling pace.
An 0700 start allowed more time to complete the distance and after an easy km, the route then proceeded to head up firstly via Pas del Corro ski station at 6.8km and 1947m. From here, there was some easy trail and then at just before 11km, single-track turned into extremely technical boulder hopping all the way up to Coll de Baisero at 2739m.
The fun wasn’t over though, a steep descent down a couloir and then more boulders and technical terrain.
Visually stunning, mentally exhausting and technically demanding, this section of the PSR was a highlight. Cloud hung over the mountain giving a magical feel. The landscape, views, mountain vistas and lakes were magical. Lasting just 6km, this section of the route was taking 2-3 hours, yes, it was that demanding.
Refugio de Saboredo at 2310m and 18.5km covered signified a key marker and from here, the run in to the finish in Salardú was easy and pretty much all downhill.
The Aigüestortes I Estanys de Sant Maurici National Park, Vall de Cabanes and Vall d”Aran was the star of the day and each runner well and truly earned the finishing medal.
The PSR is all about enjoyment, exclusivity, good times, sharing a journey and an experience. That was clear to see with how everyone congratulated and applauded each and every finish, first or last.
In any run or race there are winners and the “Tuga Canarias” team of Gilberto Molina and Carmelo Gonzalez dominated the week with a total time of 38h 22m. In second position were the Belgians “The Ultrazzz” of Wim Debbaut, Thomas Swankaert and Kurt Dhont completed in 40h 5m with “The Sigobros Century” team of Jesús and Mario Delgado totalling 41h 54m for third.
The women’s category was dominated from start to finish by Czechs Marcela Mikulecka and Petra Buresova “Runsport Team” who finished with 45h 23m, they also placed 5th overall. In second place were the English Jeanette Rogers and Kerrianne Rogers (mother and daughter) from “Running Holidays France” team with 56h 35m
The final winners in the mixed category were the German team “Black Forest” of Steffen Rothe and Kathrin Litterst who had an unexpected end with a fast run to win overall by just 1-minute in 46h19m. Jaroslaw and Natalia Haczyk from Poland (team “BeerRunners”) placed second after leading all week with 46h 20m. Dutch “B-Running” with Bastian Mathijssen and Birgit Van Bockxmeer placed third with 48h 41m.
Now attention turns to 2022 and the next running of the PSR. One thing is for sure, the edition will be highly anticipated. There is something very special about travelling by foot covering 240 km’s through the Pyrenees and the PSR team do a great job of making the experience a special one. A stunning route and great organisation, this is a run not to be missed!
You can find all the information about the PSR in the website of the race, https://psr.run, together with the videos, photographs and results of the stages.
The Pyrenees Stage Run would not be possible without the main sponsorship of Turga Active Wear, Garmin, Puigcerdà, Encamp (And) Vall del Madriu-Perafita-Claror and bifree sports.
Please support this website. I believe everyone deserves to read quality, independent and factual articles – that’s why this website is open to all. Free press has never been so vital. I hope I can keep providing independent articles with your help. Any contribution, however big or small, is so valuable to help finance regular content. Please support me on Patreon HERE.
Stage 5 of the 2021 Pyrenees Stage Run may well just be the ‘best’ one. Of course, it’s all subjective and when all stage have their highlights, it’s hard to choose. However, if you love tough mountain days, stage 5 is a doozy!
The predicted bad weather came early with persistent rain and at times, strong winds. However, it didn’t deter from the type 2 fun, actually, it added to it!
Leaving Arinsal, it was straight climb all the way to the Refugi Compadreose (2260m) and the first aid station. It was here the rain came and the temperature dropped with just 5km covered.
A short flat section and then the climb to Portella de Baiau at 2756m and the highest point of the PSR. The terrain was challenging, slippery and difficult – just perfect! The lakes providing some visual splendour in the great wet mist.
The scree descent was a highlight of the day, however, for some, it would be terrifying… It’s like skiing on rocks!
Rolling terrain, technical single-track and finally the next aid station at La Molinassa (1806m) with 16km covered. The elapsed time on watches reflecting how difficult the run so far had been.
Now easy running all the way to Àreu aid station and 24.7km.
From here, the Coll de Tudela beckoned at 2240m, a straight VK (vertical kilometre) in 5km. Just perfect at 25kmm in a 40km day.
From the summit the run down to Boldís Sobirà at 1488m was non-technical and arguably some of the easiest running of the day. Over the next 4km, there was some small rollercoaster terrain before the sharp, steep and technical drop to the line at Tavascan (1140m) – what a day!
The PSR can be followed live through the website of the race, https://psr.run, and every day a video and photographs of the stages will be published on their social networks.
Tomorrow, stage 6 is 26.34km with 1635m+ crossing the Natural Park of Alt Pirineu in the middle of magnificent forests, and ending up to Esterri d’Aneu, close to the National Park of Aigüestortes i Sant Maurici.
The Pyrenees Stage Run would not be possible without the main sponsorship of Turga Active Wear, Garmin, Puigcerdà, Encamp (And) Vall del Madriu-Perafita-Claror and bifree sports.
Please support this website. I believe everyone deserves to read quality, independent and factual articles – that’s why this website is open to all. Free press has never been so vital. I hope I can keep providing independent articles with your help. Any contribution, however big or small, is so valuable to help finance regular content. Please support me on Patreon HERE.
As UTMB week draws to a closure on August 29th, the Pyrenees Stage Run 2021 will start. The 2020 edition, like most races was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, however, the PSR is back!
Fourteen different nationalities will take part in this epic 7-day journey covering 240km and over 15000m of vertical gain. The Netherlands, Belgium and the United Kingdom will be the most represented countries as participants take on the challenge in teams of two or three.
The PSR can be followed live through the website of the race, https://psr.run, and every day a video and photographs of the stages will be published on their social networks.
Starting in Ribes de Freser and finishing in Salardú with two stages in Andorra, the PSR offers the possibility to cross a section of the Pyrenees following the classic GR11 and going through places that you will never forget.
Program for the week.
An adventure, the route will be undertaken as a team, sharing the experience being a key consideration not only for enjoyment but safety. The GR11 is way marked but also GPX routes will be followed.
Daily, all will have dinner altogether and an award ceremony of the day, a briefing of the next stage and a presentation of the photos and videos will be given.
It is possible to view a Race Book to get an oversight of the PSR but dune in daily to this website for updates, summaries, images and stage-by-stage results as the 2021 PSR gets underway.
Please support this website. I believe everyone deserves to read quality, independent and factual articles – that’s why this website is open to all. Free press has never been so vital. I hope I can keep providing independent articles with your help. Any contribution, however big or small, is so valuable to help finance regular content. Please support me on Patreon HERE.
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