Vertical Kilometre Canazei, Dolomites 2014 Race Preview

Posted on July 17, 2014 by talkultra

The Vertical Kilometre located in the heart of Canazei is one of the toughest and most beautiful VK’s in the Skyrunner® World Series.

Starting in a lush green field the course takes a direct line to the summit, initially through dense forests the course then opens up to show the Dolomite mountain range in all their beauty.

The course is not technical at all. However, what is misses in technicality is compensated for in gradient and difficulty. The whole course is grass and forest path and as such is very slippery, especially if the ground has had recent rain. In sections, the course is well over a 50% gradient and therefore, the use of poles is almost essential.

Unlike Chamonix or the recent Val D’Isère VK, the Canazei VK is run in ‘waves’ and not individually with ‘timed’ starts. This therefore creates an interesting dynamic on the mountain and also brings an element of tactics into play as we saw in 2013 when Kilian Jornet made a move in the final 100-meters to move past to fellow runners, take the lead and not only win the race but set a course record.

Waves will have approximately 25-runners and the key elite waves will depart (local time) 11:00, 11:04 (ladies) and 11:08.

The start list for 2014 as usual is extremely impressive and we can certainly expect to see a battle royal on the steep grassy slopes of Canazei.

Men

Remarkably, just days after winning and setting a new course record at Hardrock 100, Kilian Jornet will toe the line not only in the VK but the SKY race. Under normal circumstances one would have to say that any runner would be tired… but this is Kilian! So, he’s the favourite.

Urban Zemmer will push Kilian as in 2013 and this time will be waiting and prepared should Kilian ‘make a move’ in the final meters. If Zemmer has the strength, he will look to turn the tables in 2014.

The Dematteis brothers, Bernard and Martin will definitely be contesting the top-5 places and how they perform will very much depend if they decide to use ‘poles.’ They are pure runners and although one can run this VK course, I would say that you are at a disadvantage without them! To put this in perspective, even Kilian uses poles and that doesn’t happen very often.

2013 3^rd place, Philip Gotsch returns and although I am not up to date on his current form, one has to give top billing based on his 2013 performance.

Marco Moletto will hopefully bring his top-quality VK form to Canazei and almost certainly will be looking to be in the mix at the front end of the race. His winning performance 36:50 at Val D’Isere will give him a boost, however, the competition is greater in the Dolomites.

Nejc Kuhar had a strong showing in Val D’Isere (2^nd just 8-secs behind Moletto) at the VK Face Bellevarde and although the Dolomites VK course has different characteristics, we can expect the La Sportiva runner to be close to the top-5.

Eirik Haugsnes had a disappointing Chamonix VK but followed up with a great performance in the Chamonix Sky race. Eirik like to run VK’s and therefore this VK may not suit his skill set. It will be interesting to see if he uses poles.

Nadir Maguet, Thorbjorn Ludvigsen, Alexis Sevennec and Tadei Pivk will all be in the mix. It’s anyone’s to call.

Ones to watch:

Matheo Jacquemoud
Marco Facchinhelli
Dabid Garcia
Inaka Uribe
William Bon Mardion
Joan Freixa Marcelo
Marc Pinsach
Juan Navarro

Ladies

2013 champion Antonella Confortola returns and on a course were poles play an integral part in race success, one has to tip Antonella for the win again. Last weekend, Antonella paced 2^nd behind Laura Orgue in Val D’Isere saying that, ‘I ran too hard in the early stages.’ However, Antonella beat her VK time for the same course set some 10-years earlier.

Laura Orgue despite her skiing background is less familiar with poles and this may put her at a disadvantage on this course. But, Laura knows how to run VK’s and she will be in the mix for sure.

Emelie Forsberg says she is still learning how to run a VK but she placed 2^nd on this course in 2012, so we may very well see a repeat performance despite Emelie placing out of the top-3 in Val D’Isere.

Christel Dewalle cannot be ruled out of any VK race and she is a last minute entry here in Canazei. Last weekend, Christel won the ‘Altispeed’ race in Val D’Isere.

Iva Milesova was only 8-seconds behind Emelie in 2013 and if the Czech runner has the same form, top-5 is a great possibility. It will all come down to the speed of the race and if anyone can match the pace set by Confortola.

Maite Mairoa and Stephanie Jiminez will both be in the mix and although great mountain vertical runners they are not as familiar with using poles. I believe that doth will use them for Canazei so it will be interesting to see how they get on.

Ones to watch:

Celine Lafaye
Leire Agirrezabala
Uxoa Irigoien
Francesca Rossi
Alba Xandri

Links:

Skyrunning HERE

Dolomites Skyrace and VK website HERE

2013 race summary HERE

Race results 2013:

Kilian Jornet 32:43 – SPA – * new course record
Urban Zemmer 32:50 – ITA
Philip Gotsch 32:54 – ITA

Antonella Confortola 41:02 – ITA
Emelie Forsberg 43:01 – SWE
Iva Milesova 43:09 – CZE

Ice Trail Tarentaise 2014 – Race Start Images

Posted on July 13, 2014 by talkultra

The 2014 Ice Trail Tarentaise got underway at 0400 Sunday 13th July. It was a wet start but temperatures were mild and everyone was enthusiastic at the tough challenge that would be ahead.

Ones to watch in the men are Francois d’Haene winner of the ITT in 2012 and 2nd in 2013 behind Kilian Jornet and Luis Alberto Hernando who beat Francois in Chamonix just 2-weeks ago.

For the ladies, Emelie Forsberg 2013 champion returns but she will have strong competition from Francesca Canepa and Maud Gobert amongst others.

Race Preview HERE

More than luck takes Miya to the Skyrunning World Championships

Posted on June 26, 2014 by talkultra

Lucky Miya is in France for the 2014 Skyrunning World Champs, which is hosted by the Marathon du Mont-Blanc. The only South African runner in the men’s race, Miya will compete in this 42-kilometre mountain run on Sunday, 29 June 2014, starting at 07h00. It just shows the global appeal of Skyrunning!

Miya hails from a road running background with an impressive 2:16:41 personal-best marathon time. His road running times remain impressive; in 2013 he ran a 1:09 half marathon.

“In 2009 I decided to try trail running as I enjoyed doing tough things, surviving tough battles makes me proud!” he says. And survive he has.

Miya made his foray into trail events with short-distance races and now favours those up to 40-odd kilometres. Although trail is his main focus, he does participate in road race in the colours of the Gallopers running club, which he started.

As his experience has grown, Miya has increased his trail race distances, competing in staged races too. His trail prowess was clearly demonstrated in October last year when he posted a 4:29 time at the famed marathon-distance The Otter African Trail Run. This earned him a highly respectable fifth place in this fiercely competitive event.

Miya’s path to the Skyrunning World Champs was guaranteed when he won the inaugural Ingeli Skymarathon, which was held in Kokstad in April. He covered the 42-kilometre course distance in 3:37:19, five minutes ahead of his nearest rival. Miya is representing South Africa at these World Champs and is the only South African runner competing in the men’s race; Landie Greyling will run in the women’s race.

In preparation for this event Miya has put in tough hill sessions at this favourite training venue, the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve in the South of Johannesburg.

The Marathon du Mont-Blanc course profile shows a massive climb from 17 to 21 kilometres; those hill sessions are going to count when Miya hits that demanding ascent.

“Absolutely, this will be the toughest section of the course but I believe I’m naturally strong to survive it,” he says.

Having competed on the road racing scene, Miya has experience, a strong head and enough cool to keep his composure under pressure. Surrounded by the best-of-the-best in trail running, he is sure to be tested.

“My road speed and racing experience will definitely help me to deal with the pressure and competition but I will still need huge strength, power and a good race plan. My aim for the race is to be safe and enjoy the run. To finish in the Top 15 or Top 10 will be a bonus!”

Conditions for the race (in Chamonix) are expected to be cloudy and cool with a low of 8°C and high of 21°C. There is a chance of storms. In the mountains… well, it is anyone’s guess as conditions can change in a heartbeat.

“We are so excited for Lucky,” says K-Way brand manager Nick Bennett. ‘We’ve kept an eye on him for a while and were delighted to have him join our K-Way athlete family earlier this year. Lucky is a talented runner and his transition from road to competitive distance trail running has been effortless. He is light, quick and agile. We’re only seeing the start of what he is capable of and we’re delighted to see him competing abroad for the first time in such a prestigious event.’

There’s no shortage of exceptional runners preparing to race. Miya will be in the mix with eight previous Skyrunner World Champions. The event has attracted athletes from 65 countries.

“I’m so excited and I can’t wait to be there!” he says a day before his departure for France.

“It has been a dream to compete abroad and this is an incredible opportunity. It will be an amazing experience.”

The Marathon du Mont-Blanc starts at 07h00 on Sunday, 29 June 2014. The race starts from the town of Chamonix in France. The men’s race record of 3:30:41 is held by Kilian Jornet.

Skyrunning HERE

In-depth race preview HERE

Skyrunning World Championships 2014 – In-Depth Preview

Posted on June 23, 2014 by talkultra

Worlds collide in the endurance capital of the world this week when 28-nations congregate for the 2014 Skyrunning World championships.

*Please note, this preview will be updated with many potential changes within the coming days as we are made aware of any withdrawals.

The best-of-the-best will assemble to do battle over the classic Skyrunning distances of VK, SKY and ULTRA in the amazing endurance arena that is Chamonix.

3400 athletes representing 28-nations will toe 3-separate start lines over an incredible weekend of racing starting on June-27^th at 0400 with the 80km ULTRA event. The same day at 1600-hours the 4^th edition of the Vertical Kilometer will start from the center of Chamonix. At 0700-hours on Sunday 29^th, the 12^th Mont-Blanc SKY Marathon will take place.

An epic weekend of racing!

The depth of talent travelling from all around the world is quite mind blowing and thus, making a prediction from such high quality fields is an endurance task in its own right. So, I have provided a list, ‘Ones to watch’ and for each race I have made my predictions that we can expect to don the podium for the ladies and the men. It’s no easy task…

No less than eight Skyrunner® World Series Champions will be present.

Some numbers for the record:

8 Skyrunner® World Series Champions
28 national teams
38 countries participating
46 top 20 ranked athletes
3,400 participants in the thee disciplines
25,000 euros cash prizes

Individual world titles are at stake in each discipline as well as a combined title, based on the best results of two out of three races. Countries will be ranked according to the best results of three men and one woman in all three disciplines.

€ 25,000 cash prizes will be awarded and anti-doping controls will be carried out.

******

The 4^th annual Vertical Kilometer

Race start 16:00 Friday June 27th

A route of pure ‘mountain’ spirit, that takes a straight and direct line from the center of Chamonix to the finish at Planpraz. Climbing 1000 vertical meters in 3.8km it’s a pure test of strength. Similar to a prologue in the Tour de France, runner’s start at timed 30-second intervals, the fastest to the summit is the winner!

The opening sections comprise of runnable trail, however, the last section is comprised of rocks and requires more commitment with notably a few aerial passages equipped with cables and ladders.

Records:

Kilian Jornet – 34:07
Christel Dewalle – 41:33

MEN

The Dematteis brothers will without doubt be serious contenders after strong performances at the VK at Transvulcania La Palma. Like the Super Mario Brothers, these guys bring excitement and drama to any race.

Saul Antonio Padua last years winner will have competition this year, however, his performance in the VK last year was world class. What do you think, another win?

Kilian Jornet fresh from another Summit of my Life record may well not have much running in his legs but it has never slowed him before and why would it slow him this time?

Eirik Haugsness placed 3^rd last year and very much feels comfortable with the effort level required for a quality performance over the VK distance. He prefers a course that allows him to run and Chamonix provides exactly such a course, at least over the first 700-meters.

Urban Zemmer is a class act on any VK and a specialist at the discipline. However, the Chamonix VK does not really suit his style. He will be in the mix but not on top of the podium. Zemmer was Skyrunner ® World Series Champion in 2013 and despite my thoughts, would almost certainly like the World title too! He placed 5^th last year.

Alexis Sevennec placed 4^th last year and comes from a ski mountaineer background, as so many VK specialists do. I don’t see him making the podium but he will be close, very close!

Finally, Marco Facchinelli placed 2^nd in the Skyrunner® World Series in 2013 and like Zemmer will be looking to stamp his authority on the VK.

Ones to watch:

Kilian Jornet (Esp)
Saul Antonio Padua (Col)
Oscar Casal Mir (And)
Marc Casal Mir (And)
Aritz Egea (Esp)
Martin Gaffuri (Fra)
Alexis Sevennec (Fra)
Greg Vollet (Fra)
Didier Zago (Fra)
Tom Owens (Gbr)
Bernard Dematteis (Ita)
Martin Dermatteis (Ita)
Marco Facchinelli (Ita)
Urban Zemmer (Ita)
Dai Matsumoto (Jap)
Eirik Haugsness (Nor)
Thorbjorn Ludvigsen (Nor)
Jono Wyatt (Nzl)
Joakim Lanz (Swe)
~~Alex Nichols (Usa)~~
Marco Moletto (Ita)

LADIES

Christel Dewalle set a course record on the VK in 2013 and will be looking for a repeat performance. Her strength and endurance was confirmed in 2013 with a top-quality 2^nd place at Ice Trail Tarentaise.

Laure Orgue Skyrunner® World Series Champion in 2013 is a VK specialist and as shown on many occasions previously will be looking to push as hard as possible for victory in Chamonix.

Antonella Confortola on her day is one of the best VK specialists on the circuit, particularly when using poles. The Chamonix VK may be too runnable for Antonella but she will without doubt be up at the front as she was in 2013 when she placed 3^rd.

Stevie Kremer like Emelie is not a VK specialist but her mountain ability is quite incredible. How will she perform on the VK, well, it’s a question mark? After a stunning run at Zegama-Aizkorri one can assume that Stevie will be in the mix.

Kasie Enman flew up the early climbs at Zegama-Aizkorri and led the race early on before Stevie Kremer reeled her in and took the lead. Because the VK is a flat out effort, I can’t help but think we will see Kasie create some fireworks.

Finally, Brit, Tessa Hill has honed and fine-tuned her VK skills in recent years and without doubt, the Chamonix course suits her running VK style. Tessa was 3^rd in the 2013 Skyrunner® World Series and placed on 5th at the 2013 Chamonix VK.

Ones to watch:

Laura Orgue (Esp)
Christel Dewalle (Fra)
Stephanie Jiminez (Fra)
Janine Frost (Gbr)
Tessa Hill (Gbr)
Antonella Confortola (Ita)
Anna Eriksmo (Swe))
Landie Grayling (Sa)
Kasie Enman (Usa)
Stevie Kremer (Usa)
Axelle Mollaret (Fra)

The 12^th annual Mont-Blanc SKY Marathon.

Race start 07:00 Sunday June 29th

This year yet again athletes from 65 countries will compete in an exceptional and very technical course.

After starting from the center of Chamonix (1035m) it is a climb up the Arve valley by passing through the hamlet of Lavancher before reaching Argentiere (1250m).

In direction of Le Planet the course rejoins the Balcon Nord trail before re-descending in the direction of Montroc. Tré le Champ then it is the Col des Montets (1461m) at the heart of the Aigulles Rouges nature reserve.

By the Diligences route the runners cross the hamlet of Buet before rejoining Vallorcine (1260m) nestled at the end f the valley on the Swiss border. The climb begins toward the Aiguillette des Posettes (2200m). Efforts are rewarded by a sumptuous panorama of the Mont-Blanc range and the Chamonix valley. Facing the Aiguille du Tour and its glacier the trail descends by following the Crete des Fretes.

After several technical passages to the village of Le Tour (1453m) it is a return to tranquility on the path that longs the Bisme stream and then to Montroc (1382m). The runners cross through the hamlet of Frasserands and Tré le Champs before rejoining the historic trail of the Mont-Blanc Cross, at the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges facing the entire massif. The path rises up to La Flegere (1875m). After traversing the beautiful Charlanon combe (1812m) there is a soft little climb inviting everyone to take in the scenery.

Then the slopes intensify before the finish at Planpraz (2050m) the intermediary station of the Brevent that offers one of the most spectacular views of the Mont-Blanc. Race description ©Club Des Sports De Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Records:

Kilian Jornet – 3:30:41
Stevie Kremer – 4:03:16

MEN

Check the list out below… what a line-up. Last year we had a battle royal with Kilian Jornet, Marco De Gasperi and Luis Alberto Hernando. Only Kilian returns! Marco De Gasperi is not available to race and Luis has moved up to the Ultra distance. So, what is going to happen?

No surprise, Kilian Jornet is odds on favourite. He won last year and why wouldn’t he this year? He certainly has less running in his legs than any other year but he lives and breathes the mountains and his need to run in preparation for a running race is somewhat distorted in the way the rest of us function.

My dark horse and potential apple cart shaker is Vlad Ixel. He is not a name many European runners will know but after some quality runs in the Southern Hemisphere, I firmly believe that Vlad will be the surprise of the whole 2014 Skyrunning World championships.

Michel Lanne

Michel Lanne was the joint winner of the 80km event with Francois d’Haene in 2013 and knows the mountains and terrain like the back of his hand. A recent quality performance at Zegama-Aizkorri confirms good form.

I’m pretty excited from a British perspective! We have a return to top flight racing for *~~Andy Symonds~~ after a horrendous 2013 due to injury. Tom Owens pushed Kilian in 2012 and like Andy Symonds had a 2013 to forget. Oli Johnson placed 10^th last year in Chamonix and Martin Cox seals the quartet of top UK talent. *injured

Zaid Ait Malek

Zaid Ait Malek will smile is whole way around the marathon route and will potentially take (or just miss) the podium. He is an incredible mountain running talent.

Jono Wyatt – do I need to say anymore? He’s a mountain running legend. Jono has been there and done that for decades. You can NEVER rule him out as way saw at Sierre-Zinal last year.

Alex Nichols

~~USA has fast men *Alex Nichols (7^th in 2013) If Alex is in great shape, it would be feasible for him to place in the top-10. However, this is a top quality field and the pressure will be on.~~ *injured

Didier Zago placed 6^th last year but I believe he is taking a more casual approach to running these days. So my final shouts will go to Eirik Haugsness (5^th last year) and up and coming star, Thorbjorn Ludvigsen.

Ones to watch:

Oscar Casal Mir (And)
Marc Casal Mir (And)
Vlad Ixel (Aus)
Miguel Caballero (Esp)
Aritz Egea (Esp)
Zigor Iturrieta Ruiz (Esp)
Kilian Jornet (Esp)
Jokin Lizeaga (Esp)
Augusti Roc (Esp)
Nicolas Bouvier (Fra)
Thibaut Baronian (Fra)
Martin Gaffuri (Fra)
Michel Lanne (Fra)
Didier Zago (Fra)
Martin Cox (Gbr)
Oli Johnson (Gbr)
Tom Owens (Gbr)
Andy Symonds (Gbr)
Florian Reichert (Ger)
Fabio Bazzana (Ita)
Dai Matsumoto (Jap)
Toru Myahara (Jap)
Zaid Ait Malek (Mor)
German Silva (Mex)
Tineke Van Den Berg (Ned)
Eirik Haugsness (Nor)
Thorbjorn Ludvigsen (Nor)
Jono Wyatt (Nzl)
Marcin Swierc (Pol)
Andre Castro (Pol)
Lucky Miya (Sa)
Marc Lauenstein (Sui)
~~Alex Nichols (Usa)~~

LADIES

Stevie Kremer won the race last year with a new course record and one has to tip her as the hot favourite, particularly after her strong and dominant performance at Zegama-Aizkorri.

Maite Mairoa is on a roll at the moment after a stunning Transvulcania and Zegama-Aizkorri performance. Maite has always been a dominant force in mountain running but this last 12-months has seen a change. She is a different runner and one that can push the best-of-the-best.

Elisa Desco won Sierre-Zinal ahead of Stevie Kremer in 2013 and then placed behind Stevie at Zegama. This can only mean that we are in for a high quality battle in the Chamonix arena.

Kasie Enman looked like she was going to throw race predictions out of the window at Zegama-Aizkorri but faltered in the latter stages when fatigue hit. Long haul travel or mother duties could be to blame but one thing is for sure, several weeks on I think we will see a much stronger and more dominant runner who will mix things up in Chamonix.

Final shout goes to Jo Meek from the UK who will be tipping her toe in the Skyrunning world. Jo was unknown last year bur 2^nd place lady at Marathon des Sables, winning The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica, a win at the Iznik Ultra and CR and most recently 5^th placed lady at the iconic Comrades Marathon shows that Jo has all the speed required to do well! The biggest test for Jo will be the long climbs and technical running. I’m going to be seriously interested to see how this race goes.

Ones to watch:

Jo Brishetto (Aus)
Nuria Dominguez (Esp)
Maite Maiora (Esp)
Aline Camboulive (Fra)
Juliette Benedicto (Fra)
Stephanie Jiminez (Fra)
Jo Meek (Gbr)
Antonella Confortola (Ita)
Elisa Desco (Ita)
Silvia Serafini (Ita)
Sharon Broadwell (Nor)
Landie Grayling (Sa)
Zhana Vokueva (Rus)
Kasie Enman (Usa)
Stevie Kremer (Usa)

The Mont-Blanc ULTRA 80km

Race start 04:00 Friday 27th

In 2013 the first edition left it’s mark in everyone’s minds. The technicality, beautiful scenery and paths delighted all runners. For the first runner and the last runner, the challenge was the same! Among fatigue, visions of gorgeous mountains, capricious weather, heat and snow, all the necessary ingredients for an extraordinary event beyond the norm came together for the birth of a legend…

After an early start (4:00am) from the center of Chamonix Mont-Blanc the runners will rise directly up to the Bellachat Hut (2246m) from where they will see the first rays of sunlight shining on the summit of the Mont-Blanc. After a short rest they will leave Brevent (2525m) to descent to Planpraz (1st refreshment post). At the heart of the Aiguilles rouges, a trail will take them to the Flegere and then to the chalet des Cheseryus before descending to the Col des Montets via la Tete au Vent.

The hamlet of the Buet (1330m) will mark the beginning of a long technical loop starting with the Tré les Eaux valley, then a demanding ascent up to the Col du Corbeau (2602m). Most likely with some snow still on the ground runners will enter into Swiss territory and head up the

Col de la Terrasse (2643m). In this mineral world the descent to the Emosson dam will require keen attentiveness on the final snowfields. Very soon the pastures of the Loriaz will allow the muscles to relax after over 50km of effort. But the rest period will be short-lived because once Vallorcine is crossed (1260m) the ascent of the aiguillette des Posettes will burn the calves and pump the cardio!

Facing the Mont-Blanc the descent along a ridge will require utmost caution to get through the numerous steps and reach the village of Le Tour and then Argentiere (1260m). Runners will then re-descend along the Balcon Nord in the direction of Chamonix and take the Marathon race route in reverse.

The final difficulty will be the climb up to Signal (2200m), running next to one of Chamonix’s most famous tourist sites, the Mer de Glace. A last balcony at the foot of the Aiguilles des Grands Charmoz de Blaitiere and the Fou will take the runners to the Plan d’Aiguille (2200m), which overhangs the Arve valley. 1200m lower the finish line will honor the deserving finishers…. Race description ©Club Des Sports De Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Records

Francois d’Haene and Michel Lanne – 9:45:57 (joint record 2013)
Caroline Cheverot 13:10:05

MEN

Luis Alberto Hernando dominated Transvulcania La Palma this year and has decided to move up from the SKY distance (placed 3^rd last year) to the ULTRA distance at Mont-Blanc. On his day he is one of the best in the world and I am sure Luis will be using this race as an opportunity to understand the mountain ready for his first UTMB later in the year.

Francois d’Haene won the race last year and after consummate performances at Raid de la Reunion and the recent UTMF, one has to say that he is odds on favourite here!

UTMB 2013 winner Xavier Thevenard has the perfect combination of skills to excel and place on the podium. His recent performance at Transvulcania was disappointing but these things happen in racing… I think Xavier will be a podium contender. In addition, he has just had a warm up on the UTMB route with his Asics team trying to beat the sun!

Ricky Lightfoot’s presence in the race really does excite me and if he shows some of the quality and skill shown at races such as The Otter in South Africa, The World Trail Running Champs and the Three Peaks then we are in for some real excitement.

Mike Wolfe makes the journey from the USA and loves mountains with technical trail. He has performed at the highest level at UTMB before and will be looking to transfer those experiences to the 80km course.

Philipp Reiter, Salomon ©iancorless.com

Philipp Reiter, Adam Campbell, Jason Schlarb, Matt Cooper, Pablo Villa and the list goes on! It’s going to be an epic race.

Ones to watch:

Xavier Teixido (And)
Matt Cooper (Aus)
Pieter Schaaps (Bel)
Chico Santos (Bra)
Jason Loutit (Can)
Jan Bartas (Cez)
Martin Saenz (Ecu)
Pao Bartolo (Esp)
Luis Alberto Hernando (Esp)
Pablo Villa ((Esp)
Sebastien Buffard (Fra)
Sylvain Couchaud (Fra)
Yann Curien (Fra)
Francois d’Haene (Fra)
Benoit Girondel (Fra)
David Pasquio (Fra)
Xavier Thevenard (Fra)
Ricky Lightfoot (Gbr)
Philipp Reiter (Ger)
Giuliano Cavallo (Ita)
Steffan Ruzza (Ita)
Yoshito Kondo (Ita)
Ronnie Duinkerken (Ned)
Phudorjee Lama Sherpa (Nep)
Leonardo Diogo (Pol)
Johan Lantz (Swe)
Jason Schlarb (Usa)
Mike Wolfe (Usa)

LADIES

Anna Frost is back and in the space of just over a month has put some really tough times behind her, topped the podium with a new CR at the Transvulcania La Palma and has then followed this up with some quality training. Frosty appears to be in a great place both physically and mentally. Frosty is my hot tip but….

Nuria Picas is in the race and Nuria has not stopped winning in 2014. She has become an unstoppable force in mountain running and ultra running. The only blip was a recent withdrawal from Zegama-Aizkorri but that shows us nothing. It was basically one race too many and Nuria had the sense to stop. Frosty and Nuria are great friends and it has been sometime since they shared trails together. Expect them to run next to each other for some time chatting and then a head-to-head battle in the latter stages.

Emelie Forsberg’s 2013 has already been extremely interesting, a bad fall wiped out her Transvulcania and this then impacted on Zegama-Aizkorri. Emelie is not used to finishing off the podium and I am 100% convinced we will see an inform and fired up Emelie in Chamonix. Plus she is going to be racing against Frosty and Nuria. Wow!

We will finally get to see Southern Hemisphere talent Ruby Muir trade blows and I for one am excited to see the outcome. Ruby shot to prominence from not only winning Tarawera in 2012, but also doing it in Vibram Five Fingers. I am unsure of the shoe choice for the 80km race, it’s irrelevant. I do know that we are in for a fast race and one that Ruby may well lead?

Fernanda Maciel has been trading blows with Nuria Picas on the UTWT circuit and has had a string of top-3 places to confirm that she will be in the mix in Chamonix. However, despite Fernanda’s obvious ability, I don’t think she will have the speed required for the top slot.

Finally, Brits Claire Price and Lizzie Wraith may well fly the flag for Blighty. Claire lives in Hong Kong and has been a consistent performer at the highest level. Lizzie by contrast is based in the UK and shot to prominence after winning and setting a new course record on the Lakeland 100 course.

Ones to watch:

Anna Frost (Nzl)
Ruby Muir (Nzl)
Fernanda Maciel (Bra)
Dong Li (Chn)
Anna Strakova (Cze)
Uxu Fraile (Esp)
Nuria Picas (Esp)
Lauren Gaussens (Fra)
Maud Gobert (Fra)
Claire Price (Gbr)
Lizzie Wraith (Gbr)
Alessandra Carlini (Ita)
Emelie Forsberg (Swe)

The 2014 Skyrunning World Championships will be an incredible showcase for running. Like you, I can’t wait for all the excitement to unfold.

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The Best Of The Best – 2014 Skyrunning World Championship line-up announced

Posted on June 11, 2014 by talkultra

Lauri van Houten, Executive Director for the ISF gives us the low down on who will be participating in the 2014 Skyrunning World Championships to be held in Chamonix on June 27-29.

Even before getting off the ground, the events were an immediate sell-out when they went online last October with a record number of requests. Since then, the world’s best runners and teams have submitted their entries, which we announce here.

No less than nine Skyrunner® World Series Champions will take part, headed by superstars, Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg, Luis Alberto Hernando, Tofol Castanyer, Stevie Kremer, Nuria Picas, Urban Zemmer, Agustì Roc, Laura Orguè.

Out of the ISF Top 20 World Ranking:
– 15 athletes will compete in the Sky distance, 14 in the Ultra and 17 in the Vertical.

Many more world-class names will be competing over the three distances – winners from top skyrunning events, from trail running races, and mountain running….they will all be here to compete in the magic arena that is Mont Blanc. 3,400 athleteswill participate in the three Skyrunning World Championships disciplines with a total of 6,500 runners overall in the weekend’s events.

In the previous World Championships held in 2010, the country ranking was headed by Italy, followed by Spain and Francecounting 13 nations. Four years on and the country participation has more than doubled, with 28 nations taking part.

Certainly Spain is the all-out favourite, with France and Italy close behind. With the rapid development of the sport and new countries emerging, the picture could soon change. Strong competition is forecast from Great Britain and new entries Norwayand the Czech Republic for example, will no doubt make their mark.

Spain: Kilian Jornet, Luis Alberto Hernando, Tofol Castanyer, Nuria Picas, Laura Orguè, Uxue Fraille, Maite Maiora, Agustì Roc, Iker Karrera, Artiz Egea, Jokin Lizeaga, Nuria Dominguez…

France: The host country with the biggest field of participants. Where to begin?
Francois D’Haenne, Michel Lanne, Xavier Thevenard – respectively 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the 80K last year; Christel Dewalle, Mathéo Jacquemoud, Alexis Sevennec, William Bon Mardion, Thibault Baronian, Axelle Mollaret Stephanie Jimenez, Maud Gobert, Mikael Paséro…

Italy: Urban Zemmer, Antonella Confortola, Silvia Serafini, Elisa Desco, Tadei Pivk, brothers Bernard and Martin Dematteis EAA champions, Marco Moletto, 2010 World Champion Nicola Golinelli, Federica Boifava…

Great Britain: Tom Owens and Andy Symonds are back racing after a year off joined by Ricky Lightfoot and Tessa Hill.

New Zealand: Anna Frost, Jonathan Wyatt and Ruby Muir. After her recent Transvulcania victory, Anna is back in great shape after a difficult year.

USA: 2013 Sky Series champion Stevie Kremer, 2011 WMRA champion Kasie Enman, Alex Nichols, Cameron Claytonand Ultra running icon Mike Wolfe.

Andorra: the consistently strong Teixido and Casal brothers.

Canada: Land of great distances and Ultra runners: Tina Lewis, Jason Loutit, and Adam Campbell.

Robust teams will participate from Japan with Dai Matsumoto and Torhu Myahara; from the Czech Republic starring Anna Straka (Pichrtova), five-time winner at Sierre-Zinal, and Robert Krupicka.

From Brazil, ultra runner Fernanda Maciel; from Switzerland Marc Lauenstein and Candide Gabioud among others.

Completing the ISF member countries participating with teams will be Greece, Poland and Russia and, for the first time in an international skyrunning competition: Australia, China, Netherlands, Portugal and South Africa.

Top runners from other countries are headed by Romanian Ionut Zinca, ranked 2nd behind Kilian in the Sky distance, and include Germany’s Philipp Reiter, Florian Neuschwander and Florian Reichert. Interestingly, strong competition is coming from a number of countries new to skyrunning. Norway is showing great promise and will offer strong competition in the Vertical and Sky categories with talent like Thorbjørn Ludvigsen and Eirik Haugsnes who, in just one year, have made their mark in the sport.

Sweden will support Emelie Forsberg, at the head of both the 2013 Sky and Ultra ranking, with a team. Countries stretching across the world from Ecuador to Nepal complete the picture of a truly international championship.

Overall, 46 athletes ranked in the top 20 across the three disciplines will take part – a historic first. The 2014 Championships represent the first time the Ultra distance will be disputed.

Some numbers for the record:
•   9 Skyrunner® World Series Champions
•   28 national teams
•   38 countries participating
•   46 top 20 ranked athletes
•   3,400 participants in the thee disciplines
•   25,000 euros cash prizes

On the launch of the announcement, Marino Giacometti, ISF President, commented: “We’re proud to present the World Championships in Chamonix and, with the support of the Club des Sport, we’re confident the events will be a perfect showcase for skyrunning and draw the best athletes in the world for some intense competition.”

Race programme

Teaser

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2013 Skyrunner® World Series Champion, Stevie Kremer to race Northern Ireland’s Mourne Skyline MTR

Posted on May 30, 2014 by talkultra

Fresh from victory at the 2014 Zegama-Aizkorri Skyrunner® World Series, Skyrunning UK are pleased to announce that Salomon athlete, American Stevie Kremer will race the brand new Mourne Skyline MTR on October 18^th 2014.

Stevie is arguably the best female SKY distance runner on the scene at the moment. Winning Mont-Blanc Marathon, Pikes Peak and Limone Extreme in 2013, secured Stevie the Skyrunner® World Series title and elevated the pocket rocket from Colorado from hot, to super hot!

With her infectious smile and ability on the mountain, Stevie will be an incredible asset not only to the Mourne Skyline MTR race but to all trail and mountain running in the UK.

“Creating Skyrunning UK was all about bringing the ethos and feel of European events to our shores and in time, creating some of the buzz as witnessed in the Alps, Pyrenees or the Dolomites,’ said Skyrunning UK director, Ian Corless ‘Stevie is at the forefront of Skyrunning, she is an incredible talent, a bubbly personality and to have her arrive on our shores and race is a dream come true. It was always my aim… in reality, I had hoped this would happen in 2017 but to have Stevie join us in year one is just incredible and the boost we all need.’

Ryan Maxwell, race director for the Mourne Skyline MTR can’t believe his luck. ‘When we announced our race we had an incredible response with entries flooding in. To now find out that Stevie Kremer will join us for the inaugural event, really is the icing on the cake. Racing is about every runner; from first to last. However, elite runners provide inspiration for all of us and Stevie leads by example; she is a role model for Skyrunning and we will be honoured by her presence at our race.’

A long-term aim has always been to have a new UK event included in the Skyrunner® World Series, should that happen, the best-of-the-best will travel to the UK to race. Stevie’s presence in year one provides a pathway to that objective. The world’s top teams and athletes pitting themselves against UK athletes. Imagine it; imagine what that would do for the sport in the UK! We have some great races and although we have attracted International athletes in the past to Snowdon and Ben Nevis, it has almost gone un-noticed. The time is now right. We all need to pool together and help grow the sport.

Lauri van Houten, executive director for the ISF (International Skyrunning Federation) had this to say, ‘The Skyrunner® National Series were created to grow Skyrunning on a national level globally – to give as many runners as possible the “feel” of a Skyrunning race and a chance to win a place in an international World Series event. The UK Skyrunning races hold enormous promise and look set to attract an international field. Stevie’s decision to take part in Northern Ireland is a great boost for the race and the new Skyrunner® UK National Series.’

Salomon athlete, Andy Symonds summed the thought process up perfectly, ‘The UK may lack the altitude of the Italian Alps, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have proper mountains! Steep, rough, beautiful mountains are a plenty in the UK – so let’s organize some Skyrunning races up them!’

The sport is growing at all levels. In time a series of UK based Skyrunning teams similar to the model that inov-8 have created is a distinct possibility. The Skyrunner® National Series provides not only a great structure for the sport but it also provides a springboard for UK athletes to race in other countries but equally, we hope to attract foreign athletes to race on home soil.

Speaking from Colorado, Stevie said, ‘It looks amazing and it’s during my fall break, so I am in! I love the idea of that much climbing.’

Stevie Kremer’s presence in 2014 at the Mourne Skyline MTR has started the ball rolling much sooner than we anticipated…

Let’s keep it rolling!

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Follow Skyrunning UK HERE

ISF HERE

Skyrunning UK 2014 Calendar: HERE

V3K

28th June 2014
Distance: 55km
Elevation: 4000m +/-
Race venue: Nant Gwynant
Race website: HERE

Peaks SkyRace enter HERE

August 3rd
Distance: 29.7m
Elevation gain: 2012m
Elevation loss: 2012m
Website: HERE

3×3 Ultra enter HERE

4th October 2014
Distance: 80km
Elevation: 4000m +/-
Race venue: Keswick, Cumbria.
Race website: HERE

Mourne Skyrline MTR enter HERE

18th October
Distance: 35km
Elevation: 3370m
Race venue: Newcastle, Northern Ireland.
Race website: HERE

Skyrunning UK is sponsored by:

Episode 62 – Comrades, Wardian, Meek, Clark

Posted on May 30, 2014 by talkultra

Episode 62 of Talk Ultra ia a Comrades Special show. We have a full and in-depth interview with Michael Wardian who is looking for a top-10 placing. Live from Durban, we speak to Jo Kelsey (Meek) who is having her first experience of this race. Nick Clark joins us to discuss UTMF, WSER and the up and coming Salomon SkyRun South Africa. We have a ladies perspective on running with children in Talk Training. The News, a Blog and joining me as a special Comrades Marathon co-host we have 2013 7th placed lady, Holly Rush.

This show is dedicated to Manya Claassen – RIP

‘As you all know, Niandi my partner has run Comrades 13-times. She has been on the show and discussed it… this year she returns for her 14th. IT IS THE ULTIMATE HUMAN RACE, you need to experience it to fully understand the emotions and the coming together of so many people. For Niandi, this year will be the hardest race ever, not only Comrades but of all the races she has done. I’m very sad to say that last week, Niandi’s sister, Manya, lost a 6-year long battle with cancer. Words can’t express the loss but despite everything she went through, she was and is one of the strongest ladies I have ever known. I remember Manya running Comrades with Niandi whilst in remission a few years ago. I was glued to the live feed whilst home in the UK. The emotions when she crossed the line will last with me forever… on June 1st, at the crow of the cockerel, Niandi will run one more time, not for herself but for her sister, her sisters children and her family… run strong, run free, run proud.’ Ian Corless

Niandi Carmont has asked that we read these words on her behalf:

Manya

‘It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end.”

― Ursula Le Guin

She was so perky and positive. I’ll will remember her this way.

Sifting through my e-mail I came across this message by my sister. These were words she’d written about a friend who like herself had lost the struggle against breast cancer. Manya had helped the same friend complete the Manya-Tough-One, a race in honour of breast cancer survivors.

Manya called herself a survivor. She was both a survivor and tough. And she loved a challenge. Nothing would irk her more than the words You can’t do that! Once she put her mind to something she did it, irrespective of the difficulty and the dissuasive arguments.

She ran 3 Comrades 2000, 2003 and 2010 – the latter in remission from breast cancer! Manya climbed Kiliminjaro, trekked Europe’s toughest hike the GR20 in Corsica with me, flew over at the drop of a hat to hike the UTMB route, did a crash course on artificial slopes in South Africa to ski on the black slopes in the Alps, bought a road bike and entered the Argus for the fun of it, drove from Jo’burg along the Mozambican coast on her own, transported tons of cement in her SUV to lay the foundations of a house she was building whilst raising 2 generations of kids.

I can honestly say she had no regrets – she lived life to the full and loved life. Manya’s leitmotiv was Carpe Diem but at the same time she was generous and thoughtful of those she loved giving of her time and energy especially to her sons Nathan and Dylan who meant the world to her.

I will miss my little sister – as will her boys, her family and all her friends.

Niandi

NEWS

ZEGAMA

THIS IS SKYRUNNING…. WATCH THE VIDEO Can you imagine it, one day, hopefully these scenes in the Lakes, the Peaks, Welsh mountains HERE

Men

1. Kilian Jornet (Salomon) 3h48’38”

2. Marco De Gasperi (SCOTT Sports) 3h50’38”

3. Luis Alberto Hernando (adidas) 3h50’57”

4. Ionut Zinca (Valetudo Skyrunning Italia) 3h53’14”

5. Zaid Ait Malek (Buff) 3h55’06”

Women

1. Stevie Kremer (Salomon) 4h46’44”

2. Elisa Desco (SCOTT Sports) 4h50’21”

3. Maite Mayora (La Sportiva) 4h51’48”

4. Emelie Forsberg (Salomon) 4h52’11”

5. Kasie Enman (Salomon) 4h53’35”

TNF100 Australia

Men

Stu Gibson – 9:31:11
Andrew Tuckey (The North Face) – 9:31:??
Brendan Davies (Inov-8) – 9:53:10
Jonathan O’Loughlin – 9:53:30
Ben Duffus (Hoka OneOne) – 9:56:16

Ladies

Núria Picas (Buff) – 10:57:46
Joelle Vaught (Montrail) – 11:45:15
Fernanda Maciel (The North Face) – 11:47:52
Gill Fowler (La Sportiva) – 11:56:01
Claire Walton – 12:05:30

GUCR – 145 miles

1st Pat Robbins 26:20

2nd Jon Kinder 27:48

3rd Stuart Gillet 29:35

7th Isobel Wykes 31:18 (1st Lady)

14th Heike Bergman 33:18 (2nd Lady)

19th Natasha Farid-Doyle 34:35 (3rd Lady)

NDW50

Richard La Cock 7:05:12

John Melbourne 7:47:36

Thomas Jeffrey 7:52:40

Annabelle Streams 8:18:32

Gemma Carter 8:36:15

Deborah Turner 8:54:36

Speedgoat Karl Meltzer puts in another day at the office at the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 Mile Run this past weekend. Karl punched the clock for his 4th win at Massanutten in 18:40:23 extending his world record at the 100 Mile distance to 36 wins and counting. Karl’s win comes on the heels of a 100k win and course record in early April at the Zion 100k.

BLOG

Anton Krupicka is back… http://blog.ultimatedirection.com/jemez-50-pickin-cherries/

INTERVIEW

Michael Wardian talk about his preparation for the 2014 Comrades

MELTZER MOMENT with Speedgoat

INTERVIEW

Jo Meek speaks to us live from the Hilton, Durban just days before the race

TALK TRAINING with mum, Sue Fisher

INTERVIEW

Nick Clark talks UTMF, WSER and the up and coming Salomon SkyRun – https://iancorless.org/salomon-sky-run-south-africa/

UP & COMING RACES