Zegama Inov-8 team are ready!

Posted on May 25, 2013 by talkultra

The Inov-8 International Skyrunning Team are ready for Zegama – Anna Lupton, Sarah Ridgeway, Ben Bardsley and Alex Nichols along with team manager, Natalie White are excited to be racing at this iconic race.

It also sees the launch of the new Inov-8 Mountain Running Wear.

The team have been testing new products such as the Wind Shell 60 jacket for the ladies and the Wind Shell 70 jacket for the men. In addition, they have also been using the Base Elite ‘T’s and 3/4 tights.

Zegama will be the first race for Inov-8 using this new apparel.

Silvia Serafini Zegama pre race interview

Posted on May 24, 2013 by talkultra

Silvia Serafini, Salomon Agisko copyright Ian Corless

Silvia Serafini is a rising star for Salomon Agisko. She has an excellent pedigree and fast times in road running. In 2012 she moved to trail and mountain running and participated in multiple races always performing in the top 10. She has immense ability and potential.

Excited, motivated and maybe a little apprehensive about racing at Zegama, Silvia, like fellow team mate, Stevie Kremer, says this race will be a learning curve. But do not rule her out. She without doubt has the speed and ability to perform at the highest level at this 2013 edition of this iconic race.

YouTube HERE

Links:

Zegama-Aizkorri website – HERE
Skyrunning – HERE
Salomon Running – HERE
Salomon Agisko – HERE

Zegama – a chilled and relaxed Friday

Posted on May 24, 2013 by talkultra

A selection of images in and around the town of Zegama. This race is a beautiful mountain race with a history. As runners arrive ahead of tomorrows registration day, the locals join in for the build up to Sunday’s race.

: Silvia Serafini, Salomon Agisko copyright Ian Corless

Sarah Ridgeway Zegama pre race interview

Posted on May 24, 2013 by talkultra

Sarah Ridgeway Inov-8 copyright Ian Corless

Sarah Ridgeway needs no introduction to the ‘Zegama’ experience. She raced here in 2012 and placed 6th overall. She loves Zegama and she feels very privileged not only to be back racing at Zegama again but also to be part of the Inov-8 International Skyrunning Team.

Last years race was cold, wet and we had snow. Sarah hopes she gets similar conditions this year… one of the advantages of being a fell and mountain runner in the UK!

YouTube HERE

Links:

Aliex Nichols HERE
Inov-8 HERE
Zegama HERE
Skyrunning HERE

Alex Nichols – Zegama pre race interview

Posted on May 24, 2013 by talkultra

Alex Nichols Inov-8 copyright Ian Corless

Alex Nichols has had a long journey to Zegama. However, he has had some time to relax and recover and without doubt he is looking forward to the challenge that will unfold on Sunday.

Without doubt he is excited to be racing Kilian Jornet, Luis Alberto Hernando, Michel Lanne, Marco de Gasperi and more… he is new to racing in Europe and he appreciates the racing and trails are very different to the US. But he is here to race, his form is good and he plans to push at the front of the race!

YouTube HERE

Links:

Aliex Nichols HERE
Inov-8 HERE
Zegama HERE
Skyrunning HERE

Stevie Kremer – Zegama pre race interview

Posted on May 24, 2013 by talkultra

Stevie Kremer – copyright Ian Corless

Stevie Kremer burst onto the European running scene with a stunning second place at Sierre-Zinal in 2012. She followed this with a win at the World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships at Interlaken later that year.

Stevie is extremely modest and humble, she says that she shouldn’t really be a World champion… I don’t agree. She has immense talent. She most certainly has the potential to win at Zegama but it is her first big race of the year and her first big race against some serious competition. She may well use this to ease into 2013 and find her feet. Rest assured, once she has found them she will be a force to be reckoned with.

YouTube – HERE

Links:

Zegama-Aizkorri website – HERE
Skyrunning – HERE
Salomon Running – HERE
Salomon Agisko – HERE

Cara Amòn Vertical Kilometer

Posted on May 22, 2013 by talkultra

Zemmer and Orgué

2012 Vertical Kilometer® world champions, Italian Urban Zemmer and Spaniard, Laura Orgué win Saturday’s Cara Amòn Vertical Kilometer^®, second race in the Vertical Series after Mount Elbrus.

Cold, rain, wind and snow above 1,500m prompted the organisers to choose a safer, alternative route. The new course followed the original 2012 SkyGames^® route in Barruera Vall de Boi in the Spanish Pyrenees. Initially the same for the first 500m climb, the course then deviated to summit the Corona del Pina at 2,053m where the runners were greeted with 25 cm of fresh snow. The race totalled 980m vertical climb over 4.8km distance, shorter than the planned event.

Despite the desperate climatic conditions, 200 participants took part. Among the top runners present, three-times skyrunning world champion Agustí Roc, winner of the Vertical Kilometer® category at the 2012 SkyGames, who came a close second to Zemmer. Zemmer’s team mate, Marco Fachinelli, winner of the Mount Elbrus Vertical Kilometer®, now leads the Vertical Series ranking together with La Sportiva.

The women’s field was strongly led from the start by Laura Orgué (Salomon Santiveri), followed by Britain’s Tessa Hill (Arc’teryx) second, and Spaniard, Alba Xandri (FEEC), third.

SWS Team partners Salomon, La Sportiva and Arc’teryx all had an excellent race, featuring in the top five in both men’s and women’s categories.

Race results

Men
1. Urban Zemmer (La Sportiva) – 39:26
2. Agustí Roc (Likesport) – 39:34
3. Marco Fachinelli (La Sportiva) – 39:40
4. Didier Zago (Arc’teryx) – 40:35
5. Marco Moletto (La Sportiva) – 41.30

Women
1. Laura Orgue (Salomon Santiveri) – 47:23
2. Tessa Hill (Arc’teryx) – 49:59
3. Alba Xandri (FEEC) – 51:51

Calendar:

VERTICAL
1. RUSSIA: Mount Elbrus Vertical Kilometer®, Mount Elbrus – May 7
2. SPAIN: Cara Amón Vertical Kilometer®, Barruera – May 18
3. FRANCE: KM Vertical, Chamonix – June 28
4. GREECE: Gerania Vertical Kilometer®, Loutraki – September 8
5. ITALY: Vertical Grèste de la Mughéra, Limone sul Garda – October 11

Link:

Skyrunning – skyrunning.com

Inov-8 head for Zegama-Aizkorri

Posted on May 21, 2013 by talkultra

Shona Stephenson – Inov-8

Natalie White, is the sports and marketing manager for UK Company Inov-8 who this year celebrate 10 years in the business. With less than one week to go to Zegama, I caught up with Natalie to discuss the brand and the expansion for the future. In 2013, Inov-8 has put together an International Skyrunning Team, it is a new departure for the brand, I asked how this has come about and why now?

NW: Yes, when I began at Inov-8 in Feb 2012 budgets had already been set so I had to focus on what people were telling me to do based on the budgets we had. However, in September 2012 I sat down with the European marketing manager and I said that we need to get involved in Skyrunning. It is a passion of mine anyway but all the high profile athletes are at these races and we as a brand needed to be involved. So, it made sense. I set up an International Skyrunning Team with runners from Australia, America, UK and France. Hopefully we are going to make an impact.

IC: It is an ambitious project and one that will test the financial strings as much as the runner’s legs. How do you go about putting something like this together, particularly in this current market?

NW: It takes some serious logistics. I also have a 101 other jobs to plan and budget for. I really need to manage my time well. It’s a case of getting a small International team and focusing and what needs the athletes have. Such as kit, what they expect from the brand, travel expenses and then budgeting all that. We shall review the total cost at the end of the year and then make adjustments for future years. I am a runner myself so I know what the runners want. I need to balance all the costs, hopefully everyone will be happy.

IC: Is part of the project also to develop new products such as clothing and shoes that you can take forward in future years?

NW: Yes! We have just sent our SS2014 workbook to print with some very exciting new products. I can’t talk about that yet…

IC: Your lips are sealed?

NW: Yes, we have our launch this month, in May. We are also working on other new products. It is all very exciting.

IC: In the past, as a company you have been renowned for your shoes and packs but you are moving into clothing?

NW: Yes we launched AW2013 running apparel and showed it in February 2013. Our athletes will be wearing our new mountain running wear in Zegama. I hope it will make retail outlets in July and August. It’s a very exciting time for the brand and the athletes.

IC: How have these products been designed? Do they all have athlete input?

NW: Yes, everything we do has runner feedback and athlete feedback. We put everything together, produce a product and then test it. Our athletes test it in training and our marketing team test the products. We go out at lunch and run on local trails. We debrief and then make adjustments as appropriate.

IC: You have mentioned the athletes. You have some real variety for 2013. Such as Brendan Davies and Shona Stephenson from Australia and then we have Americans, UK runners and then somebody like Joe Grant who is a Brit who lives in the US. Zegama will see the British runners head to Zegama… it is quite a mix.

NW: Yes, it is a mix. Prior to me joining we only had a small team of UK based athletes. To get more brand awareness across the world I thought we needed an International team. So, the best athletes from around the world put them in one team and then send them out to run in the Skyrunning series. We support them and help them travel the world to race. We want to help them achieve.

IC: Skyrunning is a very different sport to a lot of other running. UK runners in particular seem to adapt well particularly if coming from a fell running background… of course fell doesn’t have the altitude but it does have some tough terrain. How do you think Brendan and Shona will handle Skyrunning? It will be very different for them. How do you help them and help them adapt to the challenges?

NW: I speak with Brendan and Shona every other day via email and we have regular Skype chats. Because I have done plenty of Skyrunning I can help them. They are currently preparing with adjustments for altitude. They are in form. Look at the results from UTMF and TNF 100. Incredible! (Brendan just won and set a new CR at TNF100 in Australia, a record previously held by Kilian Jornet)

Brendan Davies – Inov-8

IC: How will Brendan and Shona recover from these high profile and demanding races and be ready for Skyrunning?

NW: To be honest, they both seem to recover very well. I don’t think recovery will be a problem. Of course flying and travel may impact but I think, fingers crossed, they will be fine.

IC: Zegama is the first race that you will attend, yes?

NW: Correct, yes.

IC: Zegama is the classic mountain race. It is famous for the terrain, the racing and a top quality field. What team will run?

NW: Alex Nichols from the US, he is in great shape. We have three UK runners, Ben Bardsley who is coming from a SkiMo season. He has actually been racing Kilian. He has been in the Alps doing some fastest known time attempts too. We have two ladies, Sarah Ridgeway and Anna Lupton. Sarah has been training on the Isle of Skye doing some ridge running. Ana Lupton is in good form too…. Hopefully everyone will be fit and healthy and will be able to have a great race!

Ben Bardsley – Inov-8

IC: Yes, it is going to be a great way to kick off the series for Inov-8. I have just done a race preview and I think Ben and Alex are potential dark horses.

NW: Ben came into our office just the other week and he looks super fit and healthy. He is very keen for the first race. He is very appreciative to be part of this team. It’s a dream come true for him. He is very happy.

IC: As the season progresses the priorities will fall with the Sky marathon and Sky ultra series. What at the end of the year will mean that this year has been a success?

NW: Ultimately brand awareness. We have many plans and we will attend many races. After Mont Blanc marathon we will stay on in Chamonix to do product testing, photography, video and so on. It will be great to have everyone in the same place at the same time. It is taking some planning but I am sure it will be fine! We then have Alex Nichols at Pikes Peak and then we have a team at Ultraks in Switzerland. Shona and myself will race Ice Trail Tarantaise…. Not sure why I signed up for that! Speedgoat and UROC will see some American runners participate and then we will have a team at the last race in Limone, Italy. It will be a great finish to the year. It will be a case of having representation across the world with athletes in the overall rankings. All about developing the brand.

IC: Inov-8 has been going almost ten years. As a company it has achieved a great deal. From a shoe perspective you have always been highly respected. You understood the needs of particular terrain and developed products accordingly. For example, the mud claw, it is a classic. How will the brand develop in the future? Will you have any shoes developed specifically for Skyrunning?

NW: My lips are sealed!

IC: Okay, enough said. That is a yes then!

IC: If we look forward to 2014, do you have a plan to increase your team or do you think you will look after the team you have and help them progress.

NW: We will progress the team we have and build on that. We are always inundated with requests for sponsorship but it is just not possible to help everyone. We just don’t have the budget. We need to look after the people that we have currently. We need them to have the results and we need to help them achieve that.

IC: Much better to have a hardcore team of eight to ten who you can help, finance and support so that they can get results. No point having a team of thirty and no results.

NW: Exactly!

IC: Finally, you have Joe Grant on the team. Joe has done some crazy exploits such as the Iditarod Trail Invitational… a crazy event! 350 miles in sub zero temperatures. Do you plan to help progress ideas like this as a brand, for example, will you create projects that your athletes can undertake. I guess adventures which Inov-8 can help finance.

NW: Definitely, we have Ray Zahab from Canada who is currently taking on a challenge of crossing the Gobi Dessert. He is doing that in June this year and we are helping to support him. We love this sort of thing. Crazy challenges… the crazier the better!

IC: It creates a story and it creates a buzz. Ultimately that is great for you as a brand. You need your name out in the arena and that comes from inspiration. It filters back to consumers.

NW: Yes, exactly. We are all about making the brand the best it can be and ultimately providing the customers with the right footwear and clothing for them to achieve!

IC: Natalie, it has been great chatting with you and I am looking forward to Zegama this coming weekend. Best of luck for you and the team!

Calendar:

SKY
1. SPAIN: Maratòn Alpina Zegama-Aizkorri – 42k, Zegama – May 26
2. FRANCE: Mont-Blanc Marathon – 42k, Chamonix – June 30
3. USA: Pikes Peak Marathon – 42k, Manitou Springs, Colorado – August 18
4. SWITZERLAND: Matterhorn Ultraks – 46k, Zermatt – August 24
5. ITALY: Limone Extreme SkyRace® – 23k, Limone sul Garda – October 13

ULTRA
1. SPAIN: Transvulcania Ultramarathon – 83k, La Palma – May 11
2. ANDORRA: Ronda dels Cims – 170k, Ordino – June 21
3. FRANCE: Ice Trail Tarentaise – 65k, Val d’Isère – July 14
4. USA: Speedgoat – 50k, Snowbird, Utah – July 27
5. USA: Ultra Race of Champions “UROC” – 100k, Vail, Colorado – September 28

Links:

Race Elite 230 – Inov-8

: Trailroc 255 – Inov-8

Beth Cardelli – TNF 100, Australia

Posted on May 20, 2013 by talkultra

courtesy of – bethcardelli.blogspot.co.uk

Beth Cardelli (33) only started running in 2007. Just this past weekend, Beth blasted around the TNF 100 course in Australia and set a new course record breaking her own previous best by some seventeen minutes.

In such a short space of time she has had an incredible rise in the sport. Stand out performances have been:

2009

The North Face 100km 2009 – 13:32 2nd
Sydney Trailwalker 100km 2009 – 13:25 1st
Fitzroy Falls Fire Trail Marathon 2009 – 3:32 1^st

2010

Bogong to Hotham 64km 2010 – 9:00 1st
The North Face 100km 2010 – 12:16 1st
Fitzroy Falls Fire Trail Marathon 2010 – 3:17 1st
Great North Walk 100M 2010 – 25:23 1st CR

2011

Bogong to Hotham 64km 2011 – 8:14 1st CR
Cradle Mountain 82km 2011 – 9:46 1st
Six Foot Track 45km 2011 – 4:10 3rd
Mt Solitary 45km 2011 – 5:39 1st CR
San Fancisco Zombie Runner Half Marathon (USA) 2011 – 1:47:22 1st CR
Western States 100M (USA) 2011 – 22:16 12th
Willy to Billy 34km 2011 – 2:40 1st
Luxmore Grunt 27km 2011 – 2:30:12 3^rd

2012

Lapstone Lap Race 6hr 2012 – 60km 6:07 1st CR
The North Face 100km 2012 – 11:18 1st CR
Glow Worm Tunnel Marathon 2012 – 4:36 2nd
Centennial Park Ultra 100km 2012 – 9:22 1st CR
Great North Walk 100km 2012 – 12:36 1st CR

2013

Tarawera Ultra Marathon 100km 2013 – 11:43 2^nd
The North Face 100km – 11:01 1^st and new CR

Beth said in her race report about the 2013 TNF 100:

“I have a certain affinity with this event. It is in the Blue Mountains and I love the Blue Mountains. It traverses some of my favorite locations with stunning views. It was my first 100km event and first big ultra. I ran in the inaugural event (2008), which was held shortly after I started running. During the first event all I could think about was just finishing and perhaps getting a silver belt buckle (then available for sub 20hr finishers). I trained as hard as I could and was absolutely stoked to finish, and more so to have done it in 15:30. The lead guys and girls in that year’s race managed to finish in 10:22 and 12:45 respectively. I was in absolute awe of their athletic ability and couldn’t comprehend how people were capable of traversing such difficult terrain in the times they did. They must have been exceptional athletes to accomplish such incredible times.”

I caught up with Beth just a couple of days after her incredible run and found out a little more about what makes her tick!

IC: Beth you just had a stunning run at TNF 100 in Australia, welcome!

BC: Thank you so much, it’s a real pleasure. I listen to Talk Ultra all the time so it is an honor for me.

IC: Can I go back in time and ask how you started running. Am I correct in saying that you didn’t run pre 2007?

BC: That is correct. I was never a runner; I enjoyed netball and bush walking. It is only when I moved house with my husband to a new area and we joined a local running club to meet new people that things started to progress. My running took off. I started to run longer distances. I did my first 10k with the running club. It took me ages to recover. (laughs) It took me quite a while to adapt my body but I took my time.

IC: Why ultra, what made you think ultra would be good?

BC: I didn’t have lots of speed and I preferred longer distances. I found that I could run for hours but not really run fast. I didn’t seem to tire over long distances. I was definitely more endurant.

IC: You have progressed and come a long way in a short space of time. In 2009 you placed 2^nd at TNF 100. That was impressive.

BC: Yes, things have progressed in the last few years. Way back in 2009 I didn’t have lots of races to choose from. Now if I look at the females, the 2^nd and 3^rd place runners at TNF 100 this year would have won the race with the times they have run in 2009. It’s all about progression.

IC: I guess from your perspective being based in the Southern Hemisphere do you ever think to yourself, okay, I am in a big country but ultra running is a small minority. I may be a big fish in a small ultra pond here but how would I compare to European and American runners?

BC: Yes, I never really thought about it like that but I have always thought about running in Australia and I admit we are sort of sheltered. I look at the USA and European runners and wonder if I could run that fast… it is amazing the times they run. Whenever I have an opportunity to compare myself I will, it is awesome.

IC: In 2011 you went to Western States and this provides comparisons. We can look at it and compare you to some of the best runners in the world. That gives you and your performances a perspective. You placed 12^th, you must have been very happy and positive with that?

BC: That was a favorite race experience. Going over seas and racing an incredible field. All I want to do is go back. I know I can do better now. I just want another go! But that is the point of ultra, you do an event and when you have done it you think, I can go back, I can do better. It is important to have goals and to strive for something.

IC: Currently in Southern Hemisphere running who is your main female competition?

BC: Shona Stephenson and Ruby Muir for sure. Shona is incredible; she can run back-to-back races without much recovery. I can’t do that. It is incredible. I got to run with Hanny Allston at the weekend, she is powerful. I don’t think she was focused on TNF100 but if she really wanted to she could fly through that course. She is someone to watch out for.

IC: You mention the course, what is it about that course you like, you perform consistently well?

BC: I train on the course a lot. It helps mentally, I know what is coming. It provides strength. I also have a house in the Blue Mountains. I love to train in that area.

IC: What is the course like in comparison to European mountains or lets say Western States.

BC: Well I haven’t raced in Europe so I can’t really compare. I have raced mainly in Australia but in comparison to WS I found it an amazing trail to run. The trails are smooth and the scenery is pretty. Hard to compare the two. I got sick at WS due to altitude so I missed lots… but TNF100 certainly requires more hiking. Having said that, they are both very runnable courses. The course has variety, lots of trail, mountains and road.

IC: In 2012 at TNF100 you set a CR, what was your ambition for 2013. Did you just want to win or did you want a time?

BC: I got 11:18 last year so I wanted to go sub 11:00 this year. I just missed it by 1 minute. But as you say I got a new CR. I tried hard but I just missed my target… next year?

IC: When you are racing, what inspiration do you take from the men as you placed high overall too?

BC: The guys are pretty good when I catch them. I have a chat with them. It’s funny; I always seem to see the same guys in the same place as the years before. It’s like the race is on repeat.

IC: Like déjà vu?

BC: Yes, absolutely. Even at the beginning the same things happen. Funny how this happens but you have to run your own race and take the rough with the smooth and do your best. If you catch people, you catch them and that is good, it’s a distraction and it helps take your mind away from the moment.

IC: What is your training like; do you break your training down into a structured format?

BC: I do hover around a 100k a week. I try to do a couple of quality runs but I do lots of ‘junk’ miles. Time on my feet. I am told it is not the most effective way to train but I find I don’t get injured and it works for me. For the time being anyway. Every second weekend in the months leading up to The North Face to put in solid training sessions of up to 50km on sections of the course.

IC: It works!

BC: For the time being… I always look ahead and try to get information. For example I listen to Talk Ultra to find out what others are doing I mix that into my training…

courtesy of – bethcardelli.blogspot.co.uk

IC: Glad to hear you listen to Talk Ultra!

BC: (laughs) Absolutely!

IC: Apart from running, do you work?

BC: I am a director for a center involved with child care. I work 0700-0900 and then 1430-1830 so that split shift allows for training and rest.

IC: Perfect for training.

BC: Yes, I can often get an afternoon nap.

IC: Now that you have a new CR and the TNF100 out of the way, what is next?

BC: In five weeks I have Lavaredo Trail in Italy and then I have a couple of other plans.

IC: Other races, what are they?

BC: I am doing a VK and the European Skyrunning Championships.

IC: Fantastic!

BC: That is the plan anyway.

IC: I will be at the VK and the championships.

BC: Awesome, cool. Be nice to meet up.

IC: VK, wow that is going to be new for you.

BC: Yes, I am going to be really interested in that, I can’t do a VK in Australia.

IC: The Europeans will be a great race. Another new experience. Very exciting for you… once you have the Skyrunning bug you will want to come back more.

BC: It’s a great opportunity to plan holidays and racing together.

IC: Great to catch up for just a brief chat. Many congratulations on a great TNF100 and I look forward to catching up later in the year.

BC: Thank you so much. It has been great and as you say, really looking forward to catching up in Europe.