Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX Spike Review

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Hoka Speedgoat and the ‘5’ incarnation is arguably one of, if not THE most popular trail running shoe ever. No matter what race, what conditions, you will see countless Speedgoat shoes.

With maximal cushioning, great fitting upper, the option of different widths and an excellent Vibram outsole, it’s easy to understand why they are so popular, especially in the ultra world!

For me personally, I find the stack height just too high, especially on technical and challenging terrain; the risk of an ankle roll is too high! However, on single-track, the benefits are there if cushioning is your thing? For me, give me a Zinal or Torrent 2!

Living in Norway, once November arrives (sometimes earlier), pretty much all my runs require a specific winter shoe that has studs to maximise grip on ice. Until a few years ago, the choice was limited with unsurprisingly, Scandinavian companies such as VJ Sport and Icebug leading the way.

Now though, options from Asics, La Sportiva, Salomon, Salming, inov-8 and others are available, it only shows how the growth of running is booming and how the ‘need’ to run all-year makes it worthwhile for brands to produce a very specific shoe, that by its nature, has a limited market.

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Therefore, the addition of a Hoka Speedgoat 5 with spikes is a welcome addition to the market. Certainly, adapting the Speedgoat makes sense, it is Hoka’s most popular trail shoe, so, it will certainly be popular in this version for those who need a specific shoe.

To my knowledge, this version of the Hoka is the *first (?) maximal cushioned shoe with winter spikes on the market, this alone will fill a hole in the market. It’s a welcome addition.

WINTER RUNNING

I have written many articles on winter running, read HERE. However, for clarity, I will provide a quick summary.

Not all winter running is the same and most certainly, conditions vary considerably.

  1. Icy roads and pavement – A spiked shoe with cushioning is perfect. The outsole can be less aggressive.
  2. Icy trails – A spiked shoe with an aggressive outsole is best.
  3. Snow and Ice – A shoe that is used for icy trails works, however, sometimes the addition of Gore-Tex is welcome and in deeper snow, a boot that comes higher over the ankle is recommended.
  4. Snow/ Ice in mountain terrain – We now crossover into alpinism and a more specific shoe is required and depending on conditions, a more specific crampon. This can be a light micro-crampon such as Nortec or a specific mountain crampon.

Needless to say, the Hoka falls in to categories 1 and 2 and depending on conditions, may be applicable for point 3. It is most definitely not a point 4 shoe.

In theory, when you run on ice, your run gait should not change, but it does. For the spikes to work you firstly, need to trust that they will do the job! Secondly, you need as many spikes as possible in the ice to provide grip. So, when running on the flat, you are looking to land mid-foot as much as possible, so, all those spikes, 12 in this case, can grip. Going uphill you will use the front of the shoe, the Hoka has 8 spikes. Downhill you will use the rear (4 on the Hoka) but if very slippery, you may well find that you try to land with a flat foot. Being ‘light’ on your feet is not a benefit on ice, you need to strike the ground, stick those spikes in and then move on; this is often why ice running is more tiring.

IN USE

Road

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With the above clarified in regard to usage, for me personally, I found the Speedgoat working really well on hard road and trails. The cushioning is welcome; ice running is always hard on the body. There is a great feel for the conditions, bounce and the propulsive phase is very good and the 12  tungsten carbide spikes work exceptionally well. The placement with 4 at the rear and 8 at the front. Notably, 2 are at the very front, perfect when going uphill! Importantly, ice defrosts and often you can find sections with no ice and just road and/ or trail. Many spiked shoes can feel harsh here, but the Speedgoat works well due to the additional cushioning.

Trail

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On some and groomed trail with ice, the feelings and sensations are the same as road. Great feel, good cushioning, and solid grip.

On technical trails, rocks, roots, hard and rutted ice, I find the stack height too high and the shoe becomes unstable. I found myself rolling left or right and for me, it’s a potential ankle sprain waiting to happen.

Snow

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In soft-snow with ice underneath, they work well, but, a lower cushioned shoe works better. After all, the snow cushions anyway, so, the extra shoe cushioning is not required. Once through the snow, the grip is good. It can be hit and miss though, but that is down to conditions and not the shoe. Ultimately, once the snow is deeper, the need for a more aggressive crampon or micro-crampon will be required, and then, you are looking at another shoe.

In very soft-snow I would be using a boot with spikes or the addition of a crampon/ micro-crampon.

THE SHOE

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A neutral shoe with a balanced feel and 4mm drop, the Speedgoat 5 is a great feeling shoe, albeit, a little on the heavier side – particularly for a Hoka. Listed weight is 349g.

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This incarnation is basically a Speedgoat 5 GTX with the addition of 12 tungsten carbide spikes to provide grip in wintry conditions, particularly ice. The spikes are set with 5mm lugs of Vbram MegaGrip.

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An EVA midsole, sock-liner fit, rubber toe protection and Gore-Tex mesh upper; this shoe is most definitely one to look at if you are in need of a specific winter shoe with extra cushioning.

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Listed as a trail shoe (which of course it is,) it works exceptionally well on the road too. This shoe is all about providing grip on ice, so, it makes no difference if that ice is on road or trail.

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The Gore-Tex upper will of course cause debate, some hate Gore-Tex in a shoe, others love it. Ultimately it works really well if one is considerate of conditions and one uses common sense. Quite simply, use a merino sock when wearing the shoe, this makes a huge difference. Accept that Gore-Tex will only keep feet warm and dry IF you do not go in anything that is deeper than the shoe… Once you are in anything that reaches the ankle, be that snow or water, it can enter the top of the shoe and therefore impact on the foot inside the shoe. If conditions are like this, you probably need to move a run boot (such as the La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX) or think about using a shoe without Gore-Tex. Merino socks are a must though, they retain warmth, even when wet. I have used the Speedgoat 5 in a Norwegian winter, temperatures have reached -20 and ice levels have been high. The Gore-Tex has worked perfectly in keeping my feet warm, especially when wind-chill has been high. The Gore-Tex supplies a combination of  waterproofing and breathability, it’s hard to stay perfectly dry, but water does stay on the outside. Perspiration can and does escape from the inside; keeping sweat to a minimum, but that is where merino socks step in. When fresh soft-snow came, I used different shoes so as to ensure I had maximum protection from the elements.

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The additional cushioning (29mm/33mm) and bounce has been welcome on harder trails but on technical trails, less so, the risk of ankle roll is too high (for me.) They do keep feet comfortable and supported, maybe even more than the other Speedgoat models. Propulsion is also good through the run gait.

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The wider platform is a hugh benefit in snow and ice as is a wider toe box. The more outsole on the ground, the better the grip. Talking of grip, the spikes are held in Vibram MegaGrip which is tried and tested.

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It has excellent rubber compound, 5mm logs with zonal multi-directional rubber placement, so, when you need the shoe to hold on, they do. Obviously, the 12 tungsten carbide spikes add the icing on the outsole and even when there is no ice, these spikes offer stunning grip on trail – ask any orienteer!

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Everything about the Hoka works really well, they are comfortable, spacious, great foot-hold, medium heel hold and toe protection is superb.

CONCLUSION

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Winter shoes are very specific and if you only run on ice a few times a year, the additional expense is probably not worth it. Get some micro-crampons and use them on your favourite trail shoes.

However, if like me, pretty much every run for weeks and months involves ice, a specific spiked shoe is a must. The feel for the ground is so much better than any ‘add-on.’ Usual caveats as in points above, 3 and 4 need consideration.

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX with spikes brings something new to the market, I have many spiked shoes, this one is the first with ‘more’ cushioning. For many, it will be a god send! The shoe performs great, and if you are already a Hoka user, you will love the Speedgoat.

For me though, this shoe has it’s place and uses, I have enjoyed road runs with ice, I have enjoyed non-technical trail runs with ice BUT anything technical and/ or with additional snow, I have used another shoe. It’s a me thing!

The Speedgoat 5 GTX with spikes is ideal for any runner looking for a robust, winter trail running shoe with comfort. They have great grip on frozen terrain and come recommended.

*As a footnote, I have become aware of the Icebug Arcus which may well be worth consideration if cushioning is your thing. And, this shoe has 13 studs.

My recommendations? The Asics Gel Fujisetsu 3 G-TX is still the shoe to beat for ice and winter running. The La Sportiva Blizzard GTX (think point 3 above) is an amazing winter boot with studs and when conditions need something more, the La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX or Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G are perfect for snow and adding a micro-crampon. 

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VJ Sport Xero 5 Winter Studded Shoe Review

If you read my shoe reviews on this website, you will already know how much I appreciate VJ Sport shoes, the trio of iRock3, XTRM and MAXx for me, set the bar when it comes to running shoes for mud, rock and mountain terrain. I have yet to find shoes by any other brand that matches them… Admittedly, Scott and inov-8 do come close with some recent offerings, in particular the Supertrac RC2 and the Terraultra G270.

In October 2020 I reviewed the Xante by VJ Sport, a winter studded shoe that excelled in snow and ice bringing all the many attributes seen in the MAXx and providing an awesome winter shoe. My only negative of the shoe was a 10mm drop BUT in all honesty, it never impacted on my running experience. I did mention however that a lighter, 8mm drop shoe was available, the XERO 5.

The Xante was a fit 4 with 10mm/20mm cushioning and 20 carbon steel studs, 5mm lugs and weighs in at 336g for my EU44/ UK9.5.

The Xero 5 is a fit 3 with 10mm/18mm cushioning and 20 carbon steel studs, 5mm lugs and weighs in at 294g for my EU44/ UK9.5. A significant weight saving between the two shoes considering the cushioning is only marginally different.

Further Reading:

Ice Running HERE

Winter Running HERE

Embrace Winter HERE

Winter Camping & Fastpacking HERE

The XERO 5 first off looks great in black and orange with a hint of red. Although listed as a fit 3, I personally have found little difference between the Xante and Xero and in all honesty, I would even say the Xero may be a little wider in the toe box? Feels more like a MAXx.

Light, agile and responsive, the Xero are a real pleasure to run in and not at the compromise of comfort.

Like the Xante, the upper is windproof and has a water-resistant upper but it is not insulated. While insulation is not absolutely necessary, it does make more sense, particularly for a winter shoe. Having said that, I compensate by using neoprene socks by inov-8 or Sealskinz. This ensures warm feet, even in the coldest and trickiest conditions.

VJ uses FITLOCK on the upper which provides the most secure and reassuring hold. The upper feels like a part of the foot and not something extra making sure there is no unwanted movement, especially important when running on any technical terrain. Integrated with the shoes lacing system, the FITLOCK tightens the shoe on the inside of the arch and provides incredible hold. It’s the best there is!

The 5mm Butyl outsole lugs grip both in the wet or dry and the addition of the 20 carbon steel studs provides the ultimate reassurance when running in snow and particularly ice. The secret of winter running is to trust the shoe, the outsole and the studs. The studs perform superbly gripping as and when required, the only time for caution is after rain and then a quick freeze. If the ice looks shiny and like water, take care, I have yet to find a winter stud that grips 100% in these conditions. In 99% of cases, the reassured application of your body weight pressing through the shoe and making contact with the ground is what provides the grip.

Sizing is true to size; I use an EU 44 for all VJ shoes and the Xero 5 sizes the same even when using a neoprene sock or thicker merino sock. The lacing system is so good, there is incredible flexibility to loosen or tighten and there is the option to lock lace if required.

Toe protection is excellent and the heel box, as on all VJ shoes is relatively minimal and unpadded but has superb and reassured hold.

IN USE

You need to trust studded shoes and once you do, you will just love running in winter conditions. Don’t be shy, make sure you plant your foot firmly and let the studs with the addition of applied body weight allow the shoe to grip.

The Xero 5 as with all VJ shoes just holds the foot wonderfully and there is an extra comfort in this incarnation that I have not found in the XTRM or MAXx.

The cushioning is balanced and the 8mm drop ideal. The 10/18 works well allowing feel for the ground without any compromise. Ice running can be tiring but I have found the Xero 5 a pleasure.

The upper does its job protecting from wind and water but insulation would be nice.

Summary

There is nothing not to like in the Xero 5, well, ok, maybe a lack of insulation… Other than a lack of insulation, this VJ offering is everything the Xante was and is but in a lighter and lower-drop package. Of course, winter shoes for many are a luxury, it all depends on how much snow or ice you get. But trust me, if you get regular ice, a specific bespoke shoe for winter running is so much better than any ‘add-on’ micro spikes. You get a true real run feel, and the Xero 5 give me everything that a XTRM would give me but with 20 carbon steel studs. I personally get to run for 3-5 months on snow/ ice so I can expect a pair of winter shoes to last one or two winters, for many though, winter shoes will last several years basically down to the fact that snow and ice does not really impact on the outsole. Just make sure you clean the shoes and dry correctly after use. And don’t worry if you see the studs go rusty, that is normal! 

I have been using five pairs of winter shoes with studs over the last 3-4 months and two are standouts, the Xero 5 being the winner and the Icebug Route a close second.

Light, agile and responsive, the the VJ Sport Xero 5 are a real pleasure to run in and not at the compromise of comfort. The 20 carbon steel studs provide grip in snow and ice conditions all with great cushioning and an 8mm drop. They are a winner!

These shoes were purchased to test, this is not a paid review.

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Ice Trail Tarentaise Preview

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Ice Trail Tarentaise sends the chills down our spines as we prepare ourselves for the third event in the ISF Skyrunner Ultra World Series.

The stunning alpine village of  Val d’Isère is the official home of the Ice Trail Tarentaise. The race starts and concludes at this beautiful mountain retreat and as the name suggests, it is also the source of the Isère River. The Isère flows through some of the most iconic mountain landscape available. It is a haven for alpinists wanting to test themselves on the iconic slopes of Meribel, Val Thorens, Courchavel. ‘Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys) is a ski region in the Tarentaise Valley, Savoie département of France, to the south of the town of Moûtiers, partly in the Vanoise National Park. As implied by its name, the area originally consisted of three valleys: Saint-BonAllues, and Belleville. The skiing area has since been extended into a ‘fourth’ valley, the Maurienne valley. It is adjacent to Val Thorens, but can also be accessed using a long gondola lift from Orelle.

The Tarentaise valley and the Ice Trail Tarentaise in many respects personify what Kilian Jornet has been pursuing for years, the term ‘Alpinism’ is often perceived as climbing but it is so much more.

The race route has over 60 km’s above 2000m altitude and with a highest point of 3653m at ‘Grande Motte’ this is a race not to be taken lightly. Memories of the Tour de France flood into my mind when I discuss this region, however, other than the highest paved mountain pass at the ‘Col de L’Iseran’ at 2770m, no bicycles will be seen.

Traversing glaciers, ascending and descending summits such as ‘Aiguille Pers’ at 3386 m, participants in the 2013 Ice Trail Tarentaise will no doubt have a full appreciation of what Kilian and others like him strive for when they coin the term, Skyrunning. You see, Skyrunning is Alpinism but without the clutter, it’s about being light and moving fast.

Ropes, ladders, way markers, peaks at over 3000m and 5000m +/- ascent and descent guarantees that not all those who toe the line will see the finish. It is a tough tough race; no doubt!

The inaugural event was due to take place in 2011 however severe weather left the organization with no choice but to cancel, however, the 32km ‘Altispeed’ did take place (no easy option). Despite extreme conditions Damien Vouillamoz won the race in just over three and a half hours and Virginie (Virg) Govignon in 5:14. Virg just recently took part in one of the shorter events at Ronda dels Cims placing third, Andorra is now her home and the passion and love for the mountains are strong.

The arrival of the 2012 edition was eagerly anticipated, the shortened version in 2011 had wet many appetites, and success rates had been around approximately 50%, what would a full course offer? Despite initial weather concerns the race went ahead. Francois D’Haene from Salomon and Anne Valero from Mizuno were respective winners in times of 8:16:35 and 11:20:13 respectively.

Just three years old and only in its second edition, the 2013 Ice Trail Tarentaise will now offer a challenge to elites and non-elites that only many could have wished for. Now part of the Skyrunner World Series, the Ice Trail Tarentaise will see a return of the 2012 winner, Francois D’Haene compete against Kilian Jornet, Philipp Reiter, Rickey Gates, Nico Valsesia, Jordi Bes Ginesta, Nicolas Pianet and Vincent Delaberre. For the ladies, the reigning champion, Anne Valero will not defend her title but don’t worry; the ladies field is extremely competitive. Emelie Forsberg, Anna Frost, Julia Boettger, Silvia Serafini, Shona Stephenson and Emilie Lecomte will do battle on the glaciers and peaks of the ‘Tarentaise’; only one will be crowned the ice queen.

MEN

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Kilian Jornet – Considering the nature of this course, it’s location, severity, difficulty and true ‘Alpinist’ routes one would be foolish not to tip Kilian Jornet as a favorite for this race. As Lauri Van Houten points out, “Alpinism is traditional mountaineering with the big boots and all the gear – Skyrunning is doing the same stuff faster without all the gear…. Kilian will love it’. The race in many respects reads like one of his ‘Summits’ attempts and as such will suit him perfectly. With incredible results already achieved in 2013; Transvulcania, Zegama and Mont Blanc Marathon, one can’t help but think that Ice Trail Tarentaise is a race that will not only show him at his best but also it will be a race that he is eagerly waiting for.

Francois D'Haene 2012 TNFUTMB copyright iancorless.com

Francois D’Haene 2012 TNFUTMB copyright iancorless.com

Francois D’Haene – returns as the 2012 champion and for sure that will be a great advantage. Francois had an extremely successful 2012 with a top placing at Transvulcania but I am sure his TNFUTMB win will be the one he remembers most. He is currently in great form and for sure he will be pushing Kilian at the front.

Philipp Reiter Transgrancanaria copyright iancorless.com

Philipp Reiter Transgrancanaria copyright iancorless.com

Philipp Reiter – has incredible talent and recently won his first ever 100km race in Germany. He his experienced in the snow and without doubt this will play a big advantage in a race so demanding. He has shown in the past at races such as the extremely technical, Trofeo Kima, that he has all around ability. This will all come into play on this extremely tough and challenging race.

Rickey Gates – has been a little quiet of late. He always has a much smaller and tighter calendar in comparison to other runners but when he races, you know he will be in great shape. Top placing’s at the 2012 Transvulcania and a win at Speedgoat will carry over to this year and provide Rickey with a great base to compete against his Salomon teammates.

Nico Valsesia – is not shy of long distances. Arguably he is known for long cycling events like riding across America in the ‘RAAM’. His recent form is unknown as he should have toed the line at the 170km Ronda dels Cims.

Jordi Bes Ginesta – is a Catalan ski mountaineer and mountain runner and one has to say that ‘Ice Trail’ will play to all his abilities. His palamares are excellent in SkiMo with top ten placing’s in Spanish Championships, European Championships and World Championships. He was eighth in the 2009 world Skyrunning Championships and although I don’t think he will fight for a top three place you should definitely see him within the top ten.

Fulvio Dapit – is no stranger to Skyrunning and will come into the Ice Trail Tarentaise with a clear understanding of what needs to be done to compete at the front of the field. Fulvio was 2011 winner at the tenth edition of Monterosa Skyrace, he placed seventh at 2012 Zegama and recently had some success at Sardinia Trail, however, his form coming to Val D’Isère is not clear. Not a podium contender but a possible top ten.

Nicolas Pianet – has been racing since March and most notably raced the ‘Trail de Faverges Icebreaker 44km’ he placed third behind Patrick Bringer but one can almost certainly assume it was a preparation event for Ice Trail. His most recent race was Mont Blanc Marathon, he placed eleventh behind a strong and dominant Kilian Jornet. Nicolas has potential to mix things up at Tarentaise but he won’t contend the podium.

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Vincent Delabarre – previous winner of TNFUTMB and currently leading courses on the UTMB route will come into this race with plenty of mountain and snow experience. Invaluable! He raced earlier in the year at Marathon des Sables, a somewhat different experience to what lies ahead in Val D’Isère.

LADIES

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Emelie Forsberg – tops my table for the ladies race, just the other weekend she finished second to a flying Stevie Kremer at Mont Blanc Marathon, however, although she was fairly and squarely beaten, illness played an issue on the day. This was confirmed when just two days later she set a new female record for Chamonix-Mont Blanc-Chamonix in 8hrs 10min. Like Kilian, her SkiMo and mountain background will see her perform to her strengths on the Ice Trail course. A clear favorite.

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Francesca Canepa – fresh from a dominant performance at Ronda dels Cims will feel at home on the trails of the Tarentaise valley. She likes tough, technical and hard races. Francesca also has speed when required; her second place to Lizzy Hawker at the shortened 2012 TNFUTMB proves this. It will certainly be interesting to see how Francesca performs against Emelie Forsberg and Nuria Picas on this demanding course.

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Julia Boettger – loves long, hard and technical races. Tor des Geants and Raid de la Reunion are just two notches in her impressive resume. However, her recent form is unknown, she missed the start of Transgrancanaria due to illness and a main target for the year, the 170km Ronda dels Cims had to be missed for personal reasons. The recent Lavaredo Trail also saw Julia miss the start line, so, she will either come to Ice Trail fresh and ready to perform or a little under raced. withdrawn, confirmation 09th July 2013

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Anna Frost – had a troublesome winter and missed a race she loves, Transvulcania. However, she is back on her way to full fitness. Her recent performances at the Mont Blanc VK and Marathon show that she is not in full fitness but reassuringly this means that Frosty is easing her way back into 2013 instead of pushing too hard too soon. Without doubt she is a class act and I have never seen anyone with an ability to push so deep when the need arises. Her performance at Cavalls del Vent in 2012 was a personification of this. If she wants to win Ice Trail, Frosty could find something within herself to give it a go. Anna has podium potential without a doubt.

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Nuria Picas – missed Mont Blanc Marathon and will arrive in Tarentaise fresher than some of her rivals. Rumor has it that Nuria is running the 2013 UTMB so a very different Nuria may well toe the line for the ultra races in the Skyrunning series than we saw in 2012. Without doubt she has speed and ability, her 2012 season was remarkable, however, twice in 2013 she has placed second to Emelie Forsberg; Transvulcania and Zegama. Maybe her training for TNFUTMB is taking the edge off the speed? If so, her endurance and her ability to survive over a longer event may well be the difference between first and second in the Tarentaise Valley. Nuria, providing she has no problems will be on the podium for sure and ultimately I see the race being between her and Emelie.

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Shona Stephenson – has loved the whole European experience. The Australia based inov-8 athlete has had a great 2013 so far with some great 100-mile results, particularly in Japan at UTMF100. Without doubt this ability to endure and dig deep will be essential in Val D’Isère. However, her experience of snow, ice and extreme cold is limited and without doubt this will be a big disadvantage. She has the ability to be at the front of the race but the whole experience may well just be one big learning curve that she needs to take a step back from and accept that what will be, will be.

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Emilie Lecomte – placed top five at Transvulcania and then placed third at the super tough Ronda dels Cims. She loves races that are tough, long and technical. The winner of the 2012 Raid de la Reunion and course record holder for the GR20 long trail in Corsica, Emilie will without doubt push hard at the front of this race. Her experience in Andorra was mixed; she was dominating the race over the first third but then struggled with fatigue and a lack of energy over the latter half. For Emilie to finish showed incredible guts and determination,  you will see Emilie show that same spirit here, if all goes well she may very well make the podium.

The Ice Trail Tarentaise has all the makings to be an incredible and exciting race, which will be nothing like what we have experienced before. The combination of altitude, ice, climbing and descending will almost certainly provide some shocks and surprises. Who are your picks to win the third ISF Skyrunning Ultra event?

Stats:

The Ice-Trail Tarentaise (ITT), for the record, counts 65 km with 5,000m vertical ascent and descent, reaches a high point of 3,653m and touches five peaks skimming the 3,000m mark in Val d’Isère July 14.  Snow is not an option!

Notes:

It’s true that mountains at 3,000m offer a challenge to all who set foot here.  This year’s heavy snowfalls add an element of adventure (and technique) to test the most skilled skyrunners.  However, recent warm weather has taken its toll and much of the snow has melted although stretches on snow will remain.

The organisers will issue a statement regarding the course and safety measures after a meeting held this afternoon so check for updates which will be issued on this site, Facebook and the race website over the next few days.

Links:

Skyrunning HERE

Anton Krupicka training in Winter

Copyright Joel Wolpert

Copyright Joel Wolpert

‘Running Times’ correspondent Joel Wolpert caught up with trail runner Anton Krupicka to see how he runs through the Colorado winter.

YouTube link HERE – filmed Feb 2011

As do all of Wolpert’s films, this one features local music: songs by Denver, Colorado bands The Lumineers and Paper Bird.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kjDLorXfkao