Sierre Zenal round up

Posted on August 12, 2012 by talkultra

De Gasperi and Cardona

What a day !

Marco de Gasperi after a turbulent 7 months in 2012 returned to form in a race that he loves! You can listen to what he had to say the day before the race HERE

Initially Marco de Gasperi and Cardona (Columbia) raced neck and neck going through 10km’s side by side. But Marco looked relaxed and in control. Post race in a finish line interview (listen HERE) he told me that the Columbian looked tired and he decided to push hard on the descent. We had discussed only the day before the race how he practices the skills to run down technical trail quickly.

He soon opened a gap and ran into the finish with a gap of just under 6 mins to prove to everyone that Marco is back!

Cardona obviously struggled with the pace and the effort that Marco had dictated and relinquished second place to Cesar Costa from Martigny. Cesar crossed the line in 2:37:39 in comparison to Marco’s 2:31:69.

David Cardona did hold on to third place though in 2:38:06

British men excelled in what was a very tough field with 43 year old and previous winner of Sierre Zenal (in his younger days as he told me) Billy Burns taking a great 9th place (2:43:38) in front of Tom Owens in 12th (2:45:56) and Joe Symonds in 18th (2:48:42).

In post race chats with both Tom and Joe they said how they had been going well running in the top 10 but the altitude had hit them making it really tough when racing along the plateau.

Tom Owens leading Joe Symonds

Billy Burns on the other hand who lives locally was adjusted. He kept saying to me post race “You know I’m over 40 don’t you? You know, don’t you?” He seemed really stoked at gaining a top 10 in an incredibly tough field. So he should!

The Ladies Race

Aline Cmboulive – FR – Ladies winner

Well, I guess the ladies race didn’t quite go to plan… or should I say, it didn’t quite go to the form book! Pre race favourites such as Oihana Kortazar and Nuria Picas didn’t have the races they wanted with Oihana dropping early and Nuria arriving at the finish looking in real pain.

Aline Camboulive from France moved ahead of the ladies field early on and maintained the gap all the way to the finish.

Stevie Kremer – USA

Big surprise of the race was American, Stevie Kremer who ran an incredible race to finish just 1:30 down on the winner for second place. She had been my pre-race dark horse! I had several chats with her prior to race day and although we all knew little about her she seemed motivated and very modest about her ability. On the finish line she looked as though she had just run a 10K !

Third placed lady some 6 mins behind the winner was Maud Mathys from Ollon.

Surprise of the day came from a last minute entrant! Non other than Lizzy Hawker. Apparently, she had phoned the race organiser at the 11th hour, obtained and entry and slipped into the race as a ‘training run’ (her words) on the back of some serious UTMB training. She still placed 9th!

Lizzy had this to say on the finish: listen HERE

Lizzy Hawker

Once again Sierre Zinal confirms itself as a race for everyones bucket list! At 31km’s it is a manageable distance for all. With two starts, one at 0500 am for the walkers and slower runners and then 0900 for the main runners it provides everyone with a possibility to experience the scenery, the altitude and the climbs of this beautiful area of Switzerland.

Course Profile

RESULTS

Top 10 Men

Top 10 Ladies

Marco de Gasperi – Sierre Zinal

Posted on August 11, 2012 by talkultra

Marco, 11th August 2012 in the mountains above Zinal.

It’s the day before Sierre Zinal and I caught up with Skyrunning legend, Marco de Gasperi.

Marco, now 35 years old started running in the mountains very young. He participated in his first Sky Race when 15/16 years old.

You can listen to his thoughts HERE

Or via Talk Ultra HERE

*Please note this is recorded ‘live’ in Zinal so sound quality may be affected by external sources.

Marco de Gasperi stretching his legs before Sierre Zinal 2012

Marco de Gasperi – a brief history

PLACE OF BIRTH: Bormio (So)

MAIN CATEGORY PLACINGS VICTORIES AND JUNIORS
1995-1996: Victory in World Cup racing teams in the mountains
1995: Class 7 ° C. World Mountain Running EDINBURGH (SCO)
1996: Class 3 ° C. Italian cross-country corporate SALSOMAGGIORE (Pr)
1996: Class 1 ° C. Italian mountain running after 3 races
1996: Class 1 ° C. World Mountain Running Telfes (Aut)

INDIVIDUAL WINS WORLD CUP
1997: C. World mountain running MALE ‘SVATANOVICE (CZE)
1999: C. World Mountain Running KINABALU PARK (MAS)
2001: C. World mountain running ARTA SPA (ITA)
2003: C. World Mountain Running Girdwood, Alaska (USA)
2007: C. World Mountain Running OVRONNAZ (SUI)
WIN World Cup team: 11
1997-1998-1999-2000-2001-2002-2003-2004-2007-2008-2011

WIN the European Cup team: 12
1997 -1998 – 1999 – 2001 -2002 -2003 -2004 – 2005 – 2007 -2008 – 2009-2010

Main results of European Mountain Running Championships:
Gold: 2004 Korbielow (POL)
Silver: 2002 Madeira (POR), 2007 Cauterez (FRA), 2009 Telfes (AUT)
Bronze: 1998 Sestriere (Turin), 2005 Heiligenblut (AUT), 2008 Zell am Harmersbach (GER), 2010 Separeva Banya (BUL)

PLACINGS Italian Mountain Running Championships:
Individual (after 3 races): Gold: 2002, 2003, 2004
Silver: 1999, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011
Bronze: 1997.2000, 2001, 2006, 2008
A relay: Gold: 2001 – ’02-’03-’04-’05-’07-’08-’09 – ’10

MAJOR VICTORIES IN INTERNATIONAL
Race LJUBIJANA Šmarna Gora (SLO) 1999, 2000
Snowdon Race LLAMBERIS (WAL) 2001
International WMRA Grand Prix (6 races) 2001
Strassenlauf Ferleiten Grossglockner (AUT) 2003
Mount Kinabalu Climbathon KINABALU PARK (MAS) 2003, 2010 (2h33’56 “Record)
Hochfelln Berglauf BERGEN (GER) 2006, 2008
Sierre – Zinal Zinal (SUI) 2008, 2011
Interlaken Jungfrau Marathon (SUI) 2010
Skyrunning European Championship Valmalenco-Valposchiavo (Ita – Sui) 2007 2h32’02 “Record

VICTORIES IN Vertical Kilometer:
VAL D’Isère (FRA) FILA Vertical Kilometer, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003 (34’51 “Record)
VAIL (USA) 1999 FILA Vertical Kilometer
Cervinia (AO) FILA Vertical Kilometer 1998
ANDORRA Vertical Kilometer Sky Games 2006
CHIAVENNA (So) Chiavenna – Lagunch 2008 (Time 31’42 ‘.9), 2009
ARLES SUR THUR (FRA) Vertical World Series 2011
ANBOTO (SPA) Anboto Vertical Kilometer 2011

VERTICAL RACES:
MILAN – Pirelli Skyscraper Vertical Sprint 1, 2007, 2009 (Time 3’41 “)
TAIPEI (TWN) – TAIPEI Up Run 1, (2007-2010) 2nd (2008,2009,2011) (Time 11’09 “)
SAN PAULO (BRA) – NESTLE ‘Corrida Vertical Building 1, 2010 (Time 3’34 “)
NEW YORK (USA) Empire State Building Run Up 2 ° 2009 (10’21 “)
LONDON (GBR) THE GARKIN 2 ° 2010

Sierre Zinal

Posted on August 9, 2012 by talkultra

Marco De Gasperi will be at the start line of Sunday’s Course de Sierre Zinal again, defending last year’s win. Without sparring partner Kilian Jornet the race still has plenty of competition coming from Britain’s Tom Owens, Spaniards Luis Alberto Hernando and Tofol Castanyer as well as Portugal’s Cesar Costa, second last year, together with a host of super-strong contenders from various countries.

After several months layoff for health reasons, De Gasperi will again take up the challenge – minus Jornet who is training at altitude in the US for the Pikes Peak Marathon, next on the World Series calendar. De Gasperi’s time last year, 2h30’18” was just 98 seconds short of Jonathan Wyatt’s long standing record set in 2003.

Hernando, heading the World Series ranking, could possibly be feeling the strain of a very successful and intensive season’s racing, including the recent SkyGames® combined title. Owens, ranked third, fresh from his second place at Giir di Mont, may find the race a little short for his liking, while Castanyer, Giir di Mont winner, will no doubt prefer the 31 km distance – which boasts 2,200m elevation gain.

Aiming for a podium place will also be twenty-two-year-old new entry Mattheo Jacquemoud from France together with fellow countrymen Michel Rabat, Eric Clavery, and Yann Curien, Joe Gray and John Tribbia from America, Italy’s Nicola Golinelli, Saul-Antonio Padua from Columbia, following in his father’s footsteps Dimitris Theodorakakos, Greece, Britons Joe Symonds (brother of Andy) and Robbie Simpson…

2011Winner Oihana Kortazar

In the robust women’s field it looks like Spain and France will dominate the podium with Oihana Koratazar, last year’s winner and reigning World Series champion looking for a repeat performance. Her time last year was 3h11’24” – still far from the incredible record of 2h54’26” set in 2008 by Czech Anna Pichrtova. More podium promises include Nuria Picas, recent SkyGames^®champion, Blanca Maria Serrano (currently ranked second) and Nuria Dominquez.

The French ladies’ line-up counts Aline Camboulives, second last year ,Celine Lafaye, third, past skyrunning world champion Corinne Favre and Maud Gobert. Others to look out for are Russia’s Zhanna Vokueva,currently ranked third, and Italy’s new skyrunning star Silvia Serafini.

1,279 runners from 15 countries are entered, including runners from ISF Skyrunning Associations from countries as diverse as South Africa to Hong Kong, Greece and Poland together with Japan’s Dai Matsumoto who is competing in the World Series races.

The 31 km course with a total 2,200m elevation gain is favoured by runners from many different backgrounds and offers a unique panorama of five 4,000 mountains – unquestionably one of the most spectacular on the Skyrunner® World Series calendar.

Follow the race on Facebook or on Twitter

The Arc’teryx Advantage

Posted on August 8, 2012 by talkultra

The Arc’teryx advantage

Published in RUN247

Wednesday 8th August 2012

Arcteryxs | TalkUltra | Ian Corless

TalkUltra’s Ian Corless reports back from the Arc’teryx Media Camp in the Pyrenees, and explains why Arc’teryx’s North American manufacturing facility gives them the edge when it comes to incorporating athlete feedback into their designs

The Arc’teryx advantage

About Arc’teryx

Mention the word Arc’teryx to any outdoor lover and you will typically get a one word answer that is drawn out as though the word is made of too many letters; N I C E !
And they would be correct. Arc’teryx make nice kit. Just like Stellar Artois, it is reassuringly expensive.

The first big question is the name… explanation please! Named for ARCHAEOPTERYX LITHOGRAPHICA, the first reptile to develop the feather for flight, freeing itself from the constraints of the horizontal world.

Arc’teryx achieves an advantage with its products by merging un-rivaled designs with the highest quality and highest performing materials. They use innovation and unique assembling techniques to make durable products that perform in the intended environment for the intended sport. The Endorphin range is the epitome of this ethos.

I was very fortunate to be invited to the Pyrenees in July for a ‘media camp’ to review and test the new Endorphin running range for 2013. This media camp was arranged in conjunction with Skyrunning and the Skygames of which Arc’teryx are a partner and as such they had several Arc’teryx sponsored athletes taking part, Adam Campbell, Murray Strain and Nicola Gollinelli to name just a few who participated in the events.

The media camp assembled journalists from Italy, France, UK, Germany, Spain and Sweden and we all congregated after a lengthy transfer from Barcelona in Ribagossa. Nestled in a mountain hotel we spent a superb three days learning about the Arc’teryx brand, running in the mountains testing the Endorphin range and of course we had some wonderful relaxation time with great food and great company.

The Arc’teryx advantage

Photos: Departing for VerticalK. Arc’teryx athlete Adam Campbell

The Arc’teryx advantage

Arc’teryx have an advantage! They are one of only a few major outdoor industry outerwear brands to have its own domestic North American manufacturing facility. This allows them to readily develop proprietary manufacturing processes, enabling them to efficiently create superior features that other manufacturers simply cannot build. They are able to design a product one day, manufacture it the next day and then by the third day the product is being tested out on the trail or in the mountains. It is this level of immediate feedback that enables Arc’teryx to select the right fabrics, construction and weight to ensure that not only the garment performs to the best of it’s ability but importantly, so that you perform to the best of your ability! It’s a synergy of design, fabric, manufacturing and performance.

Adam Campbell explained in detail how he had specific demands for the Ultra Trail Mt Fuji in which he placed second overall. A tough 100-mile run that had very specific equipment requirements.

Adam needed a lightweight race pack that could hold mandatory equipment and allow him to hydrate easily while on the move. He needed a lightweight waterproof jacket with hood and over trousers. All these items were manufactured to Adam’s exacting needs, all within one week. It is this on site facility of design, manufacture and immediate testing that allows these new innovations to transfer down to us, the consumer.

Working in conjunction with textile manufacturers, Arc’teryx are able to select and develop the highest performing and most durable materials that are specific to the demands of the sport in which the garment will be worn. It’s about finding that balance between weight, breathability, waterproofness and durability.

GORE-TEX® Pro Shell
WINDSTOPPER®
Coreloft™ & Thermatek™ Insulation
Fortius™ & Polartec® Softshell
Phasic™ base layer fabrics
MAPP Merino Wool
420ACT™ AC² pack materials
Watertight™ zippers

Engineered to meet the needs of the most demanding athlete. Activity-specific patterning ensures complete freedom of movement, and each product is critically scrutinized and detailed for the intended end use.

e3D patterning for enhanced range-of-motion
Snowsports specific outerwear features
Hoods with quick, one-hand adjustment
Tri-Dex glove patterning
Packs with articulated & breathable components

All these elements combine to ensure that Arc’teryx maintain an advantage over its competition. The synergy may make the products a little more expensive but believe me, when you see the difference; it is a price worth paying!

The Arc’teryx advantage

Photos: The author Ian Corless and the group at the top of the VerticalK

Testing in the Pyrenees

I can’t think of a better way to test a product than to put the stuff on and go and run it. Luckily the Arc’teryx staff very kindly provided all of us with the opportunity to run (walk) the VerticalK course as used in the Skygames. If you are new to Skyrunning and the races that they have, the VerticalK goes up 1000m with a typical gradient of some 30+% so effectively you cover a distance of around 3.5km and ascend 1000m. They are tough to do, particularly if you race them!

We congregated in the car park and with the help of Arc’teryx athletes as guides, we started on our way. A promise of a sumptuous picnic and cold drinks on our return was surely just a ploy to get us up the mountain…

Like a flock of canaries we took flight. Our citrus Motus SS shirts made us look like a professional team out on a training camp. Unfortunately the reality was quite different. No sooner had we crossed the main road, gone up a small alleyway, that the climb started. The laughter and chat soon subsided as, one by one, everyone started to power walk.

Steep climbing and rutted technical trail underfoot made the 1000m ascent good fun. We had great company, beautiful weather, stunning views and incredible scenery. Overhead birds soared. Giant birds, eagle like in groups of 3’s and 4’s. It was incredible.

In our own time we each made our ascent to the imaginary finish line. Several of us ascended higher to get a panoramic vista of the whole mountain range, it was an incredible view.

The 1000 m drop back down to the car park offered a different test. Not a demand on aerobic ability and fitness, but a test of technique, nerve and confidence. As promised, cold drinks and a picnic awaited!

Speedgoat 50K & Giir di Mont

Posted on July 31, 2012 by talkultra

Two great races – many great champions. Winners at Saturday’s Speedgoat 50k , the second World Series Ultra, were Kilian Jornet and Anna Frost. Jornet finished in 5h14’10” breaking the course record. Rickey Gates was a close second in 5h18’27” followed by Max King (5h23’10”) and Anton Krupicka (5h23’36”) 4^th in a great come-back after his long lay-off. You can read my pre-race predictions here

The result was not without controversy however as Jornet was declared winner but his record and prize-money withheld for ‘cutting switchbacks….. I will be interviewing Speedgoat Karl for a ‘Meltzer Moment’ on episode 15 of Talk Ultra so make sure you tune into the show to hear what he has to say.

Anna Frost, despite worries of not being on top form, led the race from start to finish. Kerrie Bruxvoort was second while local runners Sarah Evans and Emily Sullivan where third and fourth, respectively.

Back in Europe at Italy’s Giir di Mont, predictions aside, no-one was ready for American Kasie Enman’s triumphant win and record together with Tofol Castanyer’s great come-back in a stacked men’s field. Brit Tom Owen’s was second and Luis Alberto Hernando, third.

The men’s field was an exciting match with Rumenian Ionut Zinca leading strongly in the first part of the race, before ceding to pressure on the final ascent from Hernando, with Castanyer and Owens alternating the lead. Owens was hampered on the final downhill due to severe blisters from last week’s Dolomites SkyRace^® but managed a heroic second position.

In the women’s field it was Enman’s race from start to finish, breaking the course record and closing 14 minutes ahead of her competitors. Sweden’s Emelie Forsberg kept a steady second place throughout most of the race, to be overtaken by Silvia Serafini – Italy’s new skyrunning hope. No doubt last week’s superb record at the Dolomites SkyRace® took its toll on Forsberg who slipped down to fifth position. Oihana Kortazar finished third, not on her best form and Blanca Maria Serrano, fourth.

After the weekend’s races, the Skyrunner^®World Series ranking is lead by Luis Alberto Hernando, Kilian Jornet and Tom Owens and Emelie Forsberg, Blanca Maria Serrano and Kasie Enman.

On August 9th I will be heading out to Switzerland to report live and record some interviews at the next World Series’ race on August 12 with another star-studded line-up at the Course de Sierre Zinal in Switzerland.

Skyrunner^® World Series ranking

Episode 14 – Hal Koerner

Posted on July 26, 2012 by talkultra

Episode 14 of Talk Ultra is now available and I interview a legend of the sport. Hal Koerner has been running ultras since 1999 and has a list of results second to none.

He recently won Hardrock 100 making him one of only two runners (Scott Jurek the other) to have done the Western States and Hardrock double.

On the show we discuss Hardrock and take a look back over his stunning career.

Hal is owner of Rogue Valley Runners

The show is available on iTunes, Libsyn and talk ultra.com

Timothy Olson – Go Trail

Posted on July 13, 2012 by talkultra

My good friend James Hallet today re launched Go Trail. A labour of love, James has worked hard to provide a great online magazine for trail running with a great new look. It is available free or for just $10 you can get all 6 issues for a year with unlimited viewing.

I have two articles in the new edition. The first on Timothy Olson, winner of Western States 100 in 2012.

You can listen to the audio HERE

SkyGames – Spanish Pyrenees

Posted on June 30, 2012 by talkultra

I am pleased to say that I am just doing my last minute prep and packing before heading out to the Pyrenees at the invite of Skyrunning partner Arc’teryx.

Arc’teryx will be present with a media camp where international journalists will get to know the company, the skyrunning partnership and to learn about and test the Endorphin line together with team athletes: Adam Campbell (Canada), Murray Strain and Tessa Hill (Great Britain), Didier Zago (France) and Nicola Golinelli (Italy).

For the people of Ribargorza Románica a dream comes true as runners from across the world converge on the small towns dotted around this remote and relatively unknown area of the Spanish Pyrenees hosting the 2012 SkyGames^®.

This evening, a turnout of 1,500 spectators is expected at the opening ceremony which will pay homage to the 19 countries participating with a parade of flags representing each nation. The organisers, OCI Sport, intend to get the events off with a bang by concluding the evening with a fireworks display spsotlighting the Romanic Church of Taüll, a World Heritage site and the surrounding mountains.

Forty medals, 14 world titles and 40,000 euros prize money are at stake in the skyrunners’ “high altitude Olympics”. 1,300 athletes will compete in the six disciplines held between June 30 and July 8, climaxing with theSkyMarathon, compulsory for the combined title. Certainly, the super-strong Spanish team looks set to take the lion’s share of the medals, headed by reigning Skyrunner® World Series champions, Luis Alberto Hernandez and Oihana Kortazar and past world champion, Agustí Roc, as well as Mireia Mirò competing in the Vertical Kilometer.

Adam Campbell testing the Arc'teryx Endorphin line Among the other nations participating are France with past skyrunning world champion Corinne Favre and Didier Zago; Nicola Golinelli from Italy;Zhanna Vokueva, Russia, Adam Campbell, Canada; Alex Nichols, USA;Murray Strain and Tessa Hill, Great Britain; Adel Ojeda from Venezuela; together with teams from Andorra, Bolivia, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Japan, Marocco, Mexico, Poland, Singapore and Switzerland.

Joan Peralada, President of the Association for Ribagorza Románica Development, commented; “For two years, the residents have worked with determination to ensure the success of the event, amassing 300 volunteers and a 50-strong team of professionals to manage the races. After a bleak winter where the ski facilities were closed and jobs lost, the SkyGames® have filled 7,000 hotel rooms creating a much-needed economic boost for the area and it’s future development.”

The six SkyGames® disciplines making up the mammoth event are:SkySpeed, 100 metres vertical climb with a 45% incline; Vertical Kilometer, the universally popular formula, here a mere 3.5 km with a 30% incline; SkyBike – a duathlon combining mtb and skyrunning to 2,000m altitude; SkyRaid – a multi-discipline team relay; the 21 km SkyRace with 1,350m vertical climb, reserved for runners aged 16-21. The events conclude with an epic SkyMarathon reaching 3,100m altitude – valid for the combined points title.

The event is sanctioned by FEDME, the Spanish Federation for Mountain Sports.

Follow the events on twitter and Facebook and see www.ocisport.net for details.

RESULTS for Vertical K

Ladies race was won by Oihana Kortaza and the mens race was won by Augusti Roc

Lakeland Trail Weekend

Posted on June 21, 2012 by talkultra

Fancy a weekend of trail running in the English Lakes?

Join a group of 24 like minded people for fun on the trails. Geared for all abilities and certainly a great opportunity for those new to trail running to take part in the confidence that you will have company and support for the whole weekend.

This will be an informative and fun weekend with group meals and a talk/ film planned for the Saturday evening.

Dates for arrival are Friday 21st September with departure Sunday 23rd September.

Based in Grasmere, we will be staying at Thornley How hostel and we will take over the ‘whole’ premises. We will have ample facilities for parking and if travelling by train, Windermere station is not far away.

Price per person is £125 pp and includes 2 nights accommodation, breakfast & dinner for both days and guides for the whole weekend.

More details and booking HERE

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Talk Ultra – Episode 11

Posted on June 13, 2012 by talkultra

Episode 11 of Talk Ultra is now coming together… although not a Western States special it does have a big emphasis on the race.

We interview Jez Bragg from the UK who has placed 3rd and 4th in previous years. Will he move higher up the podium in 2012?

On 15 minutes of fame we speak with Greg and Dean from The African Attachment – they are currently putting together a series of short films for Salomon. At this years Western States they will follow Ryan Sandes.

In a Meltzer Moment I discuss the ‘odds’ with Karl Meltzer and he gives us his predictions for 1,2 and 3 in both the ladies and Mens races.

In Talk Training I discuss race nutrition with Marc Laithwaite and of course we will have all the news, reviews and a list of up and coming races.

Want to know how Western States started? Listen to my interview with Gordy Ainsleigh HERE. Gordy was the first person ever to run the 100 miles and the rest is history…

If you need some visual inspiration, watch this Salomon film from 2011 showing KIlian Jornet and some words from Gordy.