Nepal & Everest Trail Race – IMAGES

Posted on November 17, 2013 by talkultra

ALL IMAGES AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE FOR PERSONAL OR COMMERCIAL USE

HERE

Grand to Grand Ultra 2013

Posted on September 24, 2013 by talkultra

Not much opportunity to upload images from the trail, so apologies. Here are a few images in the build up to the race. More to follow as and when possible.

Red Bull Extreme, Lake Annecy 2013 w/ Kilian Jornet

Posted on September 12, 2013 by talkultra

Extreme by name, extreme by nature, the names of Red Bull and Kilian Jornet are almost a match made in heaven, equally renowned for pursuing the extreme.

Red Bull pursue the extreme in everything that they do… skateboarding with Ryan Scheckler, Ryan Doyle with Parkour, Travis Rice on a snowboard and so on, irrespective of the athlete or the sport, Red Bull push the boundaries.

View a video of the 2012 Red Bull Extreme

HERE

It seems appropriate that the third edition of the Red Bull Elements, located at Talloires on the shores of Lake Annecy should once again have the presence of Salomon sponsored athlete, Kilian Jornet.

It’s not the first time for Kilian to experience a Red Bull Extreme event. He is a two-time winner after participating in Red Bull Elements with his Font Romeu Team. However, he can’t win single-handed. Red Bull Elements is a one-day multi-sport adventure race. Competing as a team relay, the race celebrates three elements – air, earth and water – through four sports,

Rowers, runners, paragliders and mountain bikers join forces to compete in the same outdoor world! The race is a pure concentration of endurance sports. Uniting all those involved. It creates a dramatic and extreme event.

On Saturday, September 14th, 216 athletes grouped together in 56 teams will start an adventure with rowers covering 14km in Talloires bay.

Handing over to the trail runners, Kilian Jornet and his adversaries (such as Salomon teammate, Michel Lanne) will then climb eleven kilometers covering a vertical gain of 1914m with only 25m of negative gain!

At the summit, paragliders take over and they descend to a rendezvous with the final discipline; mountain biking. A final breakneck descent to Talloires village culminates the event.

Of course, this event is not about Kilian Jornet. On the contrary, he is very much just one cog in a very important four-person team. However, my emphasis and sport is running and in particular mountain and trail running, so, the question remains; can Kilian improve on his extraordinary performance from 2012? Last year, Kilian Jornet completed the 11 km of ascent in less than 1h: 20m. For sure, Michel Lanne will push him all the way to the summit. I just wish I was in Annecy to watch the action unfold… it really looks quite an incredible event!

Links:

Race Website HERE

Race Information HERE

For more information and inspiration, take a look at:

The Toughest Team Race in the World – Red Bull Dolomitenmann 2013

Thule 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge – South Africa

Posted on August 16, 2013 by talkultra

The 11^th THULE 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge in Association with SALOMON takes place on the weekend of the 23^rd / 25^th August 2013. The 24km mountain run is through the beautiful and challenging Witteberg mountain range near Ficksburg in the Eastern Free State. Last year saw the introduction of the ‘Pyramid Challenge’ where athletes have the chance to take on the ‘beast’ 40 % gradient vertical ascent and descent of the first pyramid at Moolmashoek Nature Reserve. The THULE 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge provides a weekend festival of Free State hospitality and an introduction to ‘mountain-running’ where both the accomplished trail runners and weekend warriors get to challenge themselves. The hospitality is rooted in the management of the Moolmanshoek Guest Lodge and the beautiful private nature reserve serves as HQ for the weekend activities.

Moolmanshoek Private Nature Reserve is situated 360km from Johannesburg and 230km from Bloemfontein and the unique scenery with mountain peaks such as Visierskerf, the highest in the Witteberg mountain range, provides a perfect venue to run, to explore and to challenge yourself against the elements. The 24km mountain run is a great introduction to the ultimate running challenge – mountain -running, with the 24km distance being the equivalent of a road ultra-marathon. The THULE 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge is an un-supported off road run, the concept derived from British ‘fell running’ whereby runners will conquer slopes to then enjoy superb vistas that the Witteberg mountain range ridgelines provide. The course is not marked but follows a circular route starting at 1460m, with a total vertical ascent over the race of 1420m to the highest point at 2312m. The concept of mountain running is one of expedition and adventure, where crossing the finish line is about conquering the elements, navigating your way through the rough terrain the course provides and feeling a sense of achivement not matched by any traditional running event. Participants must be totally self sustainable carrying their own fluids and nutrition for the entire race. The top competitors usually complete the race in 3 hours or less with some runners taking up to 9 hours, the cut off, to receive the revered Four Peaks medal.

The weekend see’s the main event, the THULE 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge kicking off at 6am on Saturday the 24^th. Entries received already include Salomon runners such as Thabang Madiba, Ryno Griesel, Jock Green and Matt Kretzmann against the local knowledge of multiple winner Isaac Mazibuko . In the ladies race we expect to see Salomon’s Jackie Moore racing with Takalani Ndandani and Megan Mackensie. This front pack of runners will be followed by the weekend warriors challenging themselves to the next level of running – building some bravery for ‘the ultimate’ the Salomon Skyrun hosted in November each year. After Saturday’s nights festivities, we kick off Sunday morning with the Red Bull Pyramid Challenge which will see runners tackle a net altitude gain of 850m over 3km ascent and descent of the first pyramid.

More details from: HERE

Sierre-Zinal Race Preview 2013

Posted on August 9, 2013 by talkultra

It’s a birthday year for this iconic mountain race. 40 years! To celebrate, the race organisation have invited many a past winner.

Considered to be one of the finest mountain races in the world. It was once written that it is to mountain races what the New York Marathon is to marathons. It is the oldest mountain race found in its category in Europe’s mountains.

The location is incredible. Of all the races I attended in 2012, Sierre-Zinal left some incredible memories… you see, the Zinal basin is just an incredible place. Also called, ‘the Race of Five 4000m Peaks’ when you stand in Zinal, look to the Matterhorn, you fully appreciate why. It is quite stunning.

Sierre-Zinal, which takes place in the heart of Valais’ Alps, offers its participants a significant challenge: distance – 31 km, 2200m ascent and 800m descent. Incredible scenery, a warm atmosphere and exceptional organisation explain the success and longevity of this challenge.

As Jonathan Wyatt (record holder of both Sierre-Zinal and the Jungfrau Marathon, as well as a multiple world mountain racing champion) wrote, ‘As a mountain racer you must experience the tradition and history of this race.’

The course records are held by Jonathan Wyatt at 2:29:12 set in 2003 and Anna Pichrtova 2:54:26 set in 2008. If anyone fancies breaking a record in 2013, it would be a great pay day! A CR and a win this weekend, would earn the lucky person 3,000 Swiss Francs.

Legendary Pablo Vigil is a special guest this year. He participated and won the race years back and has become an ambassador for the race and has been instrumental in ensuring a strong American contingent at the race, for example, Stevie Kremer may very well have not participated in 2012 had it not been for Pablo.

This years race, as in any year will have names missing and I guess the big omission will be Marco De Gasperi. He is choosing to race in Italy. So, who will be lining up from the impressive 40-year history of the race?

MEN

Despite Kilian Jornet telling me he was having a rest post Trans D’Havet so that he could prepare for his Matterhorn Summits attempt and the ISF Skyrunning Matterhorn Ultraks later in August, it would appear the proximity to Zinal is just too much temptation for him. So, he will make the trip from Cervinia and line up in Sierre for what he says will be a ‘fun’ run. Read into that what you will. When I see Kilian’s name on a start sheet he always must be considered for the podium… however, he may just kick back and enjoy the day. Read my interview with Kilian HERE

Sage Canaday is travelling to the race after a strong victory at Speedgoat 50k and although he will be new to the course, I have to think it will suit him. He will need to ensure that he is near the front in the early stages for the long climb, but once up, the course flattens and he will be able to open up and let his natural speed do the work. If he has a good day and is pushed, we may well see a new course record.

Max King has raced at Sierre-Zinal before and from memory he didn’t have a great race. He was around 20th and I think the European style of racing was just too different from what he was used to. However, he is a very different person now. In actual fact, Max raced at the 2012 Zegama-Aizkorri, however, that race was as problematic as his 2011 Sierre-Zinal. It’s a tough call for Max. Definitely top 10 potential and of course he has all the ability to be on the podium. But will he get over the European demons?

Course record holder, Jonathan Wyatt is back at the race and although his pedigree and his history elevates him to a high-profile within the race, one has to wonder how he will perform against top-level competition who are some years younger than him. He still runs and races regularly, but as he told me in Chamonix, it is for fun. We will see ‘Jono’ figure for sure… his ability will set him apart from so many other runners but I think the podium is an option.

Tofol Castanyer is finding form after early season injury issues and recently placed 2nd at Giir di Mont. Like Kilian, he will also race at Matterhorn Ultraks. This race won’t tire or affect his Matterhorn performance so we can expect him to run hard and that can only really mean one thing, a podium place is without doubt in his grasp.

Rickey Gates also raced at Giir di Mont and placed just behind Tofol. He is obviously finding form after a slightly problematic Ice Trail Tarentaise. Sierre-Zinal will suit him and his speed.

Cesar Costa has finished 2nd at Sierre-Zinal three times, he knows the course like the back of his hand and in the 40th edition will most certainly want to move one place up the podium for the win. He will without doubt be a favourite. Local knowledge and being slightly under the radar to the American runners will play into his hands. He will push hard and for sure, top 3 is an expectation.

Vajin Armstrong from New Zealand has been in Europe for some time. Sage Canaday for sure will be well aware of what this man can do after racing each other at Tarawera in New Zealand earlier this year. Vajin has speed and considering he has had some great results recently: 2nd at Zugspitz behind Philipp Reiter, 2nd at the K78 Swiss Alpine Marathon, one can’t help but think that he will shake things up and turn some heads at the finish in Zinal.

LADIES

It all started 12 months ago and the progression has been incredible. Stevie Kremer lined up at Sierre-Zinal completely blown away by the competition and experience that surrounded. Cut to the finish of the race and she was 2nd on the podium. What has followed is a meteoric race in the sport and without doubt, Stevie comes to the 2013 Sierre-Zinal race as my outright favourite. Listen to my recent interview with Stevie HERE

Aline Camboulives won the race in 2012. She has experience and ability and for sure, I see her on the podium. But I think Stevie has moved on and has the all the potential to take the race to Aline and not only push her to the finish but to go past her.

Megan Lund is a name I am familiar with but in all honesty, I know little about her. Stevie Kremer has told me that she has great potential and is one to watch on this course. I am aware that she won the race in 2010 but her European performances are few and far between. She has had a baby and as Stevie said, don’t you come back stronger after a baby!?

Celine Lafaye has been up at the front of all the Skyrunning races and I don’t see Sierre being any different. She has all the ability and potential to win this race and if she has a good day, she will push Stevie at the front of the race.

Local lady, Maud Mathys finished 3rd last year and will come to the race knowing full well that Stevie is the one to watch. I anticipate she will keep as close to Stevie as possible and try to pull something out of the bag in the latter stages of the race. However, she was five minutes behind Stevie in 2012 and Stevie has moved on. Has Maud progressed at the same level?

Lizzy Hawker turned up and ran literally at the last minute in 2012. Once again she will toe the line in 2013. I anticipate a top 10 finish but not the podium. Like last year, she will use this as a prep race for her attempt at another UTMB title. Lizzy has also had injury issues and although UTMB is only weeks away, she is still on the road back!

Zhana Vokueva will also be looking to push at the front of the race. She recently raced in the Dolomites at the Skyrunning European Championships but it wasn’t a great weekend for her. She will be looking to get back into form and for sure, would like to repeat or go better than her 5th place in 2012.

Stephanie Howe has just won Speedgoat 50k and like Sage Canaday, that has got to be a great boost going into this race. If she has recovered well from Speedgoat, Stephanie may well be the person to push Stevie all the way to the finish. It will be interesting to see what unfolds.

Finally, 2001 Sierre-Zinal champ and GB mountain running legend, Angela Mudge will toe the line. She has recently raced at a very high level and with some impressive results. I see Angela being a dark horse to the new runners who will know her name but may well dismiss her due to her lack of high profile racing of late.

Without doubt it will be an exciting men’s and ladies race.

Links:

Sierre-Zinal website HERE

Trail running for me is?

Posted on August 5, 2013 by talkultra

“TRAIL RUNNING, FOR ME, IS NOT ABOUT RUNNING.”

Kilian Jornet very kindly signed a copy of his photo book, “TRAIL RUNNING, FOR ME, IS NOT ABOUT RUNNING.” I realised that this would be something that many listeners to Talk Ultra and followers of my website would like, so, with that in mind, I asked the question, “What is trail running?”

The winner will be selected and the signed book by Kilian Jornet will be posted to you. This is the last chance to add to this list. The winner will be announced on Friday August 9th.

Here are the responses:

Michael Roberts Trail running is living and everything else is just waiting.
    Kevin McFaul Trail Running is peacefully, a way to escape the every day.
    Bazimus Dunn Infinite horizons and broken limitations.
    John Gaivin Trail running for me is a release…a time to just let go and zip through the trees and rocks and fell without a worry in the world!
    La cave à Jaife Trail running is my way to discover the beauty of nature!
    Benj Lance Trail running is freedom and pure bliss. Trail running is hard lessons and suffering that makes the rest of life seem much easier. Trail running is exploring the world and tapping into your primal self to move quickly through the mountains and woods. Trail running is an attitude and a lifestyle.
Kevin O’Rourke Trail running for me is about kissing goodbye to asphalt and saying hello to nature .
    Andrew Morley Trail running is getting away from burks in cars!
    Christopher Wiley Trail running for me is the opportunity to experience God’s creation and have an adventure!
    Sarah Lo trail running is breathing .
    Iain Wallace Trail running is moving through nature, swiftly, lovingly, and peacefully.
    Torsten Stuart Norgate Trail running is using your physical body, your strength, your sweat, your ability to push yourself, to take your spirit into new landscapes and adventures.
    Henrik Modin It’s my escape from health-issues and work-related stress. A valve through which I can release tension. A way to get closer to nature. And my legs look great!
Robert Nelson for me it’s all about the fun of jumping in muddy puddles.
    Franz Dill A reconnection to true origins, primordial places, to distill to basics, and appreciate the simplicities in life.
    David Monge Garcia Lol Simon Edwards, funnily enough we see trail running as opposites (forgetting / finding.
    Nate Blouin it’s about seeing what I’m made out of physically and mentally. It started as a way to see more of the mountains I’m used to skiing and has become so much more.
    Simon Dick Trail running is nuts, bonkers, and crazy. So I stick to pub-crawls…
    Steven Stainthorpe Trail running has become my new adventure!
    Marco Balsarini Trail running for me is a way to experience nature in total freedom!!!
Santiago Fernandez Indefinable  Like · Reply · July 23 at 7:44pm via mobile
 Chris Valenti 1. To do what should not be possible, to be free, to explore an unknown, forbidden place. It is about using one’s physical body to transcend its own existence. The first thing that happens as you deplete yourself is that you find you have another self in there, trying to control you. Then, as you further your relationship with your dual self, and if you are lucky, you transcend both selves and become a…fleetingly…another consciousness.
    Nicola’s Holy Trail running is nowhere, with everybody .
    Graeme Waterworth Peace.
    Shannon Koch Simplicity .
    Charlie Hunsberger Trail running is my commune with nature, the very necessary nourishment my soul demands to remain sane.
Sabrina Moscatelli Trail running brings me back to the origin of human move on earth .
    Adam Briggs Trail running to me is about finding myself, testing my limits, and hopefully making my heart donor proud, as I thank him on every run.
    Cait Morgan It is my release, my liberation .
    Dan Ripple For me, the trails are simply an analogy for life. Along those paths, whether it be high in the mountains of Chamonix or at the start of Badwater, I, along with others, come to find and connect with ourselves, with others, and with life itself. I can either be in a race with 2000 other runners or be completely alone in the mountains; I am, with each step, with each breath, and with each heartbeat, humbled and forever grateful to be given such an opportunity.
Darren Hutchings Friends for life .
    David Eastham Trail running is a means to stay in touch with Mother Nature and help me remember what’s important .
    Transvulcania, isla De La Palma Uff…difficult to say and to answer…. It’s everything for us!
    Mikey Pm Trails are my temple and running is my religion together I’m practicing my religion in my temple as much as possible.
    Jordi Nunez Freedom. Disconnection.
    Tony Branam For me, trail running is The Way – If you are in The Way, you are of The Way and not in the way but are one with The Way. If you are not of The Way, you are in the way, and must be moved out of the way and toward The Way. We who are in The Way know The Way and follow therein. Those in the way know not The Way and must be shown The Way lest they remain in the way. Some seek The Way and need guidance. Some seek The Way and need no help to find their own way to The Way. Some seek not The Way and need guidance to see their need lest they remain in the way. We of The Way must seek our way to guide those poor wayward souls not in The Way to The Way so that they may become one with The Way the way we of The Way are now.
Kate Newman Freedom, peace, breathing.
    Marlon Voorn Trailrunning is for my freedom and are one with the nature!!!
    Pablo Aznar It’s a place without time where you can meet yourself. At the same time that you enjoy all around and get worried on the basics: breathing, eating, and drinking.
    Ronan Hickey It’s about leaving the crowds behind. We all start in the same place, but trail runners reach heights no one else can.
    Gavin Markey Trail time is dreamtime. Everything that a dream can hold is within reach while on the trail/mountain.
    Amanda Hyatt Trail running is the runner’s mirage; always calling, forever a little further away; filled with dreams and possibilities and maybe, just maybe, if you take just one more step, there’s a runner’s oasis on the other side.
    Jp Syverud Trail running is my religion. There is no place I feel more alive and happy as when I am outdoors exploring nature and running. Most people go to church on Sunday mornings. I hit the trail.
Emanuel Simoes trail running is a way out of myself, a way to forget the world’s problems and merging with Mother Nature. I feel as small as an ant when I run in the mountain, and that feels so good.
    Daniel Henderson Trail running is about the adrenaline fuelled terrifying descents.
    John Eden Getting away from point A.
    Ewa Crazychick it’s a desire. With you every minute.
    Eje Carlos Navarro Trail running is another way to stay in the mountains…
    Phil Beeston Trail running is an escape. An escape from the urban jungle and cluttered life that man has created that takes us back to the ‘real world’. A world where we can take a moment to breathe, to see, and where our soul is stripped bare.
    Antonio Moreno Trail running is going back to the roots, to a time when being fast on your feet meant the difference between life and death, between progress and decay. If we are here today it’s only because our ancestors ran… in nature. It’s only natural that we crave to follow in their footsteps!
Reece Ingram Trail running is about being at one with yourself & nature!
    John Bryant Trail running is always a “get to know you” session with myself. I rediscover who I am, gain perspectives that probably wouldn’t be gained anywhere else, and simplify my life to it’s barest essentials. It allows me to strip away the fluff of the world and emerge free and satisfied, yet yearning for more.
    Claire Akin-smith Being out on the trail: Space to think, feel & move at the same time.
    Shirley Treasure Trail running clears my mind; quality time on some single track makes me ready to take on the FWY’s of life.
    Bernhard Rohrbacher Trail running is about freedom. Yes, you can follow a trail but the beauty is making a trail of your own.
    Keith Crook Trail running is the air I breathe .
    Pablo Cascante Barahona Trail running is the beginning of the rest of my life…
Craig Calderwood Trail running is pain, sweating, sore quads; lost toenails, skin knees, blisters and chafing. Fun though.
    Gabriel Drilea Trail running gives you the opportunity to be with yourself away from the life low-level distractions. It brings you closer to God and humanity.
    Mark Johnston a good reason to exist!
    Kerstin Grupinski Trail running is the heart of my life.
    Rute Roque It’s being one with the earth accepting the final union .
    Dewayne Tim Stephens To Trail Run = To Be.
    Lior Sion Trail running for me is freedom in a busy world .
    Amanda Hyatt Trail running … Comfort food for the sole(s)
    Justin Rea Road running exercises the body. Trail running exercises mind and body
Mark McGinn It’s about the five foot of trail ahead of you and constantly scanning it to decide where your foot will land in 3 steps time. Until you lift your head and discover you 15 miles from where you started. People who admire the views when trail running have too much free time on their hands!!
    Paul Hart Trail running is simply escaping from the man made and trying to reconnect with nature and our inner-selves .
    Tammy Clauser Wuerth I wrote this several years ago… When I run the trails. I feel alive. I feel and believe I can conquer anything life throws at me… I am a free spirit who can soar to the highest mountains… endure distances unlike any other, and I can just “be” me…. w/o judgment, as I just flow and go deep into my soul… and, run… run. And run… through it all… conquer my deepest fears. And, just be…. and that my friends… is a beautiful thing…. to have found in this lifetime…. ahh. Yes. The “essence of trail running”
    Simon Edwards Trail running is finding myself among the chaos, and learning to like what I find .
    David Monge Garcia Trail running is forgetting myself.
Amanda Crozier Trail running for me is my peace, my link with nature.
    Albert Franklin Miller Jr Trail running, pure bliss powered by “PRE”!
    Nico Meunier Trail running is feeling like a superhero.
    Larry Lobb Trail running is my silence. When I get to check my thoughts at the trailhead and just exist. It allows me to lose myself, settle myself, and find myself. A return to innocence. Trail running is my moment of Zen.
    Sanja Jugovic Burns One of the greatest ironies. An insane sanity…
    Amanda Shumway Grimes for me trail running allows my soul to grow.
    Miriam Riba Rossy It’s about being ourselves. It’s the way of mountain lovers. Trail Running are all days of our lives when rain, snow, thunder and lightning get together to test us, to feel what we love with our soul and what we are. What I am. It’s a beginning of my new life. Regards Catalonia, Miriam Riba-14 years old
Radu Milea Trail running for me is a way of life!
    Mike Saporito Trail running for me is a return to the basics of what life should be about – nature, simplicity – one with the world. It is at the same time very physical and very mental – it exhausts me and it rejuvenates me.
    Ana Čufer Trail running is a gift, given to few. Every step brings us closer to becoming worthy of it, yet we never quite reach it. The trick is to never stop running.  Like · Reply · 6 · July 23 at 8:11pm
    Eric Ahern Trail running is what I do to work on becoming the best possible version of myself. (All respect to Rich Roll.)
    Katie Simpson Trail running is perfect clarity .
    Thomas Lelu Trail running is enjoy the life in all of its aspect s.
 Suzanne F. Stroeer Trail running is the freedom, the ability to choose. Trail running is running fast to be completely still.
Paul Weir Trail running run for me is the ability to explore nature, to escape the trappings of human beings and become one with nature, the sights and smells and not to see a single sole for miles and hours
    Sabine Heiland Trail running is loosing myself in nature.
    Ben Brindley Trail running is letting go!
    Mark Warner I call it “trail meditation” Tune in, free your mind and the body will follow….
    Mark McGoldrick Felling of been free, & clearing the mind, sense of adventure, meeting new friends & exploring new places .
    Jono Mervis Trail running to me is the ability to leave the day-to-day world behind. It allows me to experience the numinous. To wonder at the incredible world & universe that we call our home. To feel true freedom. To feel the wind on my face and blood flow through my veins. To feel at one with myself, with the world and the people around me. It allows me to experience the joy of movement, the joy of health, the joy of nature and, more than anything before it, the joy of life. Every step, every breath and every meter out on the trails are the best of the day.
Ally Speirs The freedom to go where few can go, the silence at the top, and the peace within .
    Mario Perez Bautista Trail running is all about free your mind and move your soul according with nature .
    Richard Hurdle Trail running for me is about finding new amazing places, sometimes far away, sometimes on your doorstep, always in your soul .
    Ian Campbell Running the way you feel. Taking a familiar route or exploring the options of new trails. I love running the same trails throughout the year, spring, summer, autumn or winter, day or night. They are all different and you experience everything that nature and this earth has to provide and it creates a love of this earth much more so than in the cities on Tarmac.
    Abhishek Sengupta Trail running for me is about searching for those pockets of silence where I can root and grow.
    Chris Schultheiss Trail running fro me is about the community of runners, I love the people!
Martin Pether Trail running is ‘special’, simple as .
    Picos Xtreme Trail running is a lifestyle and a way of live that we love!!
    Emanuel Simoes trail running is a way out of myself, a way to forget the world’s problems and merging with Mother Nature. I feel as small as an ant when I run in the mountain, and that feels so good.
    Michael Roberts if you’re trail running, you’re living and everything else is just waiting.
    Andrew Titus trail running for me is knowing that I am the part of the forest that is breathing.
    David Eastham Trail running for me is about finding my ‘self’…. Who I am.
    Marlon Voorn Trail running is for my…. freedom and are one with the nature!!!
Asmina Piškulić Being I.
    Nicola’s Holy It’s like explore myself everywhere .
    Ellie Mackin Trail running is different things on different days: a chance to escape, a chance to push myself, a chance to meditate, a chance to sweat it out. Trail running is what you need it to be on the day.
    Trailrunning Osttirol trail running isn´t a lifestyle. It´s life!
    Wlodec Da Lukas This is my way.
    Martin Pether Trail running is ‘special’, simple as .
    Picos Xtreme Trail running is a lifestyle and a way of live that we love!!
    Emanuel Simoes trail running is a way out of myself, a way to forget the world’s problems and merging with Mother Nature. I feel as small as an ant when I run in the mountain, and that feels so good.
Alessandro Vigano’ exploring the world!!
    Angie Zee quiet .
    Curt Krieger Hitting the trails each day is like hitting the reboot button and getting that fresh start!
    Jill Buckenham Trail running teaches me to open my mind… to listen… to see… to be patient… to find peace and energy.
    Geoff Smyth Being in the midst of beauty finding my inner self-losing the hectic world around us. If I were fit enough I would stay on the trails day and night.
    Charlie Hunsberger Trail running for me is about re-convening with nature, and nurturing my soul!
    Kristin Jossi Zosel Trail running is about freedom and celebrating life!
    Ron Castillo Finding my peace.
d’Jo Vander Linden Trail running is one of the millions of ways to find sensations you are looking for, find yourself, freedom, escape from stress, break routine, get stronger and fitter…. But most of all, a motivation to live life, there’s always a new track for tomorrow .
    Dave Deason Trail running is about the clean air, the freedom and the feel of a mountaintop as we summit .
    Steven Stainthorpe trail is my way of meeting new people and new runs; it’s my new adventure .
    Chris Tack is about not having to answer questions about what things are about!
    John Dayton Trail running is pushing beyond your comfort zone and testing your limits all while being surrounded by nature. And sometimes she’s a mother.
    David Monge Garcia What about ‘trail running is increasing the flavor of a beer x5’??? Everything smells and tastes of heaven after a trail LR!!!
Rannelle McCoy Trail running is harmony of mind, body and spirit, in the nurturing embrace of Mother Nature.
    Holly Miller It’s my moving meditation.
    Stephan Roos Trail running for me is about freedom and connecting with nature and friends.
    Brian Watson Trail running …feel alive were all signs of man disappear. (Somewhere in the Australian bush).
    Rubén Quesada López Trail running is MOUNTAIN LIVE .
    Tefal Trailrunner T – Trepidation, taking the first steps in to the wilderness – Rejoicing in what Nature can offer us. A – Adventure, going where you want, when you want. I – Inspiration, from all the scenery and experiences you run through. L – Laughing out loud during a fast descent or when on your own in the middle of nowhere.
    Jorge Laustalet Trail running is returning to nature .
    Les Hall Trail running is my ALIVE time.
Richard Lendon Trail running quieting the voice inside
    John Meijberg Trail running is living your life and leave the trails.
    Omar Rodríguez Rodríguez Trail Running brings you freedom when you’re running through the mountains and trees, while you’re breathing fresh air in the morning or in the evening. It doesn’t matter where you do it, always it feels the same. This is because Trail Running is a life way. Everyone can touch the sky, there’s no limit.
    Mayte Pach Trail running for me is a mix of inside peace, mental relax and love the nature.
    Pablo Cascante Barahona For me trail running is the beginning of the rest of my life.
Phillip Gibb Freedom
    Sophia Tam Trail running is a way to know myself and enjoy the moment in the nature.
    Andrew Bowen In a word Therapy! A path to leave the world behind, think clearly and to do more than you ever thought you could.
    Alain Riedacker Exploration of our environment and own limits in peaceful settings .
    Richard Ferron is about getting out of the city for real pleasure, not artificial.
    Joeri Van den Brande being completely free as a person and completely connected to nature as a being.
    Josep M. Vileu Freedom.
Martin Stacy Escape.
Darren Gillman It’s the part of my life that I love, and that keeps me just about sane enough to survive those parts of my life that I have to do.
    Marcelo Jiménez Roqhuett Trail Running is about exploring my life thru that experience, and finding more inspiration around every corner I turn.
 Gemma Carter Trail running is where I experience a deeper sense of myself- its the opportunity to dig down deeper. Under the layers that our superficial life can build around me that cause me stress and worry. It’s where I feel simply most me. Pure. Calm and free…

YOU HAVE TIME TO ADD A COMMENT BUT YOU WILL NEED TO BE QUICK!

Ronda dels Cims 2013 – Trail Magazin, Germany

Posted on August 4, 2013 by talkultra

The latest edition of Trail Magazin is available on line and can be downloaded for just 4€ from HERE

Transcript:

Julien Chorier and Francesca Canepa dominate the 177km 2013 Ronda dels Cims.the second race in the Skyrunning Ultra series.

It was without doubt an incredible and dramatic race in Andorra. Due to late season snow and potential storm risk on Friday night of the race, certain safety measures had to be made and the course was modified to ensure runners safety. It did mean a little less elevation, however, this was compensated for by the race organisers adding additional km’s, making the final distance 177km with a total elevation gain of 12,200m.

An International field lined up in Ordino, Andorra on Friday 21^st June for the 0700 start. The awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon affirmed the International representation present at the race with five different nationalities on the podium.

Described as one of the hardest 100+ mile races in the world, it did not disappoint. Warm sunshine in the early stages of the race where followed with torrential downpours of rain and cooler temperatures as night arrived. However, the weather cleared and as the full moon glowed in the night sky, temperatures dropped. It was a long and cold night for the runners turning many sections of the course into unpredictable slippery sections. A new dawn and a new day, the sun burnt the mist away and temperatures rose revealing blue skies and a perfect day and night in the mountains to welcome runners home.

Frenchman Julien Chorier dominated the race from the front and I have to say, it is possibly one of the most impressive performances I have been fortunate to witness. He looked so calm, relaxed and focused. Kenichi Yamamoto from Japan placed second and along with his impressive entourage of photographers and camermen proved not only his ability to run but also how popular he is with the crowds and supporters. Matt Copper from Australia completed an impressive podium and produced a really solid run. He had been at the front of the race over the initial twenty kilometers and then settled in third, however, a fall into a stream during the night meant extended time at a refuge to warm up, this saw him loose a couple of places and drop to fifth. However, as daylight broke his batteries became recharged and he pushed as hard as he could to gain places and eventually finish third.

For the ladies, Francesca Canepa from Italy dominated after 65km’s and never looked back. She is a specialist in long distance races such as TNF UTMB and Tor des Geants, so, a top performance was expected here; she didn’t disappoint. She did say after the race that it was the hardest race she has ever done!. A late surge by Olga Mankò from the Ukraine elevated her to second on the podium and Emilie Lecomte, from France, after leading the race over the first 35% of the race faded but bravely battled for a hard won final podium place.

Men

1. Julien Chorier (FRA) – Salomon – 28h41’06”

2. Kenichi Yamamoto (JAP) – Houdini) – 31h12’00”

3. Matt Cooper (AUS) – Salomon – 31h24’54

Women

1. Francesca Canepa (ITA) – Montura-Vibrio – 36h18’55”

2. Olga Mankò (UKR) – 38h19’47”

3. Emilie Lecomte (FRA) – Quechua -39h30’14”

Zeagama-Aizkorri 2013 – Trail Magazin, Germany

Posted on August 4, 2013 by talkultra

The latest edition of Trail Magazin is available on line and can be downloaded for just 4€ from HERE

Transcript:

Zegama-Aizkorri

When asked about Zegama, Kilian Jornet replies, ‘It’s Zegama’. In other words, no explanation is needed. The word itself is enough. Zegama-Aizkorri is THE ultimate mountain race.

Located in the heart of the Aizkorri nature reserve, Zegama village is the hub for the Zegama-Aizkorri race. On July 7^th 2002 in conjunction with the Amezti Mountain Society, the Zegama-Aizkorri Alpine marathon was created, its main goal to promote and revitalize the Zegama region in terms of economics, culture and tourism.

The race is now one of the most prestigious alpine marathons in the world. It was the European Mountain Race Championship event in 2008 and is now a key race in the Skyrunning World Series.

At 42.195 kilometers it is a classic Sky marathon. The route has an accumulated height gain of 5472m over the Aratz massif and the Sierra of Aizkorri which includes the four highest peaks in the Basque Autonomous Region; Aratz, Aitzkorri, Akategi and Aitxuri at the highest point of the course at 1551m. Starting in the town of Zegama at 296m runners climb to Otzaurte at 652m. From here, following paths and mountain tracks with stunning natural beauty, participants are confronted with forest; rocky slopes, technical ridges and high grazing pasture land. It’s a tough and technical course. A capped field of 450 must cover the terrain within the eight hour cut off.

The Race

It is the race that many want to do… like London Marathon or an Ironman event; the race has far more demand than places available. The 2013 allocation of 450 participants saw over sixteen countries represented.

After several years of very wet and cold weather, a race day with good conditions could see the long-standing records of 3:54:18 by Rob Jebb in 2005 and 4:38:19 by two-time world champion, Emanuela Brizio set in 2009 challenged.

However, snow and rain in the days before race day ruled out ‘good conditions’ underfoot. As it happened, race day was a glorious, warm and sunny day. Maybe even a little too hot for some. As 450 eager participants departed from the start line, the early morning mist lifted and what lay ahead was a stunning day of mountain racing by the best in the world.

Kilian Jornet and Luis Alberto Hernando had placed one and two respectively at Transvulcania La Palma just two weeks earlier. Emelie Forsberg and Nuria Picas also had the same result on the island of La Palma, would we see a repeat in the Aizkorri nature reserve?

Last minute entrant, Marco De Gasperi dictated the early pace in the men’s race with Kilian Jornet and South African, AJ Calitz close on his heels. Marco, a world champion in his own right had been injured in the build up to Zegama and although he started the race, his long-term plan was always to pull out at halfway.

On the climb to Otzaurte Kilian and Marco had dropped AJ and pushed the pace. Hands on knees, bent double; they pushed from left leg to right leg at a relentless pace while all behind suffered. Pre race favorite, Luis Alberto Hernando running with ‘poles’ was minutes back.

Stevie Kremer from the US (now living in Italy) pushed hard in the early stages of the ladies race. She is the current long course world mountain running champion and although new to Skyrunning, she was not letting this daunt her. Stevie said post race, “I am new to Skyrunning and although I love to climb I was worried by the technical aspects of the descents, in particular the last descent which dropped from 1551m to the finish line. I wanted a time buffer!”

Behind Emelie Forsberg followed patiently. She looked calm, relaxed and focused. A surprise came from Nuria Picas. Nuria had placed second in 2012 at Zegama and was now lying in seventh place minutes behind the front of the race.

US runner, Dave James who is a USATF 100m champion had his first experience of a Sky Marathon, post race said, “The ridgeline I crawled over would make a great place for a trail if they would move some of those jagged rocks out of the way he laughed. Welcome to Skyrunning in Europe; an entirely different “sport” that combines the ascent and descents of the mountain in its purest form! Poles, hands on quads, people descending on their butts, knee-deep mud and power hiking! Was I at a mountain trek or a running event? Or was it a perfect mix of the two? The most historic off road race in the Basque Country, Zegama has it all, and for me is the toughest marathon in the world!”

As Marco dropped from the race, Kilian was left alone. He was running within himself. Enjoying the views, the blue skies, the incredible support.

“I drifted away a little,” said Kilian, “I was enjoying a wonderful day in the mountains and then suddenly I heard deep breathing. As I looked around I saw Luis Alberto Hernando, he had caught up with me along the ridgeline, and he was focused. I suddenly realized I had a race on my hands”.

Kilian was correct. Luis Alberto had the bit between his teeth and he was pushing harder than ever before… he wanted to move up from second and top the podium. If Kilian was going to win this race, he was going to have to earn it. From the final summit at Aitxuri the two dropped some 1300m on technical, twisty, muddy and very slippery terrain. Pushing each other to the limit they would alternate the lead. This race could come down to who makes a mistake!

With just a couple of kilometers to go, trail turned to road and Kilian made his move. He opened a small gap over Luis Alberto and at the line he had a handful of seconds to spare. It was an incredible finish and one that was reflected on the faces of both. Bent double, hands on knees they gulped for air. Each a spent force! They had raced hard and the best man had won

Behind, Tadie Pivk from Italy flew around the final bend, arms outstretched. He had made the podium.

The ladies race also reflected the excitement of the men’s race. Early leader Stevie Kremer was caught and passed by Transvulcania La Palma winner, Emelie Forsberg. Emelie was in her element, she just loves the mountains and you can see it reflected in her smile. Stevie was joined by teammate, Silvia Serafini and the two pursued as fast as they could.

Behind, Nuria Picas was having a stunning race, she moved up from eighth on the first climb to now catch Silvia and Stevie and go past them. As Stevie had predicted it was all going to come down to that final descent! Pushing the pace Silvia twisted an ankle and although not out of the race it hampered her ability to chase.

Emelie ultimately was a comfortable winner of the race. Nuria in the final meters of the finishing straight waved to the crowd and high fived… suddenly Stevie appeared! She had made up time on that final drop from the summit. Had Nuria been facing the wrong way, she may very well have lost second place. Nuria turned and ran for the line. It was close, so close that only three seconds separated Stevie and Nuria in the final results.

Zegama is without doubt a highlight of the mountain running racing calendar. The course and the crowd support are like a stage of the Tour de France. Although weather conditions were perfect for race day, underfoot was less than perfect. Despite this, Kilian missed the course record of 3:54:18 by only twenty seconds. The ladies record of 4:38:19 was very safe with almost 10 minutes to spare.

Race results

Men

1. Kilian Jornet (Salomon Santiveri) – 3h54’38”

2. Luis Alberto Hernando (Adidas) – 3h54’50”

3. Tadei Pivk (Crazy Idea) – 3h58’07”

Women

1. Emelie Forsberg (Salomon) – 4h48’12”

2. Nuria Picas (FEEC) – 4h49’55”

3. Stevie Kremer (Salomon Agisko) – 4h49’58”

Technical details:

DATE: 26th of May, 2013
START AND FINISH: Zegama ( Guipúzcoa ) –09:00 Start.
TOTAL LENGTH: 42.195 km.
CONTROL POINTS: 14
REFRESHMENT POINTS: 13
FLYING SPRINT: Aizkorri ( 22.58 km )
ACCUMULATED HEIGHT GAIN: 5.472 metres
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 1.551m Aitxurri
MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 296m Zegama.
TECHNICAL PERCENTAGE OF COURSE: 70% approx.
CLIMATE: Medium mountain, possibilities of intense heat, strong winds, fog or rain.
TIME LIMIT: 8 Hours
DIFFICULTY: Very high.
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 450

Kilian Jornet – An Interview

Posted on August 1, 2013 by talkultra

As another day draws to an end and the sun creeps behind the mountains, I catch up with Kilian Jornet outside his hotel on the outskirts of Canazei in the Dolomites. Looking fresh and relaxed he is on his iPhone, no doubt tweeting and replying to many of the messages he will have received congratulating him on another stunning win in the ISF Skyrunning Dolomites Skyrace. Just forty-eight hours earlier he had also won the Dolomites Vertical Kilometer.

Kilian needs no introduction. He is without doubt the leading example of everything that is great about our sport, not only on the trails, but also off them. He is the superstar of the sport. Always in the limelight, always in demand, I have been fortunate to see both sides in close quarters for some time now. It’s not just racing! Kilian has so many demands placed upon him, that it is miraculous that he can perform at the consistently high level that he does.

After our chat he must prepare for a long drive to Switzerland the following day for a four-hour meeting. Returning the same day to Canazei he will then leave for Verona, attend a meeting and then depart for the ISF Skyrunning Trans D’Havet ultra, he will attend three stores to do signings, photos and maybe go for a run. It is a hectic, full on, non-stop life. Despite all this, despite all the pressures placed upon him, I have never witnessed him say no to a photograph or an autograph. His dedication to the sport, his fans and al those around him is remarkable, so, when I ask to take up some of his valuable time for a chat it is always with a sense of guilt… I, just like you, want to hear what he has to say; I want his thoughts and his input. But at the same time, I also want to leave him, let him relax and just find some downtime away from the buzz that his ability as a runner attracts.

So, when I chat, although I would love that full hour with him so that I can go deep, ask about his life, talk through his progression I don’t. I set myself a fifteen-minute deadline, conscious of the fact that when I ask in the future, I hope, Kilian will always say yes!

Racing at the Dolomites Skyrace just hours before he had a close race; just three seconds…. Not many people can push Kilian to the line like that!

IC – Another great win Kilian and this time you had a real battle on your hands with your old adversary, Marco De Gasperi. You won by just three seconds, an incredible race!

KJ – Yes, a hard and incredible race. It’s always great to race Marco and today was very hard. During the race it’s hard and then it is beautiful afterwards. This is how we like it.

IC- Many people think that when they see a start list with your name on it, that you are automatically going to win. However, when we see Marco’s name, it’s great because we know he will push you along… Luis Alberto Hernando can do this too. Do you relish the opportunity to race these people so that you are pushed?

KJ – I think people think I am going to win but in my mind it is not like that. When I see Marco or Luis is in a race I think, this is going to be super hard. For sure, it is motivating. I relish competition. For the last three weeks I have done many races, for example the VK I have just done and the Skyrace when competition is tough that is what I like. I knew here at the Skyrace it would be tough against Marco. He likes short distances and I knew that he would go hard from the start. I needed to push myself. It may be easy from the outside to look in and think I am going to win but it is much harder than this.

IC – I agree, we all know your ability. Your skill in the mountains and your skill as a runner are without question. It is unfair to assume that you can race Ice Trail, the VK, The Skyrace and then go to Trans D’Havet and for us all to assume that you will win… when you approach a race like the Dolomites Skyrace and particularly this year with lots of snow, you must think that plays to your advantages, is that correct?

KJ – I know this race. I know the route quite well. I have raced here twice before. The snow wasn’t great for racing this year. It was soft, so not ideal to race fast. The snow wasn’t an advantage this year, however, it was more of an advantage to know the route. When I started with Marco I pushed on the uphill, at the top I had 20 seconds so I thought, we will do the downhill together. The downhill you need the correct line, so it was important to get the best line and if you are in front or if you have someone in front it is easy to follow, so, it would have been impossible to drop Marco. I was sure we would finish together. For me, I thought Marco would be stronger uphill. I thought he would start fast. But when I was with him uphill, I knew it would be a race to the line.

IC – Now Emelie Forsberg keeps tweeting about sprint sessions and interval work. The last time I spoke to her, she told me that she was going to make you do some speed work! After that VK finish when you sprinted from third place to take the win and then in the Skyrace finish you won by three seconds, does that mean you are not telling us something?

(Laughs)

KJ – I am improving in my sprint for sure. I am not a sprinter, in SkiMo I am a bad sprinter, but yes, I always have a little speed for the last meters. It is something I never train so I need to work on this, it’s good for me to train and work on this. Sometimes when you follow someone it’s better… last week we tried to catch Chamois, it was impossible but good for sprint training.

IC – Well it has worked! I mentioned the VK. The VK here is a tough course, very steep. I actually went up myself, boy it was tough and steep. Watching you three race up, I am guessing you placed yourself in third so that you could surprise the others. Did you have a race plan to use this tactic?

KJ – It’s a very particular VK, I have raced here three times before and I never felt good. So I was a little afraid, not afraid, I mean not confident. For all three races, (VK, Sky and Ultra) the VK is the race I was less confident about. It is a specialist race and it suited runners like Urban Zemmer. I was thinking before the start that I needed to relax and then when I saw that I was in good shape I tried to follow Urban, he is the best at this discipline. I was following and in the steep parts he was super strong, it was really difficult to be in touch with him. When it was less steep I could run and I felt better. It was okay. I needed to make sure I didn’t loose time or contact. When I saw the finish, I thought it was perfect for the sprint.

IC – It was an impressive sprint. I watched a clip on YouTube, you put your poles together, you went down the outside and then that final 50m is a wall. You have to grit your teeth and get up as quick as possible. Now one thing that many were interested in, is the fact that you used poles. Not something that you use a lot, the VK here is so steep that it would be foolish not to use them. What advantages do they bring?

KJ- I don’t use poles often for running but in SkiMo I use them everyday! I am extremely used to them. For years I used them everyday for 6-7 months. It is a particular exercise that you need to work on. On a VK like this it is like having four legs because you have the arms and upper body and you can really push. So when it is really steep it makes a big difference.

IC – Canazei is over and in 5-6 days you will race at Trans D’Havet*, it is the third event in the European Skyrunning Championships, you will be up against Luis Alberto Hernando, he will be arriving at that race fresh. You have lots of racing in your body, how do you think this race will be go?

KJ – It will be a great fight, I haven’t seen the list of other racers but I am sure it will be quality. I am in good shape. I am strong. Mont Blanc Marathon a few weeks ago was a fast race, Ice Trail Tarentaise was like a long training session and then the two races here makes it hard but I am good. I hope I can keep this shape for one week and then I will rest. Yes, it will be hard, Luis is strong this season and of course he hasn’t raced recently, he is focused on Trans D’Havet it is going to be hard but the hardest part of the race is the 0100am start… that is horrible.

(Laughter)

*Kilian and Luis Alberto raced head-to-head at Trans D’Havet and both crossed the line together in what will be seen as a defining moment of the sport, read my race report HERE

IC – You flippantly talk about races such as Mont Blanc and Ice Trail. Particularly Ice Trail, you said it was easy but everybody else thought it was super tough… you are here now for the VK and Sky but you have missed your Chamonix-Mont Blanc-Chamonix record… super impressive! A fantastic achievement, many look and find it difficult to comprehend how someone under human power can do something like this. What is it in the Summits project that has illuminated the fire within you to push to new depths?

KJ – Summits it is about pushing in the mountains. It is about being light. It is more than records, a record is nice but it is about being light and moving fast. How light can I be in the mountains? If you are light you need to be fast to be safe. Mont Blanc took a lot of time. We had too much snow early season, I attempted ‘CMBC’ after Mont Blanc Marathon but it wasn’t the correct time. The snow wasn’t correct. The week before my attempt I was in the mountains everyday to form an opinion on when was the best time and when the best day would be. It was all about timing. It is not like a race. Here you need to be in the mountains, to understand. Every mountain is different; you need to understand how it works how it breathes. I had perfect conditions for my attempt and the perfect day. I was with Mateo Jacquemoud for all the uphill and most of the downhill so it was just pushing, pushing each other. (Note – Mateo fell on the downhill and insisted that Kilian carry on)

IC – You mentioned a couple of great points. The one I concentrate on most is the need of understanding the mountain. It is very easy for people to follow Talk Ultra, websites or blogs and look at what you do and think, Chamonix-Mont Blanc-Chamonix, I can do that! But it is a real risk, a real understanding of the mountain is required, you make it look easy, I know that it is not. Do you feel you have a responsibility to those who follow you?

KJ – I saw Alex Honnold do soloing in Yosemite, I saw Ueli Steck doing the north face of the Eiger, and it is not because of this that I would do an attempt. It is inspiring but it is important not to follow. We can all have our goals, our own summits, but of course when we do these things, we have a responsibility. Chamonix is accessible, many people climb every year, and I am not dangerous but every year people die. That is because of rock falls, avalanches etc… you need to know the mountain, you need to know yourself and you need to know your limits. We take risks when we go, of course, but we accept those risks based on our ability.

IC – It is about your personal summits and about you understanding what risks you can take, about how light, how fast you can go?

KJ – Yes, it is about knowing each persons capacity and knowing the conditions, the mountain conditions change daily. Maybe one day you have the capacity and conditions but the next day it changes. I know people who climb a mountain and then they say it was easy… It is not like that! Today they climbed but another day maybe more wet, cold, snowing and everything changes; it is no longer the same mountain. Nobody is stronger than the mountain. You need to understand that, you need to take time, spend time in the mountains and understand them.

IC – The Matterhorn will be your next summit?

KJ – After Trans D’Havet I will take a break. I plan to stay more than one month without a race to recover and then prepare for the Matterhorn. It is a technical mountain. Bruno Brunod has a record of 3:14. It is a technical route that is not difficult BUT if I fall, I will die! I need to know the route very well, I need to spend time on the mountain, and I need to learn every step.

IC – And the process? Will it be going on the mountain everyday, working routes and understanding how the mountain adapts to the weather?

KJ – Yes I will be in Cervinia (Italian side of the Matterhorn) with my van and I will stay for at least a month. I know many guides in the area and I also know that it has too much snow at the moment but during this time I will go up and down, up and down etc… I need to know everything. I think Bruno climbed thirty times before the record attempt; so, I need to go up 10-15 times at least.

IC – And your attempt, will that come before or after the ISF Skyrunning Matterhorn Ultraks?

KJ – It depends on the weather? I planned Mont Blanc for May but snow made it impossible… I actually did it in June! I have planned the Matterhorn for late August or early September, however, the mountain will decide.