La prima neve di stagione accompagna la prima giornata dei campionati mondiali master a Canfranc
In una straordinaria dimostrazione di resistenza e forza d’animo, i Campionati mondiali di corsa in montagna master Canfranc 2024 in Spagna sono iniziati con la gara in salita in condizioni meteorologiche estreme.
Durante la notte, la prima neve della stagione ha ricoperto gli altopiani, creando un paesaggio invernale che ha accolto gli atleti con temperature di 3 °C alla linea di partenza, che sono scese a circa zero in cima. Il vento gelido di -10 °C ha reso la gara una sfida estenuante anche per i concorrenti più duri.
Nonostante queste condizioni difficili, gli atleti hanno dimostrato una competitività e una determinazione eccezionali. L’italiana Camilla Magliano ha offerto una prestazione eccezionale, aggiudicandosi la vittoria nella gara femminile, mentre la belga Charlotte Cotton ha continuato il suo dominio assicurandosi il suo terzo titolo consecutivo nella categoria W40, nella gara in salita.
IL PERCORSO
La gara è iniziata alla periferia di Canfranc, con un tratto di asfalto di 500 metri che ha rapidamente incanalato gli atleti nel cuore della foresta. Il terreno impegnativo ha subito messo alla prova la resistenza dei corridori, mentre salivano verso le montagne.
Al chilometro 3, gli atleti hanno raggiunto la prima stazione di soccorso, dove il tempo, che prima era stato nevoso e freddo, ha iniziato a schiarire. Sia i corridori che gli spettatori hanno potuto ammirare viste mozzafiato sui Pirenei spagnoli, le cui maestose vette erano finalmente visibili quando le nuvole si sono diradate.
Mentre gli atleti continuavano la loro ascesa, il percorso si snodava attraverso sentieri boschivi e terreni accidentati, conducendo infine alla cima di La Raca presso la stazione sciistica di Astún, a un’altitudine di 2300 metri. Questa salita finale, attraverso sentieri innevati e con venti pungenti, è stata una vera prova di resistenza e forza mentale, rendendo ogni arrivo ancora più impressionante.
GARA MASCHILE
La gara maschile ha visto un’emozionante battaglia in prima linea, con Eduar Hernández (ESP) M40 che ha conquistato la vittoria in casa. La vittoria di Hernández è stata duramente combattuta, seguito da vicino dal duo britannico Thomas Roach e Andrew Douglas, con tutti e tre che hanno concluso a un minuto di distanza l’uno dall’altro. Questa intensa battaglia per il podio è stata uno dei momenti salienti della giornata, poiché gli atleti hanno affrontato le difficili condizioni a testa alta.
Subito dietro i primi tre, Ian Conroy (IRL) ha offerto una prestazione forte per assicurarsi il quarto posto assoluto e il terzo nella categoria M40, dimostrando la profondità del talento in campo.
La gara ha anche messo in mostra la continua forza della categoria M40, con due dei primi quattro classificati ancora in gara nella Coppa del Mondo Elite WMRA, sottolineando l’alto livello della competizione in questa fascia d’età.
In a remarkable display of endurance and fortitude, the Canfranc 2024 World Masters Mountain Running Championships in Spain, commenced with the uphill race amidst extreme weather conditions.
Overnight, the first snow of the season blanketed the highlands, creating a wintry landscape that greeted athletes with temperatures of 3°C at the start line, dropping to around zero at the summit. Windchills of -10°C made the race a gruelling challenge for even the toughest competitors.
Despite these harsh conditions, the athletes demonstrated exceptional competitiveness and determination. Italy’s Camilla Magliano delivered a standout performance, clinching victory in the women’s race, while Belgium’s Charlotte Cotton continued her dominance by securing her third consecutive title in the W40 category, in the uphill race.
THE COURSE
The race began on the outskirts of Canfranc, with a 500-meter stretch of asphalt that quickly funneled athletes into the heart of the forest. The challenging terrain immediately tested the runners’ stamina, as they climbed towards the mountains.
By kilometer 3, the athletes reached the first aid station, where the weather, which had been snowy and cold earlier, began to clear. Both runners and spectators were treated to breathtaking views of the Spanish Pyrenees, whose majestic peaks were finally visible as the clouds lifted.
As the athletes continued their ascent, the course wound through forested paths and rugged terrain, eventually leading to the summit of La Raca at the Astún ski resort, standing at an altitude of 2300 meters. This final climb, through snow-covered trails and with biting winds, was a true test of endurance and mental strength, making each finish all the more impressive.
MEN’S RACE
The men’s race saw a thrilling battle at the front, with Eduar Hernández (ESP) M40 taking the victory on home soil. Hernández’s win was hard-fought, as he was closely followed by the British duo of Thomas Roach and Andrew Douglas, with all three finishing within a minute of each other. This intense battle for the podium was one of the highlights of the day, as the athletes tackled the challenging conditions head-on.
Just behind the top three, Ian Conroy (IRL) delivered a strong performance to secure fourth place overall and third in the M40 category, showing the depth of talent in the field.
The race also showcased the continued strength of the M40 category, with two of the top four finishers still competing in the Elite WMRA World Cup, underscoring the high calibre of competition in this age group.
In the M50 category, Tofol Castanyer put in an impressive run, finishing just four minutes behind the race leaders, further proving his remarkable fitness and endurance. Fernando Bojarro of Spain also had a standout performance as the first M60 athlete, highlighting the exceptional level of competition across multiple age groups.
This year’s race also featured a remarkable showing in the M75 category, with six athletes braving the course, further demonstrating the diversity and competitiveness of the field. Their participation, along with that of 10 athletes in the M/W75 categories overall, added to the inspiring atmosphere of the event.
WOMEN’S RACE
Despite these harsh conditions, all athletes demonstrated exceptional competitiveness and determination. Italy’s Camilla Magliano delivered a standout performance, clinching victory in the women’s race, while Belgium’s Charlotte Cotton continued her dominance by securing her third consecutive title in the W40 category.
The women’s race saw further remarkable performances, particularly in the W50+ category. Two athletes from this age groups finished in the top 10 overall, showcasing the incredible fitness of all competitors.
Nives Carobbio (ITA), competing in the W55 category, finished 6th overall, while Spain’s Margarita Fullana, who famously won the bronze medal in cross-country mountain biking at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, claimed 8th overall and 1st in the W50 category. Fullana’s continued prowess in endurance sports is a testament to her athletic longevity and versatility.
“This was not just about speed, but survival,” commented one participant. “The wind, snow, and cold really pushed us to our limits, but it’s what makes mountain running so unique and challenging.”
The opening day of the Championships has set a thrilling tone for the weekend, with athletes from across the globe delivering inspiring performances under extreme conditions. This year’s competition, framed by the early snowfall, promises to be remembered as one of the toughest yet in the World Masters Mountain Running history.
CLASSIFICHE COMPLETE:
Canfranc (Spagna) Campionati mondiali MASTER specialità “salita”
PROGRAM
SATURDAY 14th SEPTEMBER –
08:00 – 20:00: TIC (sports hall)
08.40: Start*, WMMRC MENS, LONGDISTANCE 34K
09.00: Start*, WMMRC WOMENS, LONGDISTANCE 34K
09.20: Start*, WMMRC OPEN, LONGDISTANCE 34K
11:00 – 13:00: Delivery of bibs, press accreditation, etc. (sports hall)
17:00 – 20:00: Delivery of bibs, press accreditations, etc. (sports centre)
17:20: Closing of Control WMMRC and OPEN 2024, LONGDISTANCE 34K
17:00: Technical Briefing CLASSIC 17K (municipal and online schools)
18:00: Awards Ceremony LONGDISTANCE 34K (Canfranc International Station)
* Opening of the Call Room 30 minutes before each departure
Saturday will feature the Long Distance race, a 34km course with a 2,000m elevation gain that demands both endurance and tactical acumen. This race is not just about speed but also about navigating the challenging landscape that makes Canfranc one of the premier destinations for mountain running.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 –
08:00 – 14:00: TIC (sports hall)
08:30: Start*, WMMRC MENS M35/M50, CLASSIC 17K
09:00: Start*, WMMRC MENS M55/M75, CLASSIC 17K
09:30: Start*, WMMRC WOMENS, CLASSIC 17K
09:45: Start*, OPEN, CLASSIC 17K
17:00: Awards Ceremony CLASSIC 17K (Canfranc International Station)
18:00: Closing Ceremony (Canfranc International Station)
* Opening of the Call Room 30 minutes before each departure
The championship concludes on Sunday with the Classic race, a 17km event that includes a 1,000m ascent. This race has long been a staple of mountain running, and its inclusion in the championship will provide a fitting finale to what promises to be an extraordinary weekend of competition.
Full program:
https://canfranc2024wmmrc.com/documents/programme.programa.canfranc.wmmrc.2024.pdf
MORE INFORMATION
https://canfranc2024wmmrc.com/
