PREMANA PREPARES FOR A THRILLING WORLD CUP SHOWDOWN AT GIIR DI MONT
After the excitement of last weekend’s World Cup races in Briançon, France, there’s no let-up for the competition as we head straight into stages 11 and 12 at Giir di Mont. Held in Premana, Italy, in the heart of the Lombard Alps, we will see runners take on an uphill race on Saturday 26th and a long mountain race on Sunday 27th.
Giir di Mont is a race with an incredible history. Having started in the 1960s as a bet, then resurrected temporarily in the 1980s, then permanently in 1999, this year it celebrates its 31st edition. A love of mountain running runs deep in this place, and the community is the beating heart of this event. Premana itself dates back to Roman times and you can see its ancient history reflected in the landscapes of centuries-old woodland and breathtaking peaks all around. The centre still boasts cobbled streets, and the more recent history of iron and steel working is evident in the local culture.
Premana is a renowned hub for hiking, mountain biking and climbing, as well as running, and has an incredible network of trails. The trail that links the 12 alpine pastures of the area provides the route for the long race, making it a true journey through the history of the region.
THE COURSE
The racing gets underway on Saturday 26th with Giir di Mont Uphill, an 8km, 1,050m+ test starting at the valley floor in Giabbio and finishing at Alpe Solino. It will serve as the Italian Uphill only Mountain Running Championship.
First reaching Premana, the runners then climb through beautiful woods and pastures, before hitting more variable terrain with some steep slopes. After passing a small group of huts the runners will reach the summit of Alpe Premanaga (1400m) and the final 2k is up and down to Alpe Solino (1618m).
On Sunday 27th it’s time for the 32k race. Starting from the centre of the village in Piazza della Chiesa, the route initially descends along an ancient mule track, before the first of the three climbs begins. Once reaching the first summit of Alpe Chiarino (1558m) a technical trail leads to Alpe Barconcelli Hut, before descending for 2k.
The second, hardest, climb is approached via an old military road and the runners will ascend 800m over just 3km to reach Bocchetta di Larecc (2063m). Then they will tackle a technical descent, another ascent and a descent back to the military road. The last and longest climb now begins, up to Alpe Solino, before some short and more runnable ups and downs lead to Alpe Deleguaggio (1690m). From here it’s one last technical descent back to Premana.
THE FAVOURITES
An incredible line-up of international athletes will be heading to Premana this weekend, including the top three women and top three men in the World Cup competition. With the depth of fields in both races we will be sure to see some incredible racing.
Scout Adkin (HOKA EU) leads the women’s rankings and she will take part in the uphill race. Currently second, Valentine Jepkoech Rutto (Pegarun) will contest both races, and Joyce Muthoni Njeru (Nnormal), third, will just do the uphill race.
Add to that the tantalising prospect of seeing Andrea Mayr, Gloria Chebet (Run2gether), Susanna Saapunki (New Balance) and Philaries Jeruto Kisang (Run2gether) in action in the uphill, plus Camilla Magliano (Altra) and Elisa Desco (Scarpa) in the long race, and the women’s races should deliver some excitement.
For the men the World Cup leader Paul Machoka (Pegarun) takes on both races, as does the third placed Michael Selelo Saoli (Run2gether), whereas second placed Philemon Ombogo Kiriago (Run2gether) just contests the uphill race.
In Saturday’s uphill race they will face stiff competition from Josphat Kiprotich (Run2gether), Jacob Adkin (New Balance) whose season started with a bang last weekend with a third place in the uphill race, Kevin Kibet (Pegarun) and man of the moment Lukas Ehrle (ASICS). In Sunday’s long race Ephantus Mwangi Njeri (Run2gether), Davide Magnini (New Balance) and Stian Angermund could well challenge.
Giir di Mont has it all – epic backdrops, rich history and culture and a stunning line-up of athletes. You can follow all the action via our social media channels and find out more about the race on their website.