A top class field is entered for the third of seven 2008 WMRA Grand Prix races.

It takes place in Merano, Italy, on Sunday 15th June. Men race over 14km ascending 1700m and women have a shorter 10km course ascending 1400m. Both courses are at the longer end of the Grand Prix races. It takes place in Merano, Italy, on Sunday 15th June. Men race over 14km ascending 1700m and women have a shorter 10km course ascending 1400m. Both courses are at the longer end of the Grand Prix races.

Marco Gaiardo (ITA) will be hoping to inflict a first Grand Prix victory over Jonathan Wyatt (NZL) by repeating his record breaking run last year on this course when Jonathan suffered a rare defeat. The high-class field includes Roman Skalsky (CZ) and Gerd Frick (ITA), who were among the top finishers last year.

Marco Gaiardo

Anna Pichrtova is absent (in the USA) but the womens course record holder, and last year winner, Antonella Confortola (ITA) will still have a difficult time holding off challengers Victoria Wilkinson (GBR), present GP leader, and Renate Rungger (ITA). The latter runs few mountain races but showed her quality last year when winning the Schlickeralm GP race.

This event is a level one race so attracts maximum Grand Prix points.

Danny Hughes

Antonella Confortola