Ioana Madalina Amairei wins the XXX Giir di Mont (© Marco Gulberti)
Kenya’s Michael Saoli held off a late charge from Italy’s Daniel Pattis to win the men’s race at the XXX Giir di Mont, while Romania’s Ioana Madalina Amairei dominated the women’s event in the latest Gold level race in the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup in Premana on Sunday (28).
With temperatures soaring from 22C at 7:45am in the Piazza della Chiesa to over 28C at the finish line, athletes faced tough conditions on the challenging and scenic route.
The race kicks off with the first of three climbs after crossing the Varrone stream, reaching Alpe Chiarino at 1558 metres after 5km. Following a brief section to Alpe Vegessa and the first checkpoint, the course ascends an old military road for 4km, leading to the steepest climb up to Bocchetta di Larecc at 2063 metres. Runners then tackle a challenging descent to Alpe Fraina, followed by gentler slopes to Alpe Caprecolo and Alpe Rasga, where the final and longest climb begins.
In the men's race, Saoli seized the lead from the outset, maintaining his position at the front of the pack. In the final kilometre, Pattis produced a dramatic challenge and nearly closed the gap, but Saoli held on to victory by just seven seconds.
Spain’s Antonio Martínez showcased remarkable skills on the descents to move from fifth to third in the closing stages. He gained about five minutes on the leaders by the time he arrived to Premana.
In the women's race, Amairei dominated from the start, methodically securing her title with strong performances on every climb and descent. Despite a valiant effort by Ikram Rhasarlla, who was in pursuit throughout the race, Amairei's lead at Brochetta di Larec – the highest point of the race with 2063m – was sufficient to secure victory.
Sarah Willhoit fought from behind and eventually finished third. Martina Cumerlato and Elisa Pressa completed the top five.
Hector Rubio (WMRA) for World Athletics
Leading results
Women
1 Ioana Madalina Amairei (ROU) 4:09:20
2 Ikram Rhasarlla (ESP) 4:14:03
3 Sara Willhoit GBR 4:19:57
4 Martina Curmelato (ITA) 4:24:02
5 Elisa Presa (ITA) 4:37:49
Men
1 Michael Saoli (KEN) 3:21:02
2 Daniel Pattis (ITA) 3:21:09
3 Antonio Martínez (ESP) 3:21:30
4 Luca del Pero (ITA) 3:24:19
5 Robert Kuenzle (USA) 3:25:17
