A triumphant win for an extraordinary Marco De Gasperi who finished 6’02” ahead of Portugal’s Cesar Costa at Sunday's Course de Sierre-Zinal. Columbian David Jose Cardona was third.

Aline Camboulive from France (second last year) lead the race, often neck-and-neck with America’s Stevie Kremer in her first skyrunning race. Switzerland's Maude Mathys was third.  A surprise last-minute entry included British Ultra runner Lizzy Hawker who, after some serious recent racing, ran an excellent race to finish 9^th.

De Gasperi’s time fell short by 1’18” over last year’s winning time but confirmed his prowess in this race with a huge 6-minute gap over his competitors.   At the end of the summit he saw Cardona struggling on the descent and powered to the finish.  Raymond Fontaine from France and Spain’s Tofol Castanyer were fourth and fifth respectively.

Many of the favourites, both in the men’s and women’s categories were feeling the strain from an intensive World Series’ season which confirms Spain’s Luis Hernando leading the ranking, followed by Kilian Jornet, Tofol Castanyer and Britain’s Tom Owens, fourth.

The women’s ranking now has Spain’s Blanca Maria Serrano leading, followed by Emelie Forsberg from Sweden and rising star Silvia Serafini from Italy who climbs to third position after her brilliant run today finishing 5^th.

1,145 runners participated in the 39^th Course de Sierre Zinal, an all-time favourite among runners from across the world.   Look out for their 40^th anniversary next year which looks set for some very special celebrations – to be announced soon.

Stay with us for next week’s Pikes Peak Marathon in Colorado with top skyrunning stars Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg…aiming for record times.

See www.datasport.com for full results.

Skyrunner® World Series ranking

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