
COMPRESSPORT® athletes had ‘storming’ runs at the Lantau 2 Peaks, Hong Kong, Sunday, the 4th race in the 2015 Skyrunner® World Series and the penultimate race before the season’s final in Italy in just two week’s time.
Spaniard Manuel Merillas headed up the world-class five-runner COMPRESSPORT® team in a field of 1,000 runners and for the duration of the day he was trading blows at the front of the race looking for a podium place on the 23 km course with a tough 3,975m ascent and descent.

As a force 3 cyclone hit the race generating torrential rain and gale force winds, Merillas equally created a storm of his with his feet as he pursued eventual race winner Rémi Bonnet. Decisive moments of the race came on the climb to Lantau Peak and more importantly on the descent. The 1,000m drop was slick, challenging and required 100% concentration. Merillas pulled it off and secured an incredible 2nd place amongst a world-class field.
“I gained 2nd place so I continued my struggle for the top of the 2015 Skyrunner® World Series, one race to go so maximum voltage for the last race…!”

Tadei Pivk from Italy, current Skyrunner® World Series leader ran most of the race exchanging 5th position with COMPRESSPORT® teammate, Marco De Gasperi. However, it was on the final drop to the line that Pivk used his incredible descending ability as shown at Zegama-Aizkorri and the Dolomites SkyRace to reel in Aritz Egea and take the final podium slot.
De Gasperi although placing in the top ten (7th), post race said that it just wasn’t a great day for him. His disappointment was clear but he had a very philosophical attitude and thanked everyone for a great experience.
“Extreme conditions for the Lantau 2 Peaks today. I tried to manage until the end of one of the worst days in my career to take home a 7th place.”

In the ladies’ race, reigning Skyrunning World Champion, Italy’s Elisa Desco placed 4th and found the cyclone conditions more than a challenge:
“A real adventure, so many difficulties and fear! After the start I soon realized that my main objective was to reach the finish safe. Many congratulations to the other ladies.”
Finally, Spaniard Azara Garcia, winner at Zegama, has had recently had injury issues and was more than pleased with her 9th place result.
“I am more than happy, today I have taken a big step to enjoy and return to what I love best!”

Attention now turns to the Limone Extreme on Italy’s Lake Garda on October 17 and the final race of the 2015 Skyrunner® World Series where COMPRESSPORT® will be present with their team and their products. It’s all to fight for and without doubt, we can expect a battle for Merillas, Pivk, De Gasperi and Desco for the Champion titles in the World Series ranking.
Race results
Skyrunner® World Series ranking
COMPRESSPORT®
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