An added race, an extra victory for Roberto Delorenzi, racing also in tomorrow’s SkyMarathon. © Damiano Benedetto Photo
With swirling mist, cold temperatures and knee-deep snow, the AMA VK2 double Vertical Kilometer® took off as scheduled today with victory going to Switzerland’s Roberto Delorenzi and Dimitra Theocharis from Greece.
The 9 km uphill only course with 2,000m vertical climb to an altitude of 3,200m proved extra challenging due to the conditions, but Delorenzi closed just two minutes over last year’s time by Italian Marcello Ugazio, in 1h43’17”. DeLorenzi, 2022 Skyrunning World Champion and Skyrunner® World Series ranking leader, took advantage of the postponement of the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon tomorrow to take on both.
“I’m really very happy for this victory as I didn’t expect to participate in this race. I started strong and controlled Thedy in the final part. The snow was very soft and difficult to run on, so I decided not give it everything and keep some strength in my legs for tomorrow!” Delorenzi commented.
Christof Hochenwarter from Austria, third in the AMAVK2. © Damiano Benedetto Photo
Despite the severe conditions, in the sky and on the ground, 140 athletes lined up, pushing their performance levels to the limit. Second man was Italian Daniel Thedy and Austrian Christof Hochenwarter in third after a tough battle with local runner Mattia Bertoncini.
Theocharis closed an excellent 2h02’03”, finishing sixth overall followed by Italian Corinna Ghirardi and French woman Iris Pessey on her fifth participation here.
“I had a hard time on this soft snow, but I gave it all I had. This race brought back memories of my skimo past,” said Theocharis. “The last time I was on Monte Rosa was for Trofeo Mezzalama and it feels so nice to be back, almost like opening the memory drawer! I’m considering also doing the SkyMarathon tomorrow, but I’ll have to find a partner!”
Italy’s Corinna Ghirardi on her way to second place. © Damiano Benedetto Photo
Tough conditions, strong performances, the standing records remain unscathed: 1h32’13” by Italian Damiano Lenzi and 1h58’57” by Amerian Hillary Gerardi.
The Monte Rosa Vertical, introduced last year, is a classic Vertical Kilometer® five kilometers long with a 1,150m vertical climb, will take place tomorrow, Sunday, June 16 in the shadow of the main event. With the weather window opening on a promising forecast, the postponed Monte Rosa SkyMarathon will kick off at dawn with 400 runners at the start line, ready for another adventure.
The events are supported by Monterosa 2000, MICO, Guidi, SCARPA, WeRoad, Nortec, La Piemontina, and Institutional Partners: Piedmont Region, Vercelli Province, the Alagna Valsesia and Gressoney la Trinité Councils and Consorzio Turistico Walser Monte Rosa Valsesia.
Women’s podium with Dimitra Theocharis first, Corinna Ghirardi second, Iris Pessey third. © Damiano Benedetto Photo
AMA VK2 race results
Men
1. Roberto Delorenzi (SUI) 1h43’17”
2. Daniel Thedy (ITA) 1h43’28”
3. Christof Hochenwarter (AUT) 1h47’43”
4. Mattia Bertoncini (ITA) 1h48’02”
5. Marcello Ugazio (ITA) 1h56’41”
Women
1. Dimitra Theocharis (GRE) 2h02’03”
2. Corinna Ghirardi) (ITA) 2h08’17”
3. Iris Pessey (FRA) 2h17’30”
4. Sabrina Bendotti (ITA) 2h22’20”
5. Susanna Serafini (ITA ) 2h24’49”