GORE-TEX Footwear Transalpine Race
Struggling On
Fredrik Ölmqvist (Salomon Trail Runners) / 05.09.2006
37.11 km/ positive elevation 2364m
It was tough day with two big climbs (2690m & 2636m) and the winning time was
an impressive 04:13:50h from team Triathlon Trention, as usual. They are really dominating the race.
After yesterdays push we felt today a little bit weaker and the stage started with a climb. We were doing fine until the first checkpoint. We got there as the first mixed team, but after that we were getting slower, slower and slower … Stefani had a problem with her calf - an injury from last year which had recurred under the pressures of this unrelenting race.
The day was beautiful with fantastic views, but the trail was really, really difficult. We were scrambling and climbing on technical trails most of the day. Half way through we were in the middle of the field and time went so slowly.
After four and a half hours we reached the valley between two mountain passes and felt we were no longer racing, it was all about finishing the stage. After six hours we were getting close to the finish in Ischgl and Stefani and I discussed our position. It was clear that the problem with her calf was more serious than expected.
SleepMonsters
