The North Face Ultra Tour du Mont Blanc
Tough Conditions at the UTMB
04.09.2009
From the first to the last athlete, all of them had to face up to tricky mountain weather conditions during this edition. "But that's why one does this trail" commented Kilian Jornet, the winner of the 2009 UTMB. "To take on nature and its unpredictability, to be in communion with this mountain that one loves."
The whims of the weather complicated everyone's task. Because of this, Monica Aquilera, 3rd woman, lost 40 minutes on the Le Bonhomme pass, trying to find her way in a thick fog, then belting along to attempt to catch up on lost time, really taxing herself on those final 50 particularly painful kilometres.
Even misfortune frowned on the title holder, Lizzy Hawker, who lost her way several times in the thick fog patches, before finding her way again, but leaving the American Kristin Moehl heading for victory. Six years after her first UTMB title, Krissy admitted "having realised one of the best races in my career". With 10 Ultras already under her belt this year Krissy arrived in good form. "In 6 years, the UTMB has really developed. It's now an enormous race, completely different from the first edition. Having Lizzy just behind me, helped me to keep concentrated on my route and on my feelings," the American explained.
The Japanese Kaburaki, 3rd in the men's race also lost his way in the fog. Disoriented towards Courmayeur, he lost 20 minutes. "But the Japanese never give up," he remarked, smiling. His travels also enabled him to get to know Seb Chaigneau, from now on Tsuyoshi's "new friend". "We found ourselves together on the La Seigne pass, trying to not to lose our way. And right up until the finish, we never left each other," joked Sébastien, who had the pressure of the Japanese athlete on his heels all the way to Chamonix.
Kilian Jornet, despite appearances, also met with a tougher race than last year. "It may not be obvious, but I had to struggle from start to finish. You must not believe that it was a calm jog through nature", said the Catalan after his win. "This began from the start, I was being threatened by Sherpa, Delebarre, and a small group of 5 racers, notably Jurek, Chorier, etc... I have always been obliged to give my all. And the freezing weather at the Grand Co Ferret really complicated things. You had to be vigilant and attentive over your hydration and your food in these difficult conditions."
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