Martin Anthamatten, winner for the second year in a row. ©Daniele Molineris / Red Bull Content Pool
At the world’s only triple VK in Italy’s Susa valley yesterday, the victory was all-Swiss with real-life couple Martin Anthamatten and Victoria Kreuzer taking the win. The race was the eighth stage of the Vertical Kilometer® World Circuit which counts 12 races in seven countries.
With an intimidating 3,030m vertical climb, the Red Bull K3 starts in the town of Susa in Piedmont and climbs to the summit of Monte Rocciamelone at 3,538m altitude. Close on 450 runners took part in the challenge.
Anthamatten, who broke the two-hour wall here last year setting the standing 1h58’53” record, closed in 2h06’13”. Slovenian Luka Kovacic took second a good 5’ off with Frenchman Xavier Gachet 8” behind him, closing the men’s podium.
Victoria Kreuzer, Red Bull K3 female winner. ©Daniele Molineris / Red Bull Content Pool
“I found my pace from the beginning and kept it. This is my race, so I used the knowledge of the course to my advantage,” Anthamatten commented. “I didn’t break the record this time, it’s still mine, so I can be happy until next year!”
Victoria Kreuzer was the first woman to summit. She climbed the demanding ascent in 2h24’03”, 1’25” short of Spaniard Laura Orgué’s 2014 record.
Kreuzer started slowly, pacing herself. On reaching leader Axelle Mollaret, they ran together until the last 500m climb where Kreuzer pushed hard to gain an incredible 9’ advantage over Mollaret. Third woman was last year’s winner Camilla Magliano.
Camilla Magliano, winner last year had to settle for 3rd. ©Daniele Molineris / Red Bull Content Pool
“I had trouble at the beginning because the ladies started very fast! I struggled to find my rhythm and pace but as soon as I got in the zone I was able to catch Axelle [Mollaret] and on the last stretch I gave it my all and was able to conquer this amazing summit!” Kreuzer exclaimed.
The top ranking positions remain unaffected with Ferran Teixido, fourth today, now in a tie in second with Davide Magnini, both behind Pascal Egli. Kreuzer, with her second win in a row, climbs to fourth. Top three women Christel Dewalle, Jessica Pardin and Lina El Kott continue to hold their positions.
Martin Anthamatten e Victoria Kreuzer happy winners. ©Daniele Molineris / Red Bull Content Pool
The Vertical Kilometer® World Circuit now heads for Norway for the Blåmann VK on August 4, the only VK in Artic Circle.
Red Bull K3 results
Men
- Martin Anthamatten – SUI – 2h06’13”
- Luka Kovacic – SLO – 2h12’01”
- Xavier Gachet – FRA – 2h12’09”
- Ferran Teixido – AND – 2h12’45”
- Andreas Steindl – SUI – 2h12’55”
Women
- Victoria Kreuzer – SUI – 2h24’06”
- Axelle Mollaret – FRA – 2h32’42”
- Camilla Magliano – ITA – 2h38’46”
- Chiara Giovando – ITA – 2h40’37”
- Marianna Jagercikova – SVK – 2h41’10”
