Kilian Jornet’s (ESP) dominance at Sierre-Zinal continued on Saturday as he clinched his ninth win at the historic event, while Maude Mathys (SUI) smashed her own course record to pick up her third consecutive win at her home race.
Jornet, who’s first triumph at the course came back in 2009, finished 0:42 clear of second-placed Robbie Simpson (GBR) and over two minutes ahead of third-placed Cesare Maestri (ITA).
The 33-year-old was delighted to claim yet another victory in Switzerland, in what was the fifth round of World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) World Cup.
“I’m super happy,” he said. “It’s always an honour to come here racing and to win. Every year is harder and it’s always a nice battle, and it was a nice with Remi [Bonnet] and Petro [Mamu] at the beginning [this time].
“It’s always so beautiful to come here, the mountains are nice, just amazing. I’m honoured and I am very humbled to come here, year after year, performing.
“At the end of the day it doesn’t matter much, the race. Of course I’m happy to win but to come here and to meet all these people and to have fun while doing what we love, which is to run mountains.”
In the women’s race, Mathys produced yet another sensational performance as she completed the 31km course in 2:46:03, almost three minutes clear of second-place Nienke Brinkman (NED).
Mathys’ time eclipsed the women’s course record at Sierre-Zinal, set herself in 2019, by more than three minutes as she claimed her third win in a row at the Swiss event.
The 34-year-old was fastest over three of the four splits as she added to her victories at Mont Blanc Marathon and Olla de Nuria this year, finishing a whole 9:20 ahead of Anais Sabrie (FRA) in third.
Sabrie has now secured back-to-back third place finishes in the WMRA World Cup after clinching the final spot on the podium in the previous round at La Montee du Nid d’Aigle.
World Ranked #1 Lucy Murigi (KEN), who finished third Grossglockner Berglauf in round two before her impressive triumph at La Montee du Nid d’Aigle, ended the day over 45 minutes back from Mathys in 34th.
Judith Wyder (SUI) was unable to replicate the electric pace which saw her pick up second in 2019, but still came home in a respectable 10th place.
MEN
1st Kilian Jornet (ESP) 2:31:44
2nd Robbie Simpson (GBR) 2:32.26
3rd Cesare Maestri (ITA) 2:33:51
WOMEN
1st Maude Mathys (SUI) 2:46:03
2nd Nienke Brinkman (NED) 2:48:58
3rd Anais Sabrie (FRA) 2:55:23
You can check out the full results and standings by clicking here
Next stop for the WMRA World Cup is Krkonosky half marathon in Czech Republic on Sunday 15th August.
