New European champ Delorenzi looking to build on a “dream come true” in Chamonix

The newly-crowned ‘Up & Down’ European trail champion Roberto Delorenzi is looking to take that form into this weekend’s Mont-Blanc Marathon.

The Swiss star started the Golden Trail World Series with two mixed results in Asia but the confidence that comes from winning in Annecy should stand him in good stead against a stacked field in Chamonix on Sunday.

‘Dream come true’

Speaking to the GTWS’ Mickaël Mussard, he said: “I felt in much better shape than during the first two rounds of the Golden Trail Series. I think the conditions [in Annecy] helped me a lot with the rain and mud, and the format with a single long climb and a long descent suited me better than the back-to-back climbs and descents we sometimes encounter.

“I always dreamed of achieving an international federal title, and now it’s done; it’s a dream come true.”

Looking back to the Kobe Trail and Four Sisters Mountain Trail which kickstarted the 2024 GTWS, he admitted: “My form in Asia was very difficult to understand. I think the flights and jet lag might have thrown me off a bit… I don’t know.

“But those were clearly my two worst races of the season so far! I’m really not satisfied with what I did there, and I hope to do better in Sunday’s race and the following ones. I want to score solid points to finish in the top five overall. Last year I finished sixth overall, so I really intend to make the top five.

“I’ve already made podiums at the Golden Trail Series. It is the circuit with the highest level, which makes those podiums harder to achieve, but I know I’m capable of it.”

Showdown to relish

He’s looking for a “great race” around Chamonix this Sunday and when asked who he’d back later in the season in a battle between Patrick Kipngeno, winner of the first two races and who also did the double at Broken Arrow last weekend, and returning defending champion Rémi Bonnet, he admits it’s a tricky call.

He explained: “I don’t know… When you see that Patrick can run super fast even on technical terrain, and his ability to run fast uphill, you think he’s impressive. I think he has gained strength and confidence on the technical sections. He was already one of the best last year, so if he continues to improve, he will certainly be the man to beat this year.

“For Rémi, it’s a bit harder to say since we haven’t seen him yet in a Golden Trail Series race. He just did a race where he holds the record but didn’t break it. Still, the result is amazing, and when you look at his speed sessions, you think he’s very strong. We’ll have to wait and see, but it will be a great battle, that’s for sure!”