After a mixed start to the season, with an injury-forced withdrawal in Japan and a fourth place finish in China, Philemon Kiriago is back in the Golden Trail World Series at Sierre-Zinal on Saturday.
And as the 2023 winner, he knows much will be expected of him against another stellar line up for the 2024 edition – it includes nine-time champion Kilian Jornet as well as Kiriago’s fellow Kenyan star Patrick Kipngeno.
History maker
Reflecting first on last year’s triumph when speaking to GTWS’ Mickaël Mussard earlier this week, Kiriago said: “That race was fantastic! I didn’t expect to win at all… For me, there were other runners stronger than me. However, after the climb, I felt quite confident because I was still well-placed and knew we were approaching a section that suited me well.
When I crossed the line, I felt a lot of pride. It means a lot to me to be the very first Kenyan to win this race.
Asked why he didn’t expect to win the race, he explained: “Patrick [Kipngeno] was much stronger than me. Before the race, I told him he needed to break the record, and I wanted to help him, to push him to chase that time. For me, the goal was to finish in the top five after leading in the first part. But things worked out well, and I was able to win the race in the end.”
Did this ‘team’ race strategy help him? “Of course! As teammates, Patrick and I helped each other. The goal was for him to chase victory with the record, but at some point during the race, he told me he wasn’t comfortable with the pace… He turned to me and said I should try to push and win on my own, and that’s what I did.”
‘I will give my all’
Moving on to this season, Philemon started out on the Asia leg at the start of the Golden Trail World Series – the Kobe Trail in Japan and the Four Sisters Mountain race in China.
“Obviously, I’m disappointed. I twisted my ankle during the race in Japan and had to drop out. Despite that, I managed to finish fourth a week later in China. It hurt, but I gritted my teeth. I was able to return to Kenya to recover at the training camp, but I twisted my ankle twice more, which disrupted my preparation. Since then, we’ve been able to fix the issue, and it’s much better now.”
So looking ahead to Saturday, how does he see his chances?
“I’m ready. I know I’ll be expected as the defending champion. I’m really happy to return to Sierre-Zinal; it’s a race I love. I’m aiming for a top five finish; I don’t think I can do much better because of my disrupted preparation, but one thing is certain: I will give my all.”
Heat could be a factor
Asked if he’s changed anything in his preparation for Sierre-Zinal, he reveals: “Yes! I know the race will start at 11:00am, and it can be very hot. That’s something you need to be prepared for if you want to perform well. So, I’ve done a lot of training at 11:00am, even at noon. I tried to adapt as best as I could.”
But as an African runner, could the potential heat be an advantage?
The forecast for Saturday is hot and sunny , with the temperature predicted to climb to 32°C but Philemon points out: “It could be an advantage because I’ve prepared well, but not specifically because I’m from Kenya.
People think it’s hot in Iten, but 90% of the time, temperatures don’t exceed 20°C.
“In any case, we never have extreme heat like in Europe. That’s why I wanted to come back to Austria a bit early, to adapt to the current temperatures. I think the challenge is bigger for Patrick, who is still in Kenya and will arrive just before the race.”
Ready for the battle
And will they apply the same team strategy for this edition?
“I have a lot more pressure this year, and I want to respond to it,” says Kiriago. “Of course, we’ll help each other, but my strategy will simply be to stay with the lead group for as long as possible. We’ll see how the race unfolds after the big climb.”
And if he doesn’t win, who does he think could take the victory? “It’s very difficult to predict who will win this year. The level is very high with Patrick, Kilian and Rémi [Bonnet]. We also have two other Run2gether teammates who will be there. I think the winner will be the one with the strongest mind and who is truly ready for the battle on this course.”
And looking further ahead, Kiriago is taking it one race at a time. He adds: “I’m going to try to give my best at Sierre-Zinal and see the result. If I reach the top five, it will still place me well in the overall ranking with my fourth place in China.
“I will then go to the USA and try to secure a podium finish in San Francisco and Mammoth. If I succeed, I think a top five overall is possible by the end of the season. Of course, I dream of a podium at the end of the Golden Trail Series, but given my average results in Asia, I have to adjust my goals.”
