At this point in the circuit, we can say we’re no longer moving forward — the countdown has begun. The thoughts and strategies of the skyrunners are either already clearly defined, or the chances of reaching Dements with real possibilities of winning the overall are quickly running out.
With the 17th stage completed — the third and final visit to French soil — the Saint Jeoire Trail Festival specifically the Trail des Deux Massifs (30 km and +/-2650 m), brought us once again close to the Alps. In fact, from several points along the course, Mont Blanc is visible. A truly mountainous setting, located in the Rhône-Alpes region, in Haute-Savoie. Saint Jeoire is a paradise for outdoor activities, both in winter and summer, and for those who live the mountain with passion.
The event, a full alpine festival, included:
- Verti’Trail du Môle, 13 km i +/-1150 m. U23 Esteban Olivero
- Trail des Deux Massifs, 30 km i +/-2650 m. MSWS
- Trail de Saint-Jeoire, 80 km i +/-6000 m
- Verti’Fly du Môle, prova mixta de parapent i skyrunning
There are many opinions about the demands of the season for elite athletes in our sport. It’s true that the calendars of each circuit, in one way or another, influence the others. But it’s also part of being a professional to know how to choose the season’s goals. Obviously, no one can be everywhere — especially in a sport like trail running, with so many formats and possibilities, both in distance and elevation.
This September’s international races are shaped by the UTMB at the end of August — the true world championship of trail running, with the highest concentration of athletes across all distances — and the World Championship of the Athletics Federation in Canfranc, just two weeks away.
And yes, in 2026 we’ll have another world championship, this time from the ISF. It’s a shame that two major federations, for economic reasons alone, prevent the sport from ever bringing together the very best athletes in a single championship.
Focusing on private circuits, it’s up to each runner to choose their path, assess their strengths, plan a solid calendar, and arrive at the finals with the best chances of victory.
This reflection comes in light of the elite participation at the Saint Jeoire Skyrace®. Many who raced the UTMB last week, and many who will be at the World Championship in Canfranc, chose not to attend. But others — who did race or will race — were present, likely as part of their preparation.
And you probably already know who we’re talking about: Alain and Naiara, Naiara and Alain — the leaders of the Open Team — who raced last week at the ETC (15 km and +/-1100 m) and dominated the course, earning valuable points to reach the Skymasters with strong chances of taking the overall win.
Men’s Race
Lucien Mermillon (FRA / Rossignol), still U23, chose this week to compete in the senior race. He shot out fast, leading ahead of Martin Nilsson (SWE / VJ Team), William Boffelli (ITA / Kailas Fuga), Alain Santamaría (ESP / Open Team) y Alex Oberbacher (ITA / La Sportiva).
Shortly after the first checkpoint, positions began to shift, with Alain moving to the front and never letting go of the lead until crossing the finish line solo, two minutes ahead of Martin Nilsson and six ahead of third-place finisher, the impressive Lucien Mermillon.
llon.
Alex Oberbacher eventually dropped out, and it was William Boffelli (ITA / Kailas Fuga) and Marc Bernades (ESP / FEEC) who completed the top five.
Also worth noting: sixth place went to Oier Zubeldia (ESP / EMF Basque Selekzioa), seventh to Marcel Romaní (ESP / FEEC Inverse), and eighth to Arnau Soldevilla (AND / FAM).
Women’s Race
Naiara Irigoyen (ESP / Open Team) followed a similar strategy in the women’s race — or so it seemed. Maria Cristen (SWZ / Scott), fresh off her win at Matterhorn Ultraks, took the early lead, closely followed by Naiara, Patricia Pineda (ESP / La Sportiva), Madalina Amariei (ROM / Pegarun), and Alice Bausseron (FRA).
Soon after the first checkpoint, Naiara overtook Maria, finishing nearly three minutes ahead of the Swiss runner. Madalina and Alice dropped out, and Patricia Pineda seized the opportunity to complete the podium and secure her spot at the Skymasters.
The top five was rounded out by Natalie Beadle (GBR / Belgrave) and Andorran runner Ariadna Fenes (FAM), who also secured her qualification for the final.
The top ten featured several standout athletes: Iris Pessey (FRA / Scott), Aina Cusí (ESP / Merrell) — another runner now qualified for the Skymasters — Terez Smelikova (SVK), Marcela Vasinova (CZE), and Irune Vélez de Mendizabal from the Euskal Selekzioa.
U23 Race
The U23 race also took center stage, with a shorter distance and less elevation. The top male results were:
- Lluís Puigvert (ESP / Salomon FEEC)
- Ibai Larrea (ESP / Euskal Selekzioa)
- Tom Spencer (GBR / Inov8)
- Aniol Pujiula (ESP / Colibry TA FEEC)
- Antonin Therond (FRA).
In the women’s race:
- Maia Flint (NZL / Whippets Running Project)
- Claudia Corral (ESP / Scarpa)
- Kalie McCristal (CAN)
- Gabriela Lasalle (ESP / Nike)
- Laia Calzada (ESP / Joma FEEC)
And the Saint Jeoire Trail Festival, four new athletes completed four races in the circuit and therefore secured their qualification for the Skymasters:
- Ariadna Fenes
- Aina Cusí
- Patricia Pineda.
Y el overall standings now look like this:
Next Stop: Grigne Skymarathon
Alongside the grand final in Dements, this is the other marathon-distance race of the season. And it’s no joke: 42 km and +/-3600 m of elevation, with extreme technicality, in the Lombardy region of Italy. Helmets, chains, dizzying passes, breathtaking ridgelines… Watching the 2023 highlight videos, words fall short.
This race is not for every skyrunner, especially with the added challenge of overlapping with the World Championship in Canfranc. Even so, several athletes competing for the overall in Eslida will be present: Marc Bernades, Danilo Brambilla, Maria Cristen, Pascal Egli, Oier Eskudero, Fuji Tsubasa, Gianluca Ghiano, Elena Karanfiloska, Luka Kovacic, Iris Pessey, Dimas Pereira, Lorenzo Rota, Simone Valsecchi, Ohiana Zubillaga…
Many will surely take advantage of the absences of those racing the World Championship in the Aragonese Pyrenees to fill their bags with valuable points.
