Kenyan double on the Four Sisters Mountain Trail, second stage of the GTWS contested in China, in the Himalayas.
Patrick Kipngeno, King of Asia
If he feared the muddy conditions of recent days, Patrick Kipngeno (KEN – Run2gether ON AG) can thank the return of the sun which, in a few hours, completely dried the course. The Kenyan therefore took advantage of these ideal conditions to take the lead of the race from the start and won with ease at the finish. He is also comfortably at the top of the general classification with two victories in two stages in Asia.
“I am very happy with this second victory in a row. This season I don’t have any injuries and that really changes everything for me, I feel like I can run at my maximum. Last year I really suffered at the end, that’s why I cut it completely for two months, to come back stronger. From now on, I can’t wait to be in Sierre-Zinal. I know Rémi Bonnet will be there and I can’t wait for us to face each other. »
Elhousine Elazzaoui (MAR – Nnormal) was unable to do anything against the speed of Patrick Kipngeno and “the flying camel” had to be content with second place on this second stage.
“I’m a little disappointed because I really wanted to win this race, but it was very hard, especially until kilometer 6 with the altitude. But I fought because I wanted to secure this second place. The season is not over, there are still races to come and I know there will be other good results! »
Third place has long been disputed, but it is Daniel Pattis (ITA – Brooks) who finally managed to finish on the podium, he who once believed he could steal second place from Elhousine Elazzoui.
“I didn’t really know what to expect in this race, especially with the altitude; I felt good all week but I know that doesn’t mean anything. I was both excited and nervous at the start because I wanted to do well after the result in Japan. Ultimately, the race went very well for me and I’m really happy with this podium. »
Joyce Njeru, a first in control!
She also feared muddy conditions, she also took advantage of the sun to show her speed on a course that was ultimately almost completely dry. Joyce Njeru (KEN – Atletica Saluzzo) therefore won its very first victory in the Golden Trail World Series in China.
” I am so happy ! At the start line I was a little overwhelmed by my emotions because I really wanted this victory and I knew I could do it. But I calmed down and settled into my own rhythm. Today, it wasn’t about fighting against others but against myself to do my race, the perfect race. I knew I was strong both uphill and downhill and I was able to prove it today. »
Despite a strong race, Maude Mathys (CHE – Asics), big winner in Japan, had to bow this time and settle for second place on this Chinese stage.
“It was a hard race today but I’m happy. I tried to leave calmly while controlling my heart rate because I didn’t want to suffer too much from the altitude. Grayson passed me at the top of the first big descent but strangely I managed to catch her just before reaching the bottom and that gave me confidence for the rest and I continued to accelerate even though it was very hard from halfway through. »
She was feared by many girls, and for her first appearance on the Golden Trail World Series, Grayson Murphy (USA – Saucony) did not disappoint and finished on the third step of the podium despite cramps which disrupted his race.
“I was having a lot of fun and then suddenly I started cramping just before the end of the descent. I tried to eat but it never happened, I still have it now, it’s never happened to me before so we’ll have to see what happened. But I am very happy with this first race in the Golden Trail Series and I will definitely come back for other stages! »
