Jonathan Wyatt (NZL) at WMRA GP Grand Ballon (© WMRA)
First stage of the WMRA Grand Prix 2009 was held in a small French city Thann in Alsace. Grand Ballon on Thursday 21 May - the highest peak in the Ardeni Mountains was the finish of this GP race for the second time.
Over 500 runners from 12 countries gathered on the start lines in Willer-sur-Thur (men) and Goldberg (women). The men ran a 12km long course and women ran just the upper 8km of the men’s course.
In the men’s race the world’s best mountain runner of the last seasons, New Zealander Jonathan Wyatt started in a group of international runners along with 2008 winner Emmanuel Meyssat, and Czech champion Robert Krupicka.
It was very hot in the first part of the course during which this group was still together. But in the second part of the race Wyatt increased the pace and established a small advantage, which was enough for him to cross the finish line as the winner.
In the women’s race Suisse triathlete Maya Chollet won the race. In 2008 she finished as fourth.
The chef of the organizing committee, Jean-Alain Haan, did a great job, and although there was stormy weather at the finish, the organisation was smooth, with no major problems.
Tomo Sarf (WMRA) for the IAAF
Results:
MEN
1 WYATT Jonathan NZL 1:00:46
2 MEYSSAT Emmanuel FRA 1:01:30
3 KRUPICKA Robert CZE 1:02:03
4 RANCON Julien FRA 1:02:24
5 BURRIER Eduoard FRA 1:02:41
WOMEN
1 CHOLLET Maya SUI 51:18
2 KUSTER Simone FRA 52:02
3 TAYLOR Candice GBR 53:40
4 KUSTER Line FRA 54:16
5 GALLAND Valerie FRA 54:55