The Canfranc-Canfranc World Cup event kicked off with an exhilarating uphill race, showcasing the talents of Joe Steward and Joyce Muthoni Njeru.
On Friday, September 8th, 2023, athletes from around the world gathered in Canfranc-Estación for the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup. The event featured a unique Friday night vertical uphill race in the Aragonese Pyrenees. Competitors tackled a challenging 4km route, starting at the Seta River at 1455m and ascending to the summit of Tuca Blanca at 2313m. The course posed technical difficulties with rugged terrain and steep sections, including a particularly demanding final stretch.
The weather conditions were ideal for the runners, with temperatures of 19 degrees Celsius at the start and around 11 degrees at the summit, accompanied by a gentle breeze.
Men’s Race
The men’s race showcased a highly competitive field, as several athletes had achieved significant results in the World Cup earlier in the year. Joe Steward from Great Britain had already secured podium finishes in two vertical uphill races this season – Vertical Nasego and Piz Tri Vertical. Other strong contenders included Remi Leroux from Canada, Vincent Loustau from France, Adil Moussaoui from Morocco, Ondrej Fejfar from the Czech Republic, and Raul Criado from Spain.
From the start, Steward established himself as the frontrunner and maintained a commanding lead throughout the race, demonstrating his determination and dominance. Behind him, Leroux and Loustau engaged in a tight battle for second place, constantly exchanging positions. In the end, Steward triumphed with a convincing time of 35.34, followed by Leroux just under a minute later, and Loustau finishing in third.
Men’s Top 5
1. Joe Steward (GBR) – 35.34
2. Remi Leroux (CAN) – 36.32
3. Vincent Loustau (FRA) – 36.45
4. Arnau Soldevila (AND) – 37.56
5. Adil Moussaoui (MOR) – 38.06
Photo: Marco Gulbertis
Women’s Race
The women’s race also featured a strong group of competitors, many of whom were in contention for the overall World Cup title. Joyce Muthoni Njeru from Kenya stood at the top of the women’s standings, having achieved victories in Fletta Trail and La Montee du Nid d’Aigle earlier in the season, as well as a second-place finish in Sierre Zinal. Lucy Murigi, also from Kenya, was among the top five contenders for the World Cup, along with Camilla Magliano from Italy and Olivia Magnone from France.
Photo: Marco Gulbertis
In a similar fashion to the men’s race, Joyce Muthoni Njeru took a commanding lead early on and maintained her dominance throughout the race. Behind her, Lucy Murigi initially led the chase, while Olivia Magnone progressively moved up the ranks. Eventually, Muthoni Njeru crossed the finish line in 42.23, securing a comfortable victory. Magnone finished in second place with a three-minute gap, and Murigi followed closely behind in third.
Women’s Top 5
1. Joyce Muthoni Njeru (KEN) – 42.23
2. Olivia Magnone (FRA) – 45.27
3. Lucy Murigi (KEN) – 45.55
4. Camilla Magliano (ITA) – 47.57
5. Charlotte Cotton (BEL) – 48.10
Valsir World Cup Standings
In the men’s competition, Steward’s impressive performance awarded him 50 points, propelling him to third place in the standings. The women’s competition saw significant changes, as Muthoni Njeru extended her lead to over 100 points. Additionally, Murigi added 30 points to her total, bringing her to 143 points and maintaining her fourth place position. However, with the upcoming race on Sunday, the standings are likely to shift once again.
How to Follow the Classic Race
The classic mountain race will commence at 8am CET on Sunday, September 10th.
Live streaming will be available here.
For more information about the event, visit the official website.