The Italian runner reconned part of the race course in the Alta Valle Camonica (Northern Italy) ahead of his participation to the 170 km queen distance, from September 23rd to 25th: “I was looking for a new challenge and here I found a wonderful route. It will be a tough race”
Just a few weeks to go to the eight edition of Adamello Ultra Trail, the ultra-running event in Alta Valle Camonica (Northern Italy) scheduled for September 23rd to 25th in the Italian Alps, and the big names are starting to show up. Among them is Giulio Ornati, a well-known runner on the international scene, and definitely an athlete to watch out for in the 170 km race. Born in 1986 in Omegna (Piedmont) and member of the Salomon Italia team, Ornati can boast an impressive palmares: this year alone, he was able to win the Vibram Trail Mottarone on the 90km distance and at the Brutal 103k of the Monterosa Est Himalayan Trail.
Last week, Ornati decided to pay a visit to the Pontedilegno-Tonale area and the paths of the Great War, to recon part of the race route and to live to the fullest the breath-taking landscapes of the Adamello and Stelvio Nature Park.
“I had heard great things about the route – said the Italian athlete – but I had never been in these valleys before, so I didn’t really know what to expect. I have to say that some passages cannot be expressed in words, and it’s a pity that some of them will be crossed overnight in the dark. Places like the Bivacco Festa or the Bocchetta di Casola are truly unique”.
The program of his two-days training on the race route was made of 55 km and almost 4000 mt of elevation gain on the first day, and 32 km with 2000 mt elevation gain on the second one.
“The race will definitely be a tough one – continued Ornati – because the ups and downs are demanding and on difficult terrain, so they will be felt in the legs: this recon will be useful”.
The personal roll of honour of the Salomon athlete also includes several participations at the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, often being the first Italian on the finish line, but this year he went for a different challenge.
“After many years planning my season for the UTMB, it was time for a new goal. Adamello Ultra Trail was the race that inspired me the most, so here I am”.
And given the high profile of the runner, the bar is set at the top. “I always try to go for the win, and I’ll do the same here – argued Ornati -. To succeed in such a long race you have to take into account many factors, and the challenge is with yourself in first place. Then, if it happens to run together with someone else, we will push each other, otherwise it will be more of a matter of staying focused and managing efforts. The weather is also not to underestimate. One thing is sure: I won’t lack support, as already in these two days the organization was excellent, and I’d like to thank the OC for helping me in preparing the training sessions. See you at Adamello Ultra Trail.”
