The event in the Pontedilegno-Tonale area has confirmed its status among the main European ultra-running events. The athletes’ feedback credited the stunning landscape and remarkable organization. In the last finishes, Denise Zimmermann won the 170 km women’s race, while Ralet and Rossi were crowned in the shortest 35 km distance
It took an extra year, but in the end Adamello Ultra Trail got back to provide an intense and exciting weekend of running in Northern Italy. After the 2020 cancellation, from September 24th to 26th, 2021 in Vezza d’Oglio (Brescia, Italy), Adamello Ultra Trail once again showed it belongs among the best ultra-running events in Europe, taking some of the best European ultra-runners to the the beautiful sceneries of Alta Val Camonica and Alta Val di Sole in the Pontedilegno-Tonale area.
The winners of the 2021 edition have been crowned for their efforts on the Paths of the Great War between the Adamello and Stelvio Nature Parks: Roberto Mastrotto (Italy) and Denise Zimmermann (Switzerland) in the 170 km, Walter Manser (Switzerland) and Eva Sperger (Germany) in the 90 km, Hugo Ralet (Belgium) and Raffaella Rossi (Italy) in the 35 km. A list of winners that certifies the status of the event, whose upward trajectory has continued in this eight edition.
The organizational success of the Adamello Ultra Trail was also confirmed by the feedbacks of the over 650 athletes from 15 different Nations. At the finish line in Vezza d’Oglio, after having completed their efforts, the riders praised the organizational commitment of Asd Adamello Ultra Trail, thanking the over 300 volunteers working along the route to guarantee the safety of the event through 47 check points between shelters and refreshments points.
In addition to the organisational effort, the beautiful scenery along the way left an impression on the athletes’ hearts and eyes. The Valle Camonica ultra-running event has further strengthened the commitment to promote the Pontedilegno-Tonale area, offering unique views such as the trenches’ museum of Cima Rovaia, the Bocchette di Valmassa with the Prisigai underground passages (a new feature of the 2021 course), and the passages to Bivacco Linge, Aviolo and Mortirolo Lakes. A perfect occasion to end the summer season before passing the baton to the winter activity.
The Organising Committee, led by Paolo Gregorini, also expressed its satisfaction: “We are happy to be back after last year’s break. The acknowledgements we have received in recent days from athletes and experts confirm the quality of the work we have done and make us proud. Special thanks go to all the volunteers working on the course and to our sponsors. The quality and the many nationalities of the winners prove the international nature of the Adamello Ultra Trail, on which we want to continue to invest and focus. This event is a postcard for the whole territory, taking place on unique routes and scenery“.
DENISE ZIMMERMANN CROWNED ADAMELLO ULTRA TRAIL’S QUEEN
On Saturday evening, September 25th, 2021, Denise Zimmermann was the first woman to cross the 170 km race finish line. The Swiss athlete finished the race in 35:55:57, confirming herself among the top athletes in the European ultra-trail scene.
After the start at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 24th, 2021, the early part of the 170 km women’s race was led by two Italians: Adamello Ultra Trail 2019 winner Cristiana Follador and Giulia Saggin. Shortly after the halfway through the race, however, the two suffered their frantic start and had to abandon the race. At that point, Denise Zimmermann took over the lead and ran alone towards the finish line, winning over Swiss Dania Kim Schierhorn, second at 2:31:35 and Italian Scilla Tonetti, third at 4:47:29.
“Adamello Ultra Trail is a very hard and beautiful race – Denise Zimmermann commented after her victory – I managed my energies right from the first kilometers and towards the 120-130 km mark I realized I could do it, so I looked to wisely handle my advantage to the finishing line. I am very happy I took part in this event“.
RALET AND ROSSI THE 35KM WINNERS
On Saturday, September 25th, 2021, Hugo Ralet won the shortest distance of the Adamello Ultra Trail, on a 35 km course starting from Monno and finishing in Vezza d’Oglio. The Belgian surprised the competitors with a 3:30:54 time, conducting the race at a good pace and with no breaks, overtaking plenty of athletes along the way. Behind him were Luigi Rota, second at 3:16, and Luca Malgarida, who finished third at 8:23.
At the passage by the Mortirolo Lake, after 15 km of racing, Luigi Rota was leading followed by Luca Malgarida, but in the following 20 km Ralet put on a great comeback, down to a clear victory at the finish line. “I’m used to run longer distances and I decided to tackle the race at my own pace, moving up the ranks kilometer after kilometer. It was the winning strategy,” the Belgian commented at the finish line.
Coming to the women’s category, Lombardy-born Raffaella Rossi got the final win in 4:11:29. The Italian athlete commanded the race for all the 35 km, imposing herself on the finish line in Vezza d’Oglio with an advantage of 16:43 on Sofia Toniolo and of 19:20 on Tiziana Bianchini. “I am very pleased because I started racing again this year with no specific preparation, and winning so close to home always gives something extra,” said Raffaella Rossi after the finish line.
