Andreas Reiterer was unbeatable. © Matthias Alber

Reiter cannot be beaten on Italian soil

Andreas Reiterer confidently secured victory in the second race of the Ultra Trail World Tour in Tuscany, at the Ultra Trail Chianti Castels by UTMB. The 2023 runner-up world champion could not be beaten over the 102,6 kilometer long running route with an altitude of 4.200 meters. Hannes Perkmann from Sarntal came fourth in the marathon distance.

March 23, 2024

From: pm

Just three weeks ago, the Haflinger had to give up after 3 kilometers in the first race of the Ultra Trail World Tour due to an injury. After this disappointment, he clearly underlined today that the form at the beginning of the season is good and that he can be expected at the European Championships in a few weeks.

The race started promptly at 4 a.m. and was initially characterized by high speed and plenty of changes in the leadership. Only after about 20 kilometers did the first group separate from the rest of the field. From then on a group of 4 consisting of 2 Frenchmen, a Swiss and the South Tyrolean ran away from the front. But the quartet didn't last long together. Already at kilometer 50 it was clear that the victory that day would be between the Frenchman, Sébastien Spehler and the Haflinger. The speed and the prevailing light-footedness, after already covering around 2.000 meters in altitude, were too great.

Andreas Reiterer will also compete at the European Championships. © Matthias Alber

Until kilometer 80, the two athletes fought a fair but very tough duel. One didn't give the other one meter away and the runners took turns attacking each other with short sprint intervals in order to set themselves apart from the other. But the young Haflinger, who has been racing for the La Sportiva team again this season, was too strong that day. He broke away from the Frenchman with an attack on the last climb and gained an incredible 22 minutes lead over the second-placed rider in the last 11.30 kilometers.

Reiterer crossed the finish line with a new course record in 8.40,33:35 minutes. The Frenchman Sébastien Spehler came second. The podium was completed by another Frenchman Paul Cornut Chauvinc, who once again came very close to second place and fought his way to XNUMX seconds until the end.

Andreas Reiterer in action. © Matthias Alber

Hannes Perkmann from Sarntal took part in the Chianti Marathon Trail and showed that he has overcome his injury. With a strong performance and 4th place over the 43 kilometer long route with an altitude of 1.650 meters, he confirmed his improving form. Just two weeks ago, Perkmann won the horn attack ahead of Reiterer.

Andreas Reiterer was very satisfied and happy after the race: “After the crash three weeks ago in Gran Canaria, I wasn't sure that I would even be able to compete here. But I trained intensively at home, on my local mountain, Meran 2000, and worked for a quick comeback. I was hoping for a result like this, but I didn't think it would go so well and be enough for the course record. The joy is therefore even greater. It was a great race for me and I'm happy with the performance. Now the focus is on preparing for the European Championships in a few weeks.”