FYI the lead pack went through 50k about 12min faster than Francois last year, and about the same time (actually 2min slower) as Pau Capell in 2019. I'm not familiar with weather conditions in those years though.
Worth noting that the whole top ten this year are beating Francois's 2021 split, so it might be related to conditions.
1) Katie Schide (USA) is running a strong 1st (19ish minute lead), looking totally relaxed and happy in every pic/video I've seen.
2) Our very own on-the-comeback-trail Sage is running one place behind Katie - both in the top 30 overall. While it may sound weak on the surface, actually it's impressive given his recent health struggles and past history (re: really bad) here. It will be totally awesome if he can hold up and finish strong.
1) Katie Schide (USA) is running a strong 1st (19ish minute lead), looking totally relaxed and happy in every pic/video I've seen.
2) Our very own on-the-comeback-trail Sage is running one place behind Katie - both in the top 30 overall. While it may sound weak on the surface, actually it's impressive given his recent health struggles and past history (re: really bad) here. It will be totally awesome if he can hold up and finish strong.
If Sage finishes top 30 that would be, for all intensive purposes, a blowout victory for him.
1) Katie Schide (USA) is running a strong 1st (19ish minute lead), looking totally relaxed and happy in every pic/video I've seen.
2) Our very own on-the-comeback-trail Sage is running one place behind Katie - both in the top 30 overall. While it may sound weak on the surface, actually it's impressive given his recent health struggles and past history (re: really bad) here. It will be totally awesome if he can hold up and finish strong.
If Sage finishes top 30 that would be, for all intensive purposes, a blowout victory for him.
Not doubt about it. The tracker currently showing he's slipped a couple spots into the low 30's, but that's splitting hairs as the time gaps are minutes (nothing in the ultra world). Still more than half the race to go and anything can happen, good or bad. My premonition says after all he's gone through in recent times, he's got the mental game going for him here. No pressure, all motivation, it's the best combo.
If Sage finishes top 30 that would be, for all intensive purposes, a blowout victory for him.
Not doubt about it. The tracker currently showing he's slipped a couple spots into the low 30's, but that's splitting hairs as the time gaps are minutes (nothing in the ultra world). Still more than half the race to go and anything can happen, good or bad. My premonition says after all he's gone through in recent times, he's got the mental game going for him here. No pressure, all motivation, it's the best combo.
I have found myself more invested in Sage's race than anyone else's. The top dawgs are def interesting, but Sage's story is more compelling for this LRC boulderite. The condos that he used to live in still haven't been torn down after the fire, it's so ominous. Always makes me think over to Sage up in Salida and hope he's doing well. So amped for him - Go sage go!
Jim and Kilian now 12min ahead of Pau Capell's 2019 split at 68km. Made up 14min in 18km!
2017 Course record splits from Francois are quicker but there were course changes that year that shortened it. Not sure of exact details but these two are moving quick!
Good question. But Jim/Kilian may have just started gapping Zach/Tom, either that or it's just the standard GPS imperfection since it's only by 2-3 minutes.
Jim and Kilian now 12min ahead of Pau Capell's 2019 split at 68km. Made up 14min in 18km!
2017 Course record splits from Francois are quicker but there were course changes that year that shortened it. Not sure of exact details but these two are moving quick!
Starting to get interesting for sure. Things often start happening at the Courmayer aid.
would be great to see Sage have a good run today, but i really don't see it happening. and that is no slight on him. he just plain hasn't been able to train. i think a finish today is a success, no matter the time.
for me, this race is incredibly exciting so far! the bunch at the front is still there... the two big names (jim and kilian) are leading the charge. zach miller being there is fun, though i do expect him to fade. katie schide's race is probably the story of the day so far. erik sorensen (who?) is compelling. feel really badly for tim tollefson, such an incredible year of training and just keeps striking out on the big stage.
lots of running left and lots of carnage to be had. will be interesting to see what names are there before i hit bed and what names are there in the AM.
Interesting tidbit: Katie Schide hit the Les Chapieux aid station in 5:20 where Courtney's split there last year was 5:38. Courtney did have an amazingly strong second half last year but still.. Pretty excited to see how this shakes out.
Interesting tidbit: Katie Schide hit the Les Chapieux aid station in 5:20 where Courtney's split there last year was 5:38. Courtney did have an amazingly strong second half last year but still.. Pretty excited to see how this shakes out.
She looks relaxed and all smiles in every pic/video I've seen. Well on her way to a huge coming out party if she can keep it up, and I don't see why not. I did a quick Ultrasignup search on her earlier and it turns out she's finished top-5 several times now, but kinda under the radar because the winners have been such big names. Go Katie go!
Please troll elsewhere - this thread is for those who know and understand the sport.
It's far to say that most here on LRC don't understand the sport of ultrarunning.
this has been a fantastic thread to this point though, with a few knowledgable, intelligent and fun posters... just want to stay away from the trolling as much as possible!