Jono picks up where he left off in GP
Jonathan Wyatt at Grand Ballon
The results took a while to come through from last week’s WMRA Grand Prix opener in Grand Ballon, however by all accounts Jonathan Wyatt is already in the sort of form that saw him take the Series in 2008. The 5-time world champ didn’t have things all his own way it seems…
Report by Tomo Sarf for the WMRA / IAAF:
First stage of the WMRA Grand Prix 2009 was held in a small French city Thann in Alsace. Grand Ballon – the highest peak in Ardeni mountains was the finish of the GP race for the second time.
Over 500 runners from 12 countries gathered on the start lines in Willer-sur-Thur (men) and Goldberg (women). Men run 12km long course and women run just the upper 8km of the men’s course.
In the men’s race the world best mountain runner of the last seasons, New Zealander Jonathan Wyatt, started in a group of international runners with 2008 winner Meyssat, Czech champion Krupicka. It was very hot in the first part of the course where the group was still together. In the second part Wyatt increased the pace and got small advantage, which was enough to cross the finish line as the winner.
In the women’s race Suisse triathlete Maya Cholet wan the race. In 2008 she finished as fourth and this year she improved the result to win the race.
The chief of the organizing committee – mr. Jean-Alain Haan – did a god job. Although stormy weather at the finish, the organization was smooth, with no major mistakes.
Nick Swinburn
Commendable British performances came from Candice Taylor placing third in the women’s race, and Nick Swinburn, placing 15th in the mens’ event.
Full results can be found here
