The first event of the Zegama-Aizkorri mountain race, the Vertical Kilometer, took place this afternoon in very harsh weather conditions. Rain, wind, and mud dominated the race, which ran from the main square of Zegama to the Itzubiaga hut. Organizers decided to shorten the course and avoid the ascent to Iraule to ensure the safety of participants and volunteers.
Norwegian Stian Angermund (32:47) and Dutch athlete Nienke Brinkman (38:21) were the winners. Both runners, who have previously won the Zegama marathon, secured dominant victories today.
Due to forecasts of worsening weather, the decision to alter the course was made early in the morning. The start took place from Zegama's town square from 4:00 PM onwards in an individual time trial format. The finish line was ultimately set at the Itzubiaga hut, a point that was originally an intermediate time control for the full course. In total, participants covered five kilometers with a 760-meter positive elevation gain, less than the initial route which ascended to the summit of Iraule.
“"The ground was very slippery; right now I'm standing on several centimeters of mud… and I love it!"
In the men's category, Angermund achieved a hard-fought victory ahead of his compatriots Dominik Tabor (33:15) and Jose Antonio Bellido (33:31). Angermund explained that he battled intensely throughout the climb but managed to extend his lead in the final section. "Although we couldn't do the original vertical, it was incredible to feel the crowd cheering us on throughout the entire ascent. That gave me a lot of energy," he stated.
The first runner from the Goierri region was Josu Urrestarazu from Idiazabal, who finished in 13th place (35:43).
“"There was incredible mud and in some sections it was difficult to find grip, but even so, it was very fun"
In the women's category, Nienke Brinkman won decisively, leaving Mirosława Witowska (39:48) and Sladjana Zagorac (40:23) behind. Naiara Irigoien from Navarra secured fourth place (40:58).
Brinkman described the race as "very good," despite the challenging conditions. "I am very happy with the victory and, of course, this result leaves me wanting more," she remarked.
The first and only runner from Goierri was Edurne Arakistain from Legorreta, who finished 39th (54:22).
