Successful Race Weekend for SCOTT Running Athletes

SCOTT athletes Iris Pessey and Frédéric Tranchand lead the Skyrunner Worldseries after two races

Iris Pessey and Frédéric Tranchand from France are both focusing on the Skyrunner Worldseries this season. The first stage, the Calamarro Skyrace in Spain on April 29th, was the first big challenge of the season for both of them. Iris had a tough training schedule this winter, working 7 days a week as a biathlon coach for the British national team, and having to train early mornings on the snow. Fred spent most of the winter in Finland, preparing for the season in cold temperatures, and flew directly to Spain. Hence, the two were concerned about the extremely high temperatures and how their bodies would respond. However, thanks to an ice necklace and great uphill sections Iris managed to cross the finish line first, taking the win. Fred came in a solid 3rd position, only behind local athletes. This performance boosted their confidence for the second stage on home soil. Unfortunately, Iris had a paragliding crash the day after Calamarro Skyrace, causing a small injury that forced her to spend the two weeks in between races only biking and training in the gym.

"I knew people were expecting me to confirm my result in Spain was not just luck so I felt quite pressured but managed to refocus on myself, trying to ignore what the other girls could do during the event. I am now sitting first on the leaderboard of the Skyrunning world series, and I am super excited to see if I can hold this position through the entire season. It is also very motivating to see my Team mate Fred do so well." – Iris Pessey, SCOTT Running Athlete

On Sunday, May 14th, thanks to a strong 4th place despite the small injury, Iris Pessey defended her lead in the overall ranking of the Skyrunner Worldseries at the Skyrace des Matheysins in France. She did feel high expectations after her win in Spain, but managed to deal with the pressure and focus on her performance in the race. Frédéric Tranchand was in 2nd position for a good part of the race but saw his opportunity to attack and overtake the leader 1.5 hours into the race on a steep uphill section in a snow field. He then pushed hard on the muddy downhills creating a good gap and with that took the win and the overall lead together with Antonio Martínez from Spain.

"It's a great start of the season. In Matheysins it was quite tough in the beginning, it's a big uphill and Roberto Delorenzi started really hard and I was the only one that managed to follow his pace. In the snow I saw my opportunity to attack, I had to be patient but I went on the offense and passed him. Then it was muddy but I pushed hard into the downhill and managed to create a good gap. I am really happy, it's a very good start of the season." – Frédéric Tranchand, SCOTT Running Athlete

Cody Lind qualifies for UTMB

Cody Lind is well known in the American trail running scene also thanks to his two top 10 finishes at the legendary Western States 100 Endurance Run. This weekend he tackled the Valhöll Argentina by UTMB 80km race. A course that led him though “beautiful mountains, super technical off trail sections, big climbs, steep descents, roads, rocky trails, heat, and some of the most supportive and energetic people from start to finish”. Cody felt strong the whole day and crossed the finish line in first position. This win secures him a spot to race in Chamonix at the famous Ultra Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB) race.

"Valhöll Argentina by UTMB was a really neat race that involved a variety of different skills. The course had all the conditions, which made it very unique and a really fun challenge. I felt strong throughout the whole day and managed to battle the course, warm weather, and all the tough challenges that come with running an ultra. It was an amazing race and a great way to get a feel for what Argentina is all about." – Cody Lind, SCOTT Running Athlete