Last updated: 02-Jun-17
Two x UTMB winner, Xavier Thévenard from France and team ASICS, has become the first big name to register for Transvulcania 2016. Thévenard, 27, is one of the stars of the powerful French trail running squad. Having first developed as a specialist in biathlon and cross-country skiing, he jumped to the top ranks of international mountain running just five years ago.
Transvulcania takes place annually in La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain) and comprises five races. The big one, the ultra is 76km with 8,086m of ascent. It departs on May 7th, 2016. It is in its eighth year and firmly bedded into the “must-do’s”.
Transvulcanica has been part of the Skyrunner World Series since 2012. In fact, it is the race that opens the season of The International Skyrunning Federation (ISF). Transvulcania is also included in the Skyrunner National Series and it grants points for the Ultra Series (ultra marathon) and Vertical (vertical km.) Series. In 2014, the Vertical Kilometer of Transvulcania became an official race in the Vertical Series, organized by the ISF.
Kilian Jornet has this to say about Transvulcania, “A tough route enlivened by its outstanding landscapes. The sunrise framed by the other islands in the distance is just spectacular.”
Thévenard, is a strong contender for the crown which is currently held by Luis Alberto Hernando who won it in 2014 and 2015. It is one of the few races outside France that he has run more than once. “I am already eager to be there» he said, «as this Skyrunning race is a perfect chance to re-engage with athletes I don’t normally measure myself against in the ultra trail circuit».
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