Timo Zeiler defeats Jonathan Wyatt in Gamperney-mountain-run 2009

May 25, 2009

In the Gamperney-mountain-run in Grabs/SUI Timo Zeiler provided the first big surprise of the 2009 mountain running season as he won the mens race in an overwhelming manner. On the 8,8 Km course with an altitude difference of 1.000meters the German defeated the 6-time mountain-running world champion Jonathan Wyatt from New Zealand.

“Today I had my chances and I used them” said the 28-year old. “After the 7th place in the mountain-running world championships this is my biggest achievement.”

Already after around 4km Zeiler increased the pace and nobody could follow him. In the finish he had a lead of 44 seconds over the strongest mountain runner of the last years. The victory came only one week after his win in the mountain race in Mölten/ITA where he defeated European Champion Marco Gaiardo. The German is now the big favourite for the European mountain running Championships in Telfes/AUT on July 12th.

The Gamperney race was also a qualifying race for the European mountain running Championships and further athletes could secure their nomination with strong performances. In the mens category those athletes were Josef Beha (5. overall), Thomas Göpfert (6. overall) and Marco Sturm (8. overall).

In the womens race Lisa Reisinger surprised with a 2nd place in the overall classement but she will not compete in the European Championships. However, Marie-Luise Heilig-Duventäster (5. overall), Lea Bäuscher (6. overall) and Veronika Ulrich (7. overall) will represent Germany.

Also the German Youngsters presented themselves very well: In the male U19-category René Stöckert won in 49:44 min ahead of Fabian Alraun (51:54 min). Also in the female U 19-race (5,8 km; HD 425 m) Germany secured a double victory with Sarah Cornelsen (30:08 min) in 1st and Lena Schäfer (30:57 min) in 2nd place. Following those performances those athletes were also qualified for the European Championships.