Engadin Skimarathon, March 11

"ICE SKIING"

Engadin Skimarathon was the third full distance WL race in Europe this year.

Engadin valley is located in the Swiss Alps at the level of 1800 m so ESM is considered as one of the most reliable races in terms of snow conditions. However mild winter has caused many problems also for the organizers of this race. It starts in the upper part of the valley and first 10 km of the course goes mainly on the frozen lakes. It was only in February when the ice on the lakes was thick enough that the race was no more threatened with high temperatures. Still, warm March days made the snow and ice starting to thaw and 3 days before the race large sections of the course were covered with water. Two cold nights preceding the race helped to prepare the racecourse as good as it was possible. Despite organizers efforts to cover the ice with snow, long parts of the course were more icy than snowy. The 39th Engadin Skimarathon probably set a new record in the number of falls and broken ski poles.

It could also inspire ski manufacturers to create a new market niche in their business – steel edged cross-country skis.

Admitting that the organizers did their best to prepare the race course it is worthwhile to suggest that more start waves and hence smaller number of skiers starting at one time would certainly help to avoid many falls, equipment destruction and frustration among skiers who could not run at their own pace even until 10th kilometer.

Bearing in mind the difficult weather circumstances ESM was a great skiing feast and a very enjoyable event.

A fairly strong head wind (though nothing to compare with 2006) made this race the second slowest in recent years.

The winner’s time was 1:43:44

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This page was last revised on September 8, 2007