Joyce Muthoni completes double in Canfranc-Canfranc after 16km classic win

Kenya’s Joyce Muthoni Njeru secured victory in the women’s 16km classic mountain race, adding to her earlier triumph in the vertical uphill race at the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup event on Sunday.

Muthoni’s performance began with her vertical uphill win on Friday, and despite slippery terrain due to recent rainfall, she continued to dominate the competition.

Joyce Muthoni’s challenge

The challenging course, featuring rugged terrain and a 1600m ascent, posed a formidable test for the athletes. Starting just above 1000m, the runners faced a steep climb to La Moleta (2572m) at the 5.8km mark, followed by a technical descent to the finish.

In the women’s race, Muthoni took an early lead, setting a relentless pace. Her compatriot Lucy Murigi led the chase, with Camilla Magliano closely behind.

By the race’s highest point at La Moleta, Muthoni had established a commanding lead, reaching the summit in 1:09:14, with Murigi trailing by five minutes. Magliano was 90 seconds behind Murigi, setting the stage for a battle for second and third places. Behind them, Bel Calero, Charlotte Cotton, and Ainara Alcuaz followed.

Muthoni extended her lead during the long descent, crossing the finish line in 1:58:57, securing a resounding victory. Murigi maintained her second-place position, finishing in 2:10:32, while Magliano claimed third place, two minutes behind.

Muthoni later revealed that she had slipped during the technical downhill section, sustaining an injury. Murigi also fell and required medical attention after the race.

In the men’s 16km contest, Morocco’s Adil Moussaoui emerged victorious in a thrilling race.

The contrast, the men’s race was fiercely competitive, with frequent changes in the top three positions. Initially, a group of athletes, including Remi Leroux, Alvaro Asanz, and Eduardo Hernandez, raced closely together.

At the summit of La Moleta, the race remained tight, with Leroux reaching the top first in 1:03:49, closely followed by Alvaro Osanz. Behind them, Hernandez trailed by just under a minute, while Marcelo Goncalves and Moussaoui followed closely.

The race was ultimately decided on the technical and slippery descent, where Moussaoui secured the win in 1:47:52.

Hernandez claimed second place, just 12 seconds behind, and Osanz finished third, 20 seconds further back. Villamuera and Leroux engaged in a sprint finish for fourth and fifth place.

Joyce Muthoni ranks

The weekend’s races had a significant impact on the World Cup standings, with Muthoni earning an additional 100 points, extending her lead, and Murigi adding 70 points to her tally.

In the men’s competition, Joe Steward moved up to third place, while Leroux added to his points and advanced to fourth.

The next gold label race in this year’s World Cup will take place at Sky Gran Canaria, featuring a vertical uphill race, a long mountain race, and a classic mountain race.