Pyrenean runner Abel Carretero has had an exceptional weekend at the Ultra Skyrunning Madeira, one of the most significant international events in Skyrunning. Carretero won both races held on the Portuguese island: the vertical kilometer and the Skyrace, demonstrating his excellent preparation for the season's main objectives.
The competition began on Friday with the vertical kilometer, a tough ascent of 4.8 kilometers with 1,000 meters of positive elevation gain. Carretero completed the course in 44 minutes and 21 seconds, securing his first victory. The following day, he reaffirmed his dominance by winning the Skyrace, a 48-kilometer race with 3,600 meters of positive elevation gain, crossing the finish line in 5 hours and 32 minutes.
The Ultra Skyrunning Madeira is known for its toughness and spectacularity, traversing wild landscapes such as the surroundings of Santana and Pico Ruivo (1,861 meters). The course combines technical terrain, steep ascents, and varied landscapes, including laurel forests and climbing sections.
Beyond the results, Carretero expressed satisfaction with his sensations during the race, which served as his final preparation event. This performance confirms he is in optimal condition to face his upcoming major challenges.
The next significant event will be the CDH – Val d’Aran by UTMB on July 3rd, featuring 110 kilometers and 6,400 meters of positive elevation gain, where he aims to improve on his fourth-place finish from last year. Subsequently, his focus will shift to the prestigious UTMB in Chamonix at the end of August, a 170-kilometer race with over 10,000 meters of elevation gain around the Mont Blanc massif.
