A year ago, around this time the lights of the trailrunning world focused on Jim Walmsey. There wasn’t any doubt he would win Western States 100, it was accepted as fact. The bets were on the time he could run and if he would break the record of this 100 miler. The story, well known by everyone, is an unforgettable moment of the WS100; and this weekend will celebrate a new edition where Jim Walsmey will be at the starting line in squaw valley. He will lineup with a planned strategy and the accumulated experience of his previous participations.
A WS100 where there will were no be repeat victories.
None of last year’s winners will toe the line at Western States this year. Neither Cat Bradley nor Ryan Sandes will attempt a repeat of 2017. The withdrawal of South African runner, Ryan Sandes was well known as he announced that he would be pacing Francois D’Haene. The American, Cat Bradley’s announcement last week was a surprise, as she wasn’t able to recover from health issues that have plagued her throughout the year. She chose to focus on recovery.
The women. The locals and favorites.
The absence of Cat Bradley who was a favorite, breaks open the expectations for WS100 – more so than previous years. Stephanie Howe and Kaci Lickteig know the route to perfection and also what it takes to win in Auburn. Both are in great shape, when combined with experience, convert them in clear candidates to adorn the laurels. Along with them, golden ticket winners Courtney Dewaulter and Aliza Lapierre, form the American quartet that aspire to victory. Outside of American borders, the elite participation is not that high. New Zealander Lucy Bartholomew, who despite her young age and her first participation will be fighting for a top spot. French runner Emilie Lacomte can benefit from experience to make gains as the distance unfolds.
The men. The assault of the Coconino Cowboys
At this point, Jim Walmsley and the Coconino Cowboys are a whole. The Flagstaff Gang will again be at Squaw Valley, but this time Tim Freriks, Cody Reed and Jared Hazen will also compete, and together are a group of favorites. Jim gets the most attention, but each of them are contenders and only at the finish will we have answers to: Will they tactically run as a team or will each run their own race? Other Americans to watch for: Mario Mendoza is one of the most well prepared runners of 2018, winning a Golden Ticket as well as the American 100km Trail Championships at Bandera in January. Not only that, but also 6th at the 2018 Trail World Championships in Penyagolosa Spain in May. Also, “Mr. Consistency” Ian Sharman will look for another Top10 finish and Jeff Browning, record holder for the Western States/Hardrock Double.
Francois D’Haene. The Alternative.
Is there anything that stands in the way of the Coconino Empire? Yes and it comes from France. Francois D’Haene put a bullseye on WS100 as soon as he crossed the line in Chamonix last fall. Western States made its mark on him in 2016 when he finished 14th after leading the race for many miles, and has been his focus since the beginning of the season. As always the performance of the Europeans in California is an unknown, but if there’s one that can win, it is him.
This Saturday at 5am local time, 14:00 Western European Time, the newest edition of the Western States 100 will begin. The race in which Gordy Ainsleigh created ultratrail and where he will once again lineup with the Founder’s bib of “0” (zero).
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