Sergio Bonaldi and Stephanie Kroll win the 24km, Luca Carrara and Marta Poretti crowned king and queen of the 54km. Asics Malcesine Baldo Trail day two: after the outstanding debut of the vertical race, today the border mountains between Veneto and Trentino hosted the two long-distance races organized by VRM TEAM Asd. The first to take off, early in the morning, were the heroes of the 50km (3,355m D+). An hour later it was time for the “medium” 24km race (1,994m D+). Over 400 runners tackled two true mountain routes that took them to the summit of Monte Baldo. In the “Botanical Garden of Europe,” those not chasing the clock were able to enjoy breathtaking views over Lake Garda.

NO SURPRISES ON THE LONGEST DISTANCE:
On the trails connecting the towns of Malcesine, Brentonico, and Avio, Bergamo’s Luca Carrara drew on his experience, letting his rivals wear themselves out before shifting up two gears and breaking away solo toward the finish line. His finish time of 6h00’08” will also be the mark to beat in future editions. Podium places also went to Francesco Lorenzi, 2nd in 6h12’14”, and Matteo Bolis, 3rd in 6h21’16”.

In the women’s race, Marta Poretti won the first edition of this spectacular event in 7h30’15”. Behind her, a strong showing from Barbara Giacomuzzi, 2nd in 7h45’10”, and Irene Zamboni, 3rd in 7h46’37”.

BONALDI CLAIMS A SECOND WIN
Less than 24 hours after his victory in the vertical race, the versatile Bergamo athlete Sergio Bonaldi claimed a second win at the Asics Malcesine Baldo Trail, taking the 24km as well. No doubt, no hesitation: a thoroughly deserved win in 2h24’31”. Second place went to skyrunning talent Mattia Tanara, who charged down the descent at breakneck speed to finish in 2h32’29”, while Dutch runner Tom Van De Plassche rounded out the podium in 2h36’24”.

In the women’s race, despite an unplanned straight-line detour on the final descent, top favorite Stephanie Kroll confirmed the predictions, winning in 3h30’35”. Second place behind the formidable Austrian athlete went to South Tyrol’s Edeltraud Thaler (3h15’11”), while Veneto’s Gaia Signorini grabbed third place (3h25’13”).

ALL SET FOR THE GRAND FINALE
Tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM, the grand finale arrives with the “short” 16km race (1,185m D+). President Francesco Pisciotta’s team has already marked out the entire course and is ready to wrap up this three-day off-road running event on Alto Garda in style.