Ivrea-Mombarone 2022: race information & review
After ten years I went back to running on the paths of Ivrea-Mombarone (the “Momba” for all the locals) and it was a wonderful day of sport, friendship and fun. The weather, with sun and temperatures ideal for running, were the icing on the cake yesterday.
Ten years ago, Ivrea Mombarone represented for me the baptism in the historical “must to do” competitions. And this year, after many months of stopping (due to injury and choice) from wearing a bib and a physical condition very far from the ideal one, I could not resist the fascination of returning to these paths.
For the uninitiated, in fact, the Ivrea-Mombarone is one of the historic races of the mountain running scene in Europe. Its very first edition dates back to 1922 (so this year was a sort of centenary) and has now reached its 44th edition, with the current format now consolidated since the late 70s (Home – Amici del Mombarone).
First part: Ivrea, Bienca and San Giacomo
The start is in the center of the town of Ivrea, precisely from Piazza Ottinetti, at an altitude of 253m. The arrival is at the top of the Colma di Mombarone, at an altitude of 2371 m.
The charm of this race is however also in the difficulty of the race itself. There is a little bit of everything. It is a race that combines a first fast part, from the city center, with several km on paved road, up to the first part on a trail on the lakefront of Lake Sirio (2.5 km). From here on it is a continuum of ups and downs on the path, in which you have to be good at running at a decent pace but also at managing the energy for the subsequent climbs.
After passing the town of Bienca (km 7), the steepest climbs begin, where the alternation of fast walking and running is almost mandatory. A couple of km on these paths and you come out again on the paved road that leads to the town of Andrate (km 10), where yesterday we were greeted by a large cheering crowd.
The next stretch again alternates paths, passages on the lawn, a beautiful passage between houses and chestnut trees, up to the locality of San Giacomo (km 13.5). This is a key point of the race, as the final steep path begins, leading to the arrival at the top of Mombarone. It also represents the last point reachable by the vehicles. And in fact, it is here that yesterday we received the second crowd (really many to applaud the runners: thank you! :-)).
Second part: San Giacomo, Pian Curtasa and Colma di Mombarone
The next 2 km follow a steep stony path that often cuts a mule track. This leads to Alpe Pinalba at about 1600 m above sea level. Here the path ends and you start running along the mule track. Yesterday we were greeted by another group of cheering people, and by the official photographer of the race (the legendary Beppe Busso), with whom it was wonderful to exchange a flying greeting!
The mule track continues for another km until you reach the refreshment point at Pian Curtasa at about 1700m. It is one of the moments that every single athlete awaits every year. The goliardic and festive atmosphere, thanks to a local folkloristic group, is one of the highlights of the race. Yesterday was fantastic too, with laughter and applause, and gives a shot of energy and motivation to tackle the next 3 kilometers.
These last kilometers are certainly the most demanding of the race. You still need a lot of energy to climb the last 600 meters of altitude that separate from the arrival at the top of the Colma di Mombarone. The terrain is a mountain’s trail, with challenging passages, in which the concentration must be very high and where you have to think only about continuing, without too many stops that could completely cut your legs. But the beauty of this race is really the warm atmosphere that helps to overcome the most difficult moments. In fact, yesterday the presence of many hikers and friends was wonderful, constantly cheering along the final ramps. A huge crowd (I believe more than a hundred people) greeted us first at the passage to the Mombarone Refuge at 2320 m and then later under the statue of the Colma di Mombarone at an altitude of 2371 m. All really fantastic!
The results: victory for Chevrier and Giovando
For the record, the final victory (male and absolute) went to the very strong Aosta Valley athlete Xavier Chevrier in 1h58’57”, ahead of the English Robert Sinclair (2h02’17”) and the Italian Francesco Nicola (2h02’55”).
Among the women, the victory went to the very strong Piedmontese athlete Chiara Giovando in 2h21’21”, a specialist and Italian national mountain running team, followed by Giuditta Turini from Valle d’Aosta (2h28’24”), recent SkyRunning world champion, and Iozzia Ivana from Lombardy (2h32’53”), three times Italian marathon champion. In short, a prestigious women’s podium.
All rankings can be viewed at the following link: Classifica Ivrea-Mombarone – wedosport
Really congratulations to the whole organization, to the volunteers, to the mountain rescue personnel and to all those present on the route who really made yesterday special.
Ivrea-Mombarone 2022: detailed information
Official website: Home – Amici del Mombarone
Personal Gps move (by Suunto 9 Baro): Andrea De Filippo ha corso in montagna per 19.4 km (suunto.com) (note that I never wear a Hearth Rate Monitor. The recorded bpm is on the wrist. Thus it’s not correct. Ditto for VO2 and calories)
Measured distance: 19,4 km
Measured Cumulative Gain +: 2166 m
Measured Cumulative Loss -: 63 m
Measured max altitude: 2358 m
Start Date: 18/09/2022
Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
Start Point: Piazza Ottinetti, Ivrea (TO)
Cost: 30 € (1,5 €/km)
Air Temperature (average): 19°C
Weather conditions: sunny
Dominant Ground: trails (65%), mule tracks or road (35%)
Ground Status: dry
Technical Difficulties: several short (in elevation) but very demanding climbs
Refreshment Points: 8 (Note that, since the start, I personally had with me 300 ml electrolyte sports drink)
Ivrea-Mombarone 2022: my equipment and results
Shoes Type: Saucony Ride #15 (Size: UK 8.5 / EU 43 / USA 9.5; Color: Yellow). Note that although most of it is trail, with dry terrain, it is absolutely possible (and advisable) to run with road shoes
Shoes usage at the start: 316 km; ca. 6700 D+ / ca. 6700 D-
Anklet: used for the right ankle
Socks: Mico (Size: 43-46; Color: black/yellow)
Calf Sleeves: not used
Shorts: Montura (Size: M; Color: Blue)
Race Belt: Suunto / Salomon (Color: Black)
Undershirt: not used
T-Shirt: No Limits Team Academy (Size: M; Color: Red/Grey)
Arm Sleeves: not used
Gloves: not used
Wristband: Nike
GPS Clock: Suunto 9 Baro (Color: Black)
Backpack: Not used (I used the trail-running belt by MIUT)
Headwear: Raidlight Buff
Glasses: Oakley
Trail Running Poles: not used (Note: It is forbidden in this race!)
Headlamp: not used
Wind/Rain Jacket: Crazy (Color: Orange) (Note: this is part of the mandatory equipment)
First Aid Help: not used / not required
Official personal time: 2h48’38”
Official personal absolute position: 63
Official personal male position: 55
Official personal finisher certificate: Attestato di Partecipazione (wedosport.net)
Additional information
If you want more information or technical details related to this event, please do not hesitate to contact me or comment below.
Other information about races, results and equipments at the following links: Trail & Running | EmigranTrailer.
Enjoy Running & Trail Running!
Andrea De Filippo
Original post in english language. For other languages, please open with a web browser (i.e. Chrome) and apply the automatic translation.
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