The yellow and red Spanish flag shines on the fourth World Cup stage that took place this morning in Val Martello (South Tyrol), during the Marmotta Trophy. Both the winners are well known names of international ski mountaineering: Kilian Jornet Burgada and Mirela Miro Varela. In a wonderful sunny day with spring temperatures, blue skies and lots of fresh snow (one meter), the two athletes have established themselves in their senior male and female categories, respectively. Once again Kilian Jornet Burgada and Mirela Miro Varela confirmed their talent and excellent physical condition. For Kilian this is an important victory because it projects him as the likely winner of the circuit, having won second place in the overall standings with 290 points, only 17 points behind the leader, Matteo Eydallin (Italy). Although today he ranked fifth, Matteo has been rewarded for the consistency of his results in all the races. It was a day to forget for the former leaders of the ranks Bon Mardion (France) and Anthamatten (Switzerland): the first withdrew, following a fall, and the second crossed the finish line in seventeenth position, ending third in the overall standings with 286 points. It should be noted that this ranking is only temporary, as out of the five races counting towards the World Cup only the four best results obtained by each athlete shall be considered; the race is still open. The Spanish athlete gained more than three minutes' time from the second position, and conquered the confidence with which he dominated the race. All the more interesting, considered that Kilian is currently penalized in the standings because he withdrew from one of the stages, and that Eydallin, the former leader, is not in top condition - as he admits himself. The final victory could be very close for Jornet Burgada. "The course was fantastic, it was a great race. I know I have the chance to win the circuit but it will be hard. My rivals Eydallin, Anthamatten and Bon Mardion are all strong and they are not easy rivals". Eydallin said: "It 's clear that Kilian is certainly favored for the top position, he is my main rival; but I will do my best to win". In today's race, the excellent performance of the young Robert Antonioli (Italy) was an event; he won the silver medal and stands fifth in the overall rankings. Marc Pinsac Rubirola (Spain), gained a surprising as much as unexpected bronze medal. In the women's category the games seem set now. With this third victory Mirela Miro Varela mathematically conquers the world title. "I'm happy, it is my third World Cup victory ... almost. Well, I do not wish to speak too early, but to me it is a fantastic day". Her rival Laetitia Roux (France) now does not seem to have much choice but to settle for second place. Actually, even if Laetitia won the last stage and Mirela withdrew, the latter's results from the first four races would be considered. Three victories and one second place against two victories and two second places won by Roux. "The track was fantastic, I really appreciated it. I had problems with my equipment and I couldn't have done more. Mirela has proved stronger than me and I'm really happy for her". Let's keep the joy of celebrations in fairness for the last stage, but it's pretty clear that we already have the Winner of the 2011 World Cup circuit in the women's category. On the podium we should also find Nathalie Etzensperger (Switzerlnd), who confirmed her third place both today and in the overall standings; thus, also the challenge between her and her pursuer
Gabrielle Magnenat seems now closed. With regard to today's race, surely the organizers and the carvers who created the path deserve an applause; also according to all the athletes the race was really beautiful, worthy of such an important event. The next appointment is for the last stage of the World Cup to be held in Zakopane, Poland, on April 16th.