U.S. Team for Trail World Championships Announced

For the fourth time, the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) will organize a world trail running event. However, 2015 marks the first time the event has been given the title of World Trail Championships as opposed to the prior three installations when the race was dubbed a challenge-level event.

Scheduled for Saturday, May 30, the start and finish for the 86-kilometer trail race will be at Plage d’Albigny in Annecy-le-Vieux, France. The course will include 5,300 meters of total climbing and will test the competitors’ endurance and strength.  Hosted by the Maxi-Race, more information about the event can be found here:

http://www.maxi-race.net/accueilmaxirace.html

More than 15 countries are slated to compete. The U.S. team of five men and three women will include veterans of international competition as well as newcomers to the international stage. Athletes were named to the team by USATF’s mountain ultra trail executive committee based on their finish at designated selection races and secondarily on running resumes.  The full selection criteria can be found here:

http://www.usatf.org/Events—Calendar/2015/IAU-World-Trail-Championship/Selection-Procedures.aspx

2015 US team members for the IAU Trail World Championships are:

Men: Alex Varner (San Rafael, CA – Nike Trail Team), Alex Nichols (Colorado Springs, CO – Inov-8), Yassine Diboun (Portland, OR – Inov-8), David Laney (Ashland, OR – Nike Trail Team), Tim Tollefson (Lincoln, CA – Nike Trail Team).

Women: Krissy Moehl (Seattle, WA – Patagonia / Vasque), Amy Rusiecki (South Deerfield, MA – Inov-8) and Cassie Scallon (Boulder, CO – Salomon).

Team Staff: Richard Bolt (Mountain View, CA – Salomon)

Quotes from team members and staff:

“Having an event elevated to world championship status provides additional opportunities for athletes to showcase their talents on a competitive stage and gain experience among the world’s best.  This year’s team selection process resulted in a strong group heading to France to represent Team USA. Join me in following these athletes in their training and racing in advance of the competition, and at the World Championships in May.”  Nancy Hobbs (Chairperson – USATF Mountain, Ultra & Trail Running Council)

“Ever since I started running trail and mountain ultras, exploring the Alps region on foot has always been a bucket list dream destination. To be asked to represent the USA for this race is obviously a huge honor, & I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. For the actual race, I will go out and give it my all like I do for every other race, but donning a USA singlet will surely give me an added boost.”  Yassine Diboun (Inov-8, Flora, Drymax, Trailbutter, Cheribundi, Haeleum, Rudy Project and Float Shoppe).

“I am excited to have been chosen to represent the USA at the IAU Trail World Championships! I’ve been looking forward to competing in the USA uniform for years and will be ready to roll in May.  We have an awesome team and I can’t wait to line up with this group.”  David Laney (Nike Trail Team)

“I’m extremely happy to be representing the US at this year’s IAU Trail World Championships. With the depth of talent that makes up the men’s team I think we should all be thinking of a team podium finish. This will be a great way of showing the world how far US ultra running has come in a short amount of time.”  Alex Nichols (Inov-8)

“I’m excited to be part of such a strong American team headed to France.  The speed and strength that the USA squad is sending should put us in contention for a team medal – my goal is to factor into the team scoring.  Based on my experience racing in France last summer, I am optimistic that the technical trails I train on in New England will prepare me for the highly technical World Championship course this year.”  Amy Rusiecki (Inov-8, Drymax)

“I am greatly honored and humbled to be receiving this selection. Being a member of a Team USA event is something I have worked towards for many years so for it to finally come into fruition is beyond satisfying.  Racing alongside such a strong American contingent against some of the worlds best will truly be a treat.  I’m confident my preparation in California’s Eastern Sierra Mountain rage will prepare me for anything the mountains of France may have in store for us.”  Tim Tollefson (Nike Trail Team, SRA Elite, Ugo Bars)

“Racing with a USA team has always been a dream, long before I found ultrarunning. I am excited to be a part of this talented group and look forward to racing in Annecy!”  Krissy Moehl (Patagonia, Vasque, Ultraspire, Pro-Tec Athletics, Flora Health)

“I’m really, really excited to be a part of this team. I’ve dreamed of representing the US on an international stage for years. I can’t wait to race alongside the other members and compete to the best of my ability. We’ve got a strong team and it’ll be great to see how we stack up.”  Alex Varner (Nike Trail Team, Gu, Picky Bars)

“I’m looking forward to leading this group of talented trail runners to the IAU Trail World Championships.  Two team members have been to previous World Championship including Anita Ortiz – team gold medalist from the World Mountain Running Championships.  All of them had excellent races in 2014 at competitive events like the North Face Endurance Challenge, Lake Sonoma 50 and Cayuga Trails 50.  I’m confident these performances have made them well prepared for the World Championships this May in Annecy, France.”  Richard Bolt (US Team Leader and Salomon athlete/ambassador)

You can learn more about US ultra running team by visiting our new website.  We’ll be sending Twitter updates about this team from @USAultrarunning.  For more information about this or other USATF teams competing at mountain, ultra & trail running championships please contact:

Nancy Hobbs – USATF MUT Council Chairperson – [email protected]

Richard Bolt – USATF MUT Council member – [email protected]