The North Face’s Italian runner secures his third consecutive victory in the most explosive vertical race
German triathlete Madlen Kappeler clinched the win in a nail-biting finish, beating Canarian Moana Lilly Kehres by just 10 seconds
Rain and cold conditions defined the toughness of the 1,090m positive gain leading up to the summit finish at Tamadaba
The 27th edition of The North Face Transgrancanaria has started today in a historic way. Under adverse weather conditions marked by cold and rain, the Vertical Kilometer (VK) El Gigante has crowned its new kings: the German Madlen Kappeler and the Italian Henri Aymonod, who is already a legend of the event after linking three consecutive victories.
A battle against the clock and the elements
From the start in the picturesque Agaete Valley at 15:30 hours, the runners faced a wall of 5.5 kilometers and 1,090 meters of positive elevation gain. The finish line, located in the Tamadaba Recreational Area at 1,225 meters of altitude, received the athletes with a purely winter atmosphere that toughened the ascent.
In the women’s category, the last-minute withdrawal of favorites such as Ida-Sophie Hegemann, Naiara Irigoyen, and Camila Magliano opened the range of possibilities. The German professional triathlete Madlen Kappeler (Sportshoes) caused an upset by clocking a time of 48:21, beating by barely 10 seconds the athlete from La Palma Moana Lilly Kehres (Joma), who fought until the last meter. The podium was completed by the Italian Arianna Dentis (Atletica Saluzzo), who had the honor of being the first to start.
Aymonod: The “King” of El Gigante
In the men’s category, there was no room for surprises. The Italian Henri Aymonod (The North Face) confirmed his hegemony with a stratospheric time of 39:08. With this victory, the transalpine runner adds three consecutive years at the top of the podium. The podium was an Italian monologue, with Edoardo Rossano (Runaway ASD) and Matteo Siletto occupying the second and third positions respectively.
Canarian talent shines on the summits
Local pride was represented by a spectacular Moana Lilly Kehres, who led the podium of Canarian residents. She was followed by Estela Guerra (6th overall) and Tatiana Cruz (7th). In the men’s category, the fastest runner from the archipelago was Raúl Santana (7th overall), followed by Esteban García (8th) and Raúl Ramírez (12th).
El Gigante KV: Final Standings
Categoría femenina
1. Madlen Kappeler (GER) 48:21
2. Moana Lilly Kehres (ESP) 48:31
3. Arianna Dentis (ITA) 49:01
Categoría masculina
1. Henri Aymonod (ITA) 39:08
2. Edoardo Rossano (ITA) 42:49
3. Matteo Siletto (ITA) 43:18
Tomorrow: Santa Lucía de Tirajana and Artenara Take the Reins
The action never stops. This Thursday, The North Face Transgrancanaria keeps the momentum going with:
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The Half (21 KM): Starting at 09:00 AM from Santa Lucía de Tirajana.
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The Promo (12 KM): Starting at 10:30 AM from Artenara.
Both distances will culminate in the iconic village of Tejeda.
For the first time in the event’s history, the organization is providing live streaming for all four main races (KV, Half, Marathon, and Classic) via the official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@transgrancanaria102.
About the Event
The North Face Transgrancanaria is organized by Arista Eventos and sponsored by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria (through Tourism of Gran Canaria and the Insular Sports Institute), the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council (via the Municipal Sports Institute), and the City Councils of Teror and Tejeda. The race also enjoys the support of The North Face, Hospitales Universitarios San Roque, Lopesan Hotel Group, ExpoMeloneras, 226ERS, Fred. Olsen Express, Sonocom Audiovisuales, and Aguas de Teror.
