Engadin Skimarathon
13.03.2005
37th Engadine Marathon Winners 2005: Natascia Leonardi Cortesi (SUI) and Gion-Andrea Bundi (SUI)
This morning the Engadine showed itself from the most beautiful side. Blue sky, beautiful sunshine and a perfect track offered best conditions for the largest ski-event in Switzerland. Already early in the morning the participants from about 15 nations prepared themselves in Maloja for the interesting 42 km long track to S-chanf. At 8.40 a.m. the starting signal for the 37th edition of the Engadine Skimarathon was given. Totally 11,152 cross country skiers started the adventurous race in the beautiful nature and over the frozen lakes of the Engadine.
Already shortly after Isola a small group of about 40 athletes took over the lead. At the ascent in Zuoz a group of only a few cracks left the others behind. After an exciting race, a leading group of three athletes approached the finish line in S-chanf. After a breathtaking final sprint Gion-Andrea Bundi (SUI) came out as the winner, followed by Pietro Piller Cottrer (ITA). Only a photo finish showed that Gion-Andrea Bundi (SUI) was one tenth of a second ahead. The bronze medal went to Markus Hasler (FL) with a delay of just 2 tenths of a second.
Very early Natascia Leonardi Cortesi (SUI), second of last year’s race, dominated the lady’s race. She showed a sensational performance and won the race by a wide margin of 36.7 seconds before Karine Philippot (FRA). Third is Seraina Boner (SUI), who was 2.12.6 minutes behind.
Source: Worldloppet.co
