Gathered on the Quai du Mont-Blanc, more than 2000 participants of the 20km of Geneva by Genève Aéroport set off at 9:30 this morning in the heart of the harbor. The conditions were perfect, with dry weather and a mild temperature conducive to good performances.
After completing the first kilometer on the shores of Lake Geneva, the riders crossed the Place des Nations and the international Geneva. They then discovered the charms of the beautiful Geneva countryside and enjoyed the beauty of this new route on the Right Bank, before finishing their effort on the shores of the Lake, facing the Jet d'Eau.
Tired after the effort but happy to have crossed the line, Pierre Carrez was one of the many riders who showed a big smile when receiving his medal of 'finisher' «I loved the course in the countryside with the nice landscapes» he says, “I had never done 20km, so I had no references, but I am very satisfied with my time, and thank you to the organization that was at the top!”
At the front of the race, Alemayehu Wodajo won the inaugural edition of the 20km of Geneva by Genève Aéroport in 1h04m24s. Running side by side with Thomas Huwiler of Stade Genève for 15km, Alemayehu made the difference on the last six kilometers to finish with a 34s lead. Thomas Huwiler and Piero Panozzo complete the podium of this first edition.
Very happy with his victory, Alemayehu expressed himself a few minutes after crossing the finish line: «I am very happy to win this first edition,» he says, “I was able to set my pace during the race and make the difference in the end, I did the last five kilometers alone. The course itself is great and the scenery is beautiful.”
On the women’s side, Victoria Crawford took the top step of the podium in 1h18m46s, ahead of Maya Cholet and Samantha Woodward.
Alongside the individuals, 300 teams made up of colleagues, friends or family members participated in the 20km Duo. After travelling 11.5km to Genthod, the first relays passed the baton to their teammates who then completed the 8.5km of the course.
Finding themselves on the Quai du Mont-Blanc, many duos walked together the last meters to cross the finish line hand in hand.
«I loved the route,» said a member of the Visilab Balexert 2 duo, «it was really pretty, and then to see the planes above our heads when we passed near the airport, it was a bit new. I was very happy with my time, and my partner she also assured on the second part!”
Benjamin Chandelier, Event Director, is pleased to see that the event has taken off on a solid footing: “We have achieved the objectives we set for this first edition. The attractive course drawn in its entirety on the right bank and the two race formats allowed everyone to find their happiness, as evidenced by the many emotions felt on the finish line,” he said. “I would like to congratulate the event’s pioneers for their individual and collective performance.”
“On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I thank the authorities and the competent administrations of the Canton and the City of Geneva for their unwavering support, all the municipalities crossed by the course (Pregny-Chambésy, Grand-Saconnex, Bellevue and Genthod), as well as Genève Aéroport and all our other partners for their help and trust. Not to mention the 300 precious volunteers who mobilized for several days to contribute to the success of the event.”
A central and unifying actor in the life of the Canton, Genève Aéroport has joined the event as a Title Partner with the aim of promoting a sporting initiative that allows you to discover the Canton from an unprecedented perspective, in symbiosis with nature and in contact with citizens. André Schneider, General Manager of Genève Aéroport, wished good luck to all the riders this morning: “I only wish pleasure to all those who make this race and I hope they will enjoy this unprecedented track on the Right Bank. Arriving this morning I had the impression that everyone was moving to come here on the start of the 20km, it’s really impressive for a first edition!”
Following the success of the first edition, the 20km of Geneva by Genève Aéroport will be renewed for a second consecutive year on Sunday, October 7, 2018. Information and registration will soon be available at www.20kmgeneveaeroport.ch.
Results
20km Men
1. Alemayehu Wodajo - 1:04:23 AM
2. Thomas Huwiler - 1:04:57 AM
3. Piero Panozzo - 1:08:39 AM
20km Women
1. Victoria Crawford - 1:18:45
2. Maya Cholet - 1:20:16
3. Samantha Woodward- 1:23:59 AM
20km Duo Scratch
1. Team Puplinge - 1:11:44
2. Grangettes Running - 1:14:38
3. TwoBolle - 1:15:42
All results are available by clicking on the links below:
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