Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
Age: 40
2ND SEASON
Bio
Spanish, specifically Basque, from Vitoria Gasteiz, born in 1974. He works as a researcher at a Technological Centre specialised in technologies for industrial production. He defines himself as an athlete who loves taking every chance to put on a pair of running shoes. “It does not matter if I am alone or with others, if I run or walk, if it is raining or sunny. I always try to look for the good things in life”.
He started running about 6 years ago, at 30, then he discovered trailrunning and fell in love. In 2010 he attempted the Hiru Haundiak ultra-trail (100 km); he enjoyed it and to his surprise came fifth. From them on, trailrunning has become part of his life. He considers his best race to be the UTMB® 2013, not just because he arrived third, a dream come true, but also for the sensations before, during and after the race. He feels part of the “Ordinary people being extraordinary” philosophy and considers Vibram® soles as a guarantee of reliability in any weather condition.
AIM: "Try to do my best and enjoy every race. With the support of the Trailrunning Team Vibram®, he hopes to achieve excellent results in the UTMB® – perhaps repeating the performance of 2013 – and the Diagonale des Fous, his first ultra race outside Europe.”
CALENDAR: Trail Sainte Victoire, Transvulcania, Zegama, ISF World Championships Chamonix, Ehun Milak, UTMB®, Diagonale des Fous, Vibram® HK100, etc
INTERVIEW
When did you start trail running?
2008.
What were you doing before trail running?
Before that I spent 4 years running asphalt marathons.
Your best race or moment in 2014?
Hiru Haundiak, a 100Km race at home. It is very popular in the Basque Country and I finished first.
Your 2015 objectives?
Try to do at least 3 UTWT races and enjoy all of them.
The two races you are particularly motivated for?
UTMB and Mont Fuji.
One word to define your 2015 races.
TRANSGRANCANARIA: impressive. VIBRAM MAREMONTANA: andiamo! UTMB O CCC: the best. ULTRA TRAIL MONT FUJI: exotic.
Your stronger quality?
I try to see the positive in everything.
One weak point?
I love beer.
During an Ultra-Trail, what do you have mainly in mind?
Nothing special, although I try not to think about the finishing line.
A dream?
Keep being a dynamic person and never stop of doing "things".
Your favorite meal?
Anything in good company.
The best place on earth?
Any remote place with one's partner, watching the sunrise having a cup of coffee.
Your best trail running shoe model? Why?
Dynafit FELINE: good grip and very light.
What does "Vibram" mean for you?
Vibram for me means mountain, mud, snow, rock... and gives me a lot of trustability, something you can always rely on.