MATTERHORN RECORD ATTEMP BY MANUEL MERILLAS: AIMING TO BREAK THE KILIAN JORNET RECORD 2H52M02S (2013)

Posted by Héctor Rubio on July 29, 2021 in trail running spain | Leave a comment

MATTERHORN RECORD ATTEMP BY MANUEL MERILLAS: AIMING TO BREAK THE KILIAN JORNET RECORD 2H52M02S (2013). In 2013 Kilian achieved a great record in the ascent and descent, from the 2,007 meters of Cervinia to the 4,478m of the Matterhorn.

Manuel Merillas attemp on Kilian Jornet’s Matterhorn record. Now on our way to Cervinia, we premiere the interview at the finish line of the Travesera where we review with him how he faces this great adventure. Interview in Spanish.

MATTERHORN RECORD ATTEMP BY MANUEL MERILLAS: AIMING TO BREAK THE KILIAN JORNET RECORD 2H52M02S (2013)

From the  Travesera, Manuel reviewed with us his illusions for this new project. These days, arriving already in Cervinia, the final phase of this project starts, which as he himself confessed to us, could take much of the month of August.

Given the alpine trajectory of Manuel Merillas, perhaps it is the perfect time for this adventure. On the one hand, as he reminded us in the interview, his usual technical level of climbing could be around 6b/6c. And it stands out in the steps in sight in only since climbs of up to IV are for the usual in Picos de Europa.

After some previous contacts with Kilian, Manuel has to face sections of up to III+ where it would be convenient to ensure the presence and good conditions of the usual fixed ropes on this route.

This 2021 Merillas has surpassed itself in several sections, within the mountain races. The most outstanding, without a doubt, that new U10h record in Travesera de Picos on the one hand. And the world gold in the skyrace mode so recent.

Now therefore, turn for the more alpine version of Manuel Merillas in the Matterhorn. From here, we wish you to enjoy the adventure and return healthy and cheerful, whatever happens in the sporting aspect.

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RECORD CERVINO KILIAN JORNET 2013

In 2013, Kilian Jornet assaulted this new challenge of the “Summits Of My Life” project. Before the, the top of the Matterhorn on the route that climbs from the Italian slope with start in Cervinia.

The same route where Valerio Bertoglio in 1990 went up and down in 4h16m with an impressive video for his time. The route where in 1994 the master Bruno Brunod managed to lower the mark in more than an hour to 3h14m For this, he did not hesitate to perform more than 35 previous tests, given the delicate nature of the Matterhorn rock in many sections.
Kilian moved his personal base camp to the slopes of the Matterhorn for a few weeks, thoroughly preparing the record, given that the demand for it was maximum after the high bar left by Bruno.

In just two weeks he completed 8 different ascents to the summit to assimilate and master the key steps of it, as well as completely acclimatize his body to the altitude and the type of terrain of the Matterhorn, very decomposed and delicate in some sections.

The final preparations were attended by Bruno himself, who did not fail to contribute his good humor and suggestions to the assault that was about to start.

Finally, 3 pm was ranked as the departure time to avoid the possible frosts that could have occurred during the night, in addition to the large number of people who at this time are trying to crown the summit leaving the different shelters distributed along the route.

KILIAN JORNET RECORD MATTERHORN: THE FINAL ASSAULT

Kilian Jornet completed the ascent of the Matterhorn from the Italian side, along the Route of the Lion Ridge, in a route divided into three essential parts.

• The first section is composed of mountain dirt roads, reminiscent of those of any trail race, and where speed is the best asset for Jornet.
• In the second stage a more technical part begins with snow, and this is where Jornet’s skills have had to be fine-tuned.
• Finally, 1000 meters separate the mountaineer from the top, in a climbing section of 3rd and 4th level with fixed ropes, where climbing skills become essential.

At last, once launched to the top, the accumulated confidence and solid preparation paid off. The summit of the Matterhorn was reached by Kilian in 1h56, leaving Bruno’s reference 14 minutes behind. On the descent he managed to iron out a few more minutes and complete the adventure in 2h52m02s.

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