News
Double Masterclass in Zegama: Elazzaoui Strikes Again as Alexandersson Smashes The Record
Elhousine Elazzaoui (NNormal) and Tove Alexandersson (Salomon) claimed victory at the 25th edition of Zegama-Aizkorri, the opening race of the 2026 Golden Trail World Series (GTWS), in a landmark day in the Basque Country (Spain). Elazzaoui secured his second win in Zegama (3:45:07), a feat that had previously only been achieved by his teammate Kilian Jornet (NNormal), while Alexandersson delivered a stunning performance on her debut, smashing the course record (4:08:09) and beating the previous mark set by Nienke Brinkman in 2022 by more than eight and a half minutes.
Daniel Pattis and Taylor Stack (Brooks) completed the men’s podium, while Malen Osa (Salomon) and Sara Alonso (Asics) joined Alexandersson on the women’s podium.
ELAZZAOUI REIGNS AGAIN IN ZEGAMA
Elhousine Elazzaoui started the season exactly as he finished the last: with a victory. The reigning GTWS champion arrived at Zegama-Aizkorri carrying the responsibility of defending both his overall title and his 2025 win. With this latest success, he becomes only the second athlete in history to win Zegama-Aizkorri twice, a milestone previously achieved solely by Kilian Jornet, with an extraordinary record of eleven victories.
The men’s race began at a blistering pace, driven by Zegama’s unique atmosphere. Remi Bonnet (Salomon) took control from the outset and shook up the race in the sprint segment, where he clocked the fastest time (05:59 over 1.8 km) and secured the first 10 bonus points of the season for the overall standings. The Swiss runner opened a one-minute gap over Elazzaoui, Jornet and Adrien Briffod (Asics) by the 5.7 km mark.
Bonnet held the lead until the demanding climbs of Sancti Spiritu (19.6 km), fueled by the roar of thousands of Basque fans. It was there that the race turned decisively. Elazzaoui and Daniel Pattis caught the Swiss runner and ignited an intense battle for victory. This section featured the climb segment, where Elazzaoui set the fastest time, clocking 23:42 over 2.5 km.
Elazzaoui and Pattis reached the summit of Andraitz (30 km) together before deciding the race on the steep descent back to Zegama. There, the Moroccan once again showcased his technical skills downhill, opening a decisive 20-second gap to cross the finish line first and secure his second consecutive victory at the event. Bonnet, meanwhile, began to suffer from cramps in the final section and gradually dropped back. Taylor Stack, one of the breakout stars of the 2025 GTWS season, completed the podium after a strong comeback. The fastest time in the downhill segment (06:28 over 1.9 km) was recorded by Damian Bogdan (Kailas Fuga).
“Before coming here, I felt some pressure because everyone saw me as the favourite. The race was very tough, but I know the course well. I have a lot of experience and managed it intelligently, staying very focused. It’s incredible to win Zegama again, it’s historic! Kilian [Jornet] didn’t win today, but since we are on the same team, it’s almost like we won together. I’m grateful for his support and advice. This year, I’m back in the GTWS aiming for a third overall title, something no athlete has achieved yet. Next stop: Ledro, next Sunday!” said Elazzaoui at the finish.
ALEXANDERSSON DOMINATES ZEGAMA AND SMASHES THE RECORD
All eyes were on Tove Alexandersson ahead of the start. The course record, set by Nienke Brinkman in 2022 (4:16:43), appeared under serious threat, and the Swede more than delivered, smashing the mark and lowering it by more than eight and a half minutes.
Alexandersson dominated the race from start to finish. She set an unmatchable pace both uphill and downhill, turning the race into a solo battle against the clock. By the time she reached Sancti Spiritu, she had already built an eight-minute lead over Sara Alonso and a nine-minute advantage over Ida Amelie Robsahm (Asics).
Behind her, Malen Osa emerged as the standout performer, shining in front of her home crowd with an impressive comeback. The Basque runner passed fifth at Aratz (16.1 km), moved into third at Aketegi (23.2 km), and ultimately finished second with a time of 4:23:56, the fastest ever recorded by a Basque athlete at Zegama-Aizkorri. Local favourite and defending champion Sara Alonso held on to complete the podium in third place.
As expected from her dominant performance, Alexandersson claimed the best times in all three segments: 06:46 in the sprint, 26:27 in the climb and 7:41 in the descent.
“It was a very tough race, I was suffering for a long time. I gave everything I had and I’m really happy about it. There were a lot of expectations, even more than I had for myself. It’s not just about showing up and racing, many things have to come together. In the first part I was very focused on myself, and in the second part on getting to the finish as fast as possible because I was suffering a lot. Today was a battle against the course and the mountains,” said Alexandersson at the finish.
NEXT STOP: LEDRO
Following the opening race of the Golden Trail World Series, the circuit will move in just one week to Ledro Sky Trentino (May 24). After hosting the Grand Final in 2025, the Italian race returns as one of Europe’s must-visit trail running destinations, where breathtaking UNESCO-listed landscapes intertwine with the historic legacy of World War I mountain trenches. Current GTWS leader Elhousine Elazzaoui will be on the start line, alongside reigning series champion Madalina Florea (Scott), who will make her season debut.
