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Ledro Awaits: Champions Return for GTWS Round Two
Just one week after the season kick off at the iconic Zegama-Aizkorri (Spain), the Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) heads to the wild peaks of Ledro Sky Trentino (Italy) for the second race of the calendar. The event features a demanding high-mountain course (21,5 km with 1,777 metres of elevation gain) and a technical route deeply rooted in the local landscape. This second stop will also mark the season debut of defending champion Madalina Florea (Scott), alongside the return of reigning champion and current overall leader Elhousine Elazzaoui (NNormal).
WILD PEAKS, TRENCHLINE TRAILS
After hosting the Grand Finale in 2025, Ledro Sky Trentino returns as one of Europe’s must-visit trail running destinations. Here, landscapes of exceptional beauty, recognized by UNESCO, blend seamlessly with the historic legacy of World War I mountain trenches. Nestled between Lake Garda and the Brenta Dolomites, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve combines 2,000-meter peaks with dense forests, meadows, and the crystal-clear waters of Lago di Ledro.
The race begins in Pieve di Ledro, with a relatively gentle opening kilometre at around 663 metres above sea level. This initial flat section hosts the sprint segment (1.1 km), where the five fastest athletes in both the men’s and women’s races earn bonus points(10, 8, 6, 4, and 2) toward the overall standings.
From there, the course climbs sharply up Monte Cocca towards Bocca Saval, where runners gain over 1,000 metres of elevation. The route then unfolds into a spectacular sequence of ascents and descents along the Senter de le Greste ridge, linking three secondary summits: Cima Parì, Cima Sclapa, and Cima d’Oro, the latter named for the golden light it catches at sunset. The uphill segment is set on the climb between Bocca Saval and Cima Parì.
This flowing ridgeline is one of the most striking sections of the course, forming the only natural connection between the peaks that define the surrounding landscape. In places, the trail narrows to little more than foot width, with steep drop-offs on either side and uninterrupted views over the Valle di Ledro and the surrounding mountains. Exposed and spectacular, the ridge features rock-carved steps and wide green meadows, creating the sensation of running between sky and mountains, making it a true gem for trail running enthusiasts.
After the ridge, runners descend through the Dromaè meadows, passing historic World War I trenches and tackling a 1.5 km downhill segment towards Mezzolago, before a final stretch along the Sentiero dei Piloni leads them back to the start.
MADALINA FLOREA RETURNS AS REIGNING CHAMPION
Madalina Florea secured the 2025 GTWS overall title at the Ledro Sky Trentino Grand Finale, capping a season defined by remarkable consistency and highlighted by two victories, both on Italian soil, at Il Golfo dell’Isola and in the Grand Finale prologue.
The Scott athlete now returns to the very place where she sealed her triumph, beginning a new campaign as the reigning champion. “It was one of those moments when all the hard work from the entire season finally paid off,” she recalls. “It was a very emotional weekend. Winning the prologue was special, but clinching the overall GTWS title made it unforgettable. Ledro offers a beautiful atmosphere, technical trails, and passionate spectators, everything came together to create amazing memories.”
Florea spent much of the winter training at altitude in Kenya, followed by races and training camps across Europe. “That period helped me a lot, both physically and mentally. I feel ready to compete again at a high level,” she explains.
After claiming the title last year, her motivation remains as strong as ever. “I want to stay consistent, enjoy racing, and fight for the best possible results. The level in GTWS keeps getting higher every year, so I know it will be challenging, but that’s what excites me. My main goal is to keep improving and remain competitive in every race,” she concludes.
ELITE FIELD, HIGH STAKES
Both defending champions will line up once again in Ledro. In the men’s race, Elhousine Elazzaoui arrives in search of his second victory of the season following his win at Zegama. The NNormal athlete knows this course well, having dominated both the prologue and the main race during last year’s Grand Finale.
Standing in his way is a formidable Kenyan contingent, led by the Run2gether On Trail trio of Philemon Kiriago, Patrick Kipngeno, and Michael Selelo Saoli. They are joined by compatriots Paul Machoka (Atletica Saluzzo), Samwel Kiprotich, and Nashon Kiplimo (Salomon). Spain’s Alain Santamaría (X-Bionic Integrity) and rising talent Jan Torrella (Salomon), along with the ever-dangerous downhill specialist Damian Bogdan (Kailas Fuga), further strengthen a stacked field of contenders.
In the women’s race, Florea will go head-to-head with 2024 GTWS overall winner Joyce Njeru (NNormal), alongside a deep and competitive field. Emerging talents such as Caroline Kimutai (Salomon) and Ruth Mwihaki Gitonga (Run2gether On Trail), silver medallist at the 2025 Classic Up and Down World Championships, add further firepower. They are joined by Marie Nivet (Nike ACG) and Estel Roig (Scott), while experienced athletes including Fabiola Conti (Kailas Fuga), Lucija Krkoc, Alice Gaggi(Brooks), and Naiara Irigoyen (X-Bionic Integrity) bring additional depth and quality.
This depth of talent is also set to intensify the battle for the Team Ranking, currently led by Asics.
GARDA TRENTINO: NATURE, CULTURE, ADVENTURE
This corner of Garda Trentino brings together nature, sport, culture, and tradition, with pristine landscapes, charming villages, and a rich culinary heritage shaped by Alpine and Central European influences. The area is also home to significant UNESCO sites, including the Ledro Pile Dwelling Museum and the Alpi Ledrensi & Judicaria Biosphere Reserve, both reflecting a deep connection between nature and culture.
At its heart lies Lago di Ledro, one of Trentino’s cleanest and most swimmable lakes, making the region a true heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. In this exceptional setting, Garda Trentino stands out as a world-class destination for mountain running, offering 14 routes that range from moderate to highly technical.
THE GTWS EXPERIENCE, NOW AT HOME
In 2026, Kinomap, the leading interactive training platform for cycling, running and rowing, joins the GTWS to bring the trail running experience into the homes of both athletes and fans. Iconic sections of the Ledro Sky Trentino course will be captured in high-quality, geo-synchronised video and made available on the platform, allowing fans and runners around the world to train virtually on the GTWS circuit
WHERE TO WATCH LEDRO SKY TRENTINO
Ledro Sky Trentino will be broadcast live across WBD platforms (HBO Max, Eurosport and TNT Sports) as well as through a selection of international broadcasters:
- Asia
- China: Run Yeah, iQIYI
- North America
- Canada: FloSports
- USA: HBO Max and FloSports
- Europe
- Across Europe: HBO Max and Eurosport
- United Kingdom: HBO Max, TNT Sports
- Oceania
- Australia: FloSports
- New Zealand: FloSports
In addition, extended highlights will be available on official channels and on the GTWS YouTube channel in the week following the race.
