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Spaniard Teen Wins Mt Kinabalu International ClimbathonGeneral
August 26, 2007 12:52 PM
Spaniard Teen Wins Mt Kinabalu International Climbathon 2007
KUNDASANG (Sabah), Aug 26 (Bernama) -- Nineteen-year-old Kilian Jornet Burgada of Spain won the TM 21st Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon 2007 here.
Burgada clocked 2:39.10s to finish the race, just three minutes shy from breaking the world record set by Italy's Marco De Gasperi, who clocked 2:36.39s, in 2003.
Countryman Agusti Roc Amador, who reached the summit first to earn the gold pendant, came in second with 2:47.32s, while Italian Dapit Fulvio was third with a time of 2:49.36s, just 20 seconds ahead of Malaysia's Safrey Sumping who was fourth.
Burgada, who hails from Pidenes, Spain, told reporters after crossing the finish line that this was his second win after winning his first in Andora, Italy, last month.
"I am a newcomer, so I did not expect to win as there were experienced runners like Agusti Roc.
"Maybe because of my young age, I was able to win," said Burgada who trained for six years before making his debut in Andora.
On the race, Burgada, who is studying in France, to become a sports trainer, said he found it difficult to go up the 4,095.2m summit, the highest in Southeast Asia, as the track was slippery, causing his speed to slow down.
He, however, said fine weather made it easier for him to see the track.
"This is my first attempt in Malaysia and I would like to come back again next year," said Burgada who will take part in the Japan World Cup in Nagano next month.
Meanwhile, Amador said he was satisfied with his second placing despite reaching the summit first.
"I didn't have much difficulty going up, but I was a bit careful when going down due to an injury in my ankle during training last winter," he said.
Amador said he was participating in the Mount Kinabalu climbathon for the fourth time this year after having emerged victorious in 2002.
Burgada bagged US$4,500, Amador US$4,000 and Fulvio US$3,500, respectively.
Sabah Tourism, Cultural and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun gave away the prizes.
-- BERNAMA
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