Athletics - Hatschbourg Trail. A triumphant debut for Oesterlé

As in previous years, the Hatschbourg trail course offered 16.5 kilometers through the local vineyards and surrounding forest for the more than 260 runners who started on Friday evening.

From the outset, Cédric Oesterlé, the main favorite for the event, took control of the race, accompanied by Johan Tschaenn (CCA Rouffach). After a little over a kilometer and a half, attacking the first climb in the vineyard, Oesterlé took the lead. He then widened the gap throughout the course, passing with a good minute's lead at the Schauenberg and reaching the finish after 1h03'38 of racing, 6'48 ahead of Simon Huchet, his runner-up. Tschaenn took ^3rd place (7'53).

“This is the first time I’ve participated in this trail. I came to support the organizers because it’s a charity race,” explained Oesterlé after his great victory. “The first climb, through the vineyards, was particularly tough; it was horrible. As it was hot, my heart rate was rising, and I was practically always on full blast. After the Schauenberg, I had a few cramps and stopped to stretch. After that, things got better, and I finished at my own pace, but without letting up.”

Elodie Gérard (1h25'37) also rode alone in the women's race. Indeed, the announced duel with Alizée Minker did not take place, as the Bas-Rhin competitor did not start. Katharina Buet took ^2nd place in 1h26'11, ahead of Françoise Scholy (USP - 1h26'58).

One hundred and fifteen athletes crossed the finish line of the seven-kilometer “Mini Hatsch.” Ioan Held clocked a fine time, completing the course in 24:46. Raphaël Martin (26:09) took second place on the podium, ahead of Julien Scheubel (ACE - 26:19).

In the women's race, Sophie Sadler won in 28'31, taking ^11th place overall. She finished ahead of cadet Maxine Puech (30'46) and Chiara Minotti (ACL Triathlon - 31'06).