Nico Molina and Amanda Nilsson delivered commanding performances at a challenging edition of the Ueda Skyrace, conquering brutal climbs, technical ridgelines, and treacherous descents in wet and slippery conditions in Japan.
The 27km course, featuring a punishing 3,000 meters of vertical climb, tested athletes with relentless gradients from start to finish. Rain overnight left the terrain slick and unpredictable, adding an extra layer of difficulty to an already demanding race.
FROM THE GUN, THE PACE WAS AGGRESSIVE
Marcos Villamuera (ESP, Team Scarpa) and Nico Molina (ESP, Team Scott) surged to the front through the early forest sections, with Edgar Dumas (FRA, Team Lurbel) and Morgan Elliot (USA, Team Merrell) pushing hard to stay in contention. As the race progressed, Molina made his decisive move on a steep climb, breaking clear of the field and extending his lead across the technical ridge. Behind him, descents turned chaotic as athletes slipped and slid on the muddy trails.
Molina crossed the finish line in 03:44:38 to take a decisive victory. Villamuera secured second place ten minutes later, while Shoma Otagiri completed the men’s podium in 03:57:39.
“It was raining all night and the route was very slippery, but I really enjoyed this kind of steep terrain,” said Molina. “I’m really happy with my second victory of these two races in Asia.”
NILSSON DELIVERS A FLAWLESS PERFORMANCE
In the women’s race, Amanda Nilsson (SWE, Team Hoka) delivered a flawless front-running performance, leading from the start and never relinquishing control. Japanese athletes Takako Takamura (Team Nike ACG) and Kanako Edamonto battled behind for podium positions, but Nilsson remained composed and untouchable throughout.
She crossed the finish line in 04:40:26, securing a dominant wire-to-wire victory. Moeka Saegusa claimed second place six minutes behind, while Takamura fought through illness to take third in 04:51:52.
“It was a tough course and very muddy,” said Nilsson. “I tried to just do my own race and I decided not to take any risks, so on the technical sections I took extra care and didn’t fall once.”
The Ueda Skyrace once again showcased world-class competition under extreme conditions.
The series now moves on to Gorges du Tarn Skyrace in France on May 23, where athletes will continue their battle on the international skyrunning stage.
Full Ueda results HERE.
