SUMMIT TALKS
Thirdly, they were excited to support me across all mountain activities, not just running. I can’t say enough good things about La Sportiva as a company and how they’ve treated me as an athlete. I‘m extremely happy that I had the opportunity to partner with them. K: How is your relationship with Buff nowadays? You’ve been with them for a long time. A: I’ve been with Buff since 2012, and they have been outstanding supporters of mine these past years. Even with all of the injuries they are interested in continuing to partner with me as I move into more personal adventures involving climbing, skiing, and cycling in the mountains. Being with them for so long has allowed me to develop personal relationships within the company that are important to me and that I am grateful for. K: Any other partners? A: I am also extremely grateful for my support from Petzl, Ultimate Direction, Stance socks, and Zeal Optics. For instance, I was at UTMB this past summer as an ambassador for Petzl, and I was grateful to be a part of that event despite not being able to race it. K: In Europe, we have this image of the typical runner from La Sportiva as someone very explosive, technical and powerful with special skills for “Sky” or VK races, like Urban Zemmer, Kuhar Nejc or Marco Moletto. How do you fit into this kind of philosophy? A: That isn’t my skillset at all. I am better at 80 km and longer races and I also have much more ambition for big adventures in the mountains, especially combining climbing and running. La Sportiva understands this. K: You have run many races in Eu-
MOUNTAIN CULTURE MAGAZINE
THE RIDGE
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