Pushing limits with Roberto Delorenzi

Roberto Delorenzi established himself as one of the most exciting trail runners in the world. In the past 10 years, he reached the highest level on any distance up to the marathon, proving to be a versatile runner with dozens of wins across the Alps and beyond. 

Last year he won the Sky Running World Series and he is ready to put his hands on the big prizes: GTWS and OCC. We caught up with him before the start of the season to learn more about his training and objectives for 2025.

Image: European Off-Road Championships

You won many races in 2024 but what was the most important for you?

For sure the most important was the European Off-Road Championships. I've been racing for 14 years, because it's a very high level race and it's a dream I've had for a long time. It was highly competitive with many athletes that I consider stronger than me, so winning that race was an incredible result. Of course, also representing my country was important.

You won the Sky Running World Series last year. How would you rate the state of Sky Running at the moment?

Trail is more followed for the moment, same for the UTMB circuit. Longer distances suit spectators because they are seen as an adventure. It is a big effort to run 100k. The Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) has been around for many years - same as Sky Running actually - and has a big following. They have done a great job to build that. In terms of competition, GTWS is stronger than Sky Running and UTMB Series.

Why this situation? I think they have a bit better health, they have more budget, they manage to support athletes better, because of the return on investment and so on. So for the moment their level is higher. One point against Sky Running is the high number of stages that dilutes competition. With 25 races every year most athletes do 4, it is difficult to find them all in one race. It only happens in the final. GTWS has fewer stages, and you have the majority of the strongest runners there. So Sky Running at the moment is at a lower level in terms of organization and athletes participation.

Will you continue to participate in the Sky Running Series in 2025?

Last year, my goal was to win the World Series. In 2023, I followed it sporadically and I won the final. So, I thought that I might have a chance if I focus more on it. And so it happened. My calendar for this year is 95% defined and I will follow the Sky Running Series less. The idea is to focus on GTWS, but I won’t race the stages in Asia this year. Then UTMB final with a rough idea of participating in OCC. In order to do that I might run Eiger. Then, I will participate in the Short Trail World Championships in Spain in September.

Roberto at Sierre Zinal. Image: Golden Trail World Series

You have been one of the main runners in the GTWS in the past few years. How would you rate the race format introduced for the finals recently?

 I prefer something more mountainous. Running in laps doesn’t bother me and last year was planned well. I understand that if we want to grow the sport, this might be a way. We are going in a direction with more direct live Eurosport and so on.

You came 5th for the past two years at Sierre Zinal, do you think you can make the podium?

 In my opinion, what I miss is talent. What I mean by talent is that simply I am not like Remi, Kilian or Patrick and Philemon. I raced it three times: 2:38, 2:35, 2:32. Last year I was in great shape, everything was perfect. I didn’t know what more I could have done.

Image: Sky Running

Do you feel you reached your peak in terms of performance at Sierre Zinal?

In my opinion yes, but I will continue to try. I think I can run it faster: 2:30 or 2:29. Then I need some luck too. It needs to be a good day. With more athletes coming to race in Europe, both from America and Africa, the level of competition is rising every year.

Since we mentioned your training form, did you change anything in your training this year?

 I am not changing anything compared to last year. For the past 3 years, I did a strong preparation on the flat during the winter months and I benefited a lot from this. During the mountain season, I found myself improving a lot through altitude training. I usually do one month of training at altitude and that carries me to the most important events. 

What are the factors that need to be in the right place to reach your best form?

I follow my own training plan and, as long as I don’t get sick, I know that my shape will be right. I am a positive person and I can move forward through difficulties. 

Last year you trained at altitude for one month with Francesco Puppi and Henry Aymonod. What did you “steal” from each of them that you later applied to your training method?

Francesco was my idol. He’s 5 years older than me and I looked up to him because he was already at the top when I was an U23. Seeing him doing high volume training pushed me to reach those volumes. If he was doing that it meant it was the right thing.

Henry is different. I like how he is easy going. He trains less than me and he’s still able to perform at his best. So, I would steal his talent for this.

One last thing, not related to trails but to the road. You ran 1h04 last year at the Barcelona Half Marathon. Will you try again this year?

Yes, I will try again. Brooks is the sponsor of the event and we will have our season kick off meeting there. I hope I can run faster than last year but it will be hard since last year it was a perfect race. We will see!